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Why The Maple Leafs Promoted Patrick O’Sullivan To Director of NHL Development

Why The Maple Leafs Promoted Patrick O’Sullivan To Director of NHL Development

Patrick O’Sullivan has been named Director of NHL Development by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the club announced Sunday.

The promotion elevates O’Sullivan from his previous position as a development coach, a role he has held with the organization since the 2023-24 season. Over those three years he has worked within a specialized player-development group that includes Nik Antropov, Kyle Clifford, Denver Manderson and Jake Muzzin, focusing on technical skill refinement, video analysis and individualized biomechanics across the roster.

A Toronto native, O’Sullivan arrived with a strong playing foundation. Selected 56th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2003, he set franchise records with the Mississauga IceDogs, won OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 2002, scored the game-winning goal for Team USA at the 2004 World Juniors and captured AHL Rookie of the Year after a 47-goal, 93-point season with the Houston Aeros. He played 334 NHL games with the Kings, Oilers, Hurricanes, Wild and Coyotes before transitioning into broadcasting and later player development.

His most visible impact has come through sustained work with veteran centre John Tavares. The relationship stretches back more than two decades. As a teenager, Tavares cited O’Sullivan’s puck-handling, vision and shot mechanics as an early influence while watching him with the IceDogs. The two later connected through youth lacrosse and off-season training sessions. In Toronto, that foundation evolved into regular post-practice technical work. While now former Maple Leafs skating consultant Paul Matheson addresses linear power and edge control, O’Sullivan has focused on game-state micro-skills: lower-body leverage and blade-angle control for puck protection below the goal line, net-front redirection and tight-angle releases, and board retrievals under physical pressure.

Those sessions helped Tavares maintain high-end production into his mid-thirties, including a 74-point, 38-goal campaign in 2024-25 that supported a four-year, $18-million extension carrying a manageable $4.38-million average annual value. The continuity has given the Leafs both offensive reliability and cap flexibility.

O’Sullivan’s influence has extended across the roster. Max Domi has called him “probably the best development coach in the league,” crediting the combination of on-ice micro-reps and video breakdowns that improved his transitional playmaking and neutral-zone decision-making. Auston Matthews has used optional gameday skill sessions with O’Sullivan to maintain shooting mechanics and manage load during congested stretches. 

His approach is shaped by personal experience. In his 2015 memoir Breaking Away, O’Sullivan detailed the physical and psychological abuse he endured from his father, experiences that left lasting effects and a mistrust of rigid, hierarchical environments. That background has informed a coaching style built on clear communication, technical empathy and individualized support rather than punitive feedback.

The promotion arrives amid broader organizational change under general manager John Chayka. Elevating O’Sullivan recognizes three seasons of consistent, high-value work that has helped extend the productive windows of core veterans while supporting the technical growth of the rest of the roster. As Director of NHL Development, he will now take on expanded responsibility for how those programs scale across the NHL-level group.

For a franchise focused on both performance and sustainability, the move formalizes the contributions O’Sullivan has already made.

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GameThread: Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants, 4:05 p.m.

Aug 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Zach McKinstry (39) heads to the dugout after scoring a run during the seventh inning on an RBI single by Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle, not shown, against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Detroit Tigers (57-60) vs. San Francisco Giants (49-68)

Time/Place: 4:05 p.m., Oracle Park
SB Nation Site:McCovey Chronicles
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Troy Melton (7-1, 1.58 ERA) vs. RHP Logan Webb (7-7, 3.74 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Melton1274.022.58.142.93.781.2
Webb20125.019.86.151.13.302.5

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Andrew Alvarez has secured his spot in the Nationals’ rotation

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 27: Andrew Alvarez #54 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park on July 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The rollercoaster that has been the 2026 Washington Nationals is one that has been defined by the pitching staff. Consistency has been incredibly hard to come by, and the highest highs have been paralleled by lows that often sit among the league’s worst.

Finding any sort of reliable pitching has been a year-long struggle, and one that has only been made more difficult by the recent trade of left-hander Foster Griffin, who was far and away the anchor of the rotation. Cade Cavalli has maintained an upward trajectory, pitching to a 3.57 ERA across a career-high 128.2 innings, but the revolving door of arms after that has seen concerningly low stability.

The search for reliable starters has led to the coaching staff and front office exhausting every possible avenue within the system, and that venture may have struck gold in southpaw Andrew Alvarez. The 27-year-old came into 2026 with just 23.1 career innings (all in 2o25) and began the season with AAA Rochester. His promotion to the big-league club came in mid-April, where he was utilized as a bulk reliever through the end of May.

Alvarez earned regular time as a starter to kick off June, and he’s gone out there every 5th day and shown that he deserves to stay there long-term. Despite his successes, questions have remained about his ability to work deeper into games and not just be a 4/5-and-dive type of arm. After working into the 6th inning just one time before the calendar flipped to August, he’s kicked things to a new level, right when the Nats need him the most.

With a playoff run still possible but time slowly ticking down, Alvarez has dazzled through 2 starts this month, throwing 6.1 innings of 2-run ball against the Philadelphia Phillies and 5.1 innings of 1-run ball against the Cincinnati Reds. His ERA has dropped down to a 3.76 mark across a modest 69.1 innings, and he’s right there behind Cavalli in terms of confidence from the fanbase and coaching staff.

The former 12th round draft pick in 2021 has been an absolute revelation for a Washington team that is pushing for a postseason berth, something that most fans and analysts thought impossible just a few months ago. He’s attacking hitters instead of exclusively attempting to paint corners, he’s flashing some of the most efficient arsenals that the Nats have seen this year, and he hasn’t allowed a home run in his last 51.2 innings, a remarkable feat and one that currently ranks 8th all-time in Nationals’ history.

His changeup and slider have fabulously complemented his low-90s fastball and have looked deadly when he can locate the heater in the zone. He’s getting it done without relying on top-of-the-line velocity, a fantastic sign for his overall development and ability to carry this success moving forward.

Sitting 4.5 games back of the 3rd Wild Card spot as of the morning of August 9th, it’s going to take some big-time performances for the Nats to make an appearance in October. They’re going to have to place even more weight on Alvarez’s shoulder in the coming month and a half, and the southpaw has proven that he’s up for the challenge.

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Steve Kerr, Steph Curry, Warriors greats react to Don Nelson’s death

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Basketball coach yelling and pointing, Image 2 shows Steve Kerr, head coach for the Golden State Warriors, stands on the court, Image 3 shows Stephen Curry at the ESPYS Awards
NBA players and coaches react to the death of Don Nelson.

The NBA is in mourning after Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson died Sunday.

The impact of Nelson’s death has already been felt by players and coaches around the league, including Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and Tim Hardaway.

NBA players, including Steph Curry, and coaches, including Steve Kerr, reacted to Don Nelson’s death Sunday. New York Post

“Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today. He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others did not,” Kerr said, from NBA insider Marc Stein’s report. “So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game. His impact on the Warriors is just as significant.”

Steve Kerr (above) said Nelson shaped some of the most memorable teams and moments in Warriors history. San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Kerr said Nelson shaped some of the most memorable teams and moments in Warriors basketball history when he coached the team from 1988-1995 and during a second stint from 2006-2010.

During Nelson’s time coaching the Warriors, he led them to the playoffs six times and became the NBA’s all-time winningest coach in 2010. He eventually moved to second on that list in 2022, when Gregg Popovich surpassed his victory total. Nelson won 1,335 regular-season games, and Popovich tallied 1,390.

Steph Curry (above) said Nelson played a big role in brining Curry to Golden State. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Curry, who had a long-lasting relationship with Nelson, said Nelson was one of the biggest reasons he was drafted by the Warriors.

“The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together [2009-2010], and I’ll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota,” Curry said. “We were so happy for him. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game.”

Curry said Nelson is a true icon of basketball and said he will be dearly missed, sending his love and condolences to his family.

Hardaway played under Nelson twice in his career, when he was a member of the Warriors from 1989-1996 and with the Dallas Mavericks from 2001-2002.

Hardaway said Nelson meant so much to him “as a coach and as a person.”

“Nellie believed in me from the beginning and gave me the confidence and freedom to play my game. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and the special years we shared with Run TMC,” Hardaway said of his on-court pairing with Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. “Nellie was ahead of his time, and there was nobody else like him. He had an incredible impact on my career and on the game of basketball. I’m going to miss him, and my thoughts and prayers are with Joy, Donnies, and the entire Nelson family.”

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Boston Celtics Daily Links 8/9/26

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 20: the sneakers of KJ Simpson #25 of the Charlotte Hornets against the Sacramento Kings during the 2025 NBA Summer League Championship game on July 20, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Globe Don Nelson, Celtics great who won five titles before revolutionizing coaching, dies at 86

Honoring Celtics legend Bob Cousy — ‘I’m in double overtime’ — on the occasion of his 98th birthday

Celtics .com Five Facts: Chris Cenac Jr.

NESN Former Celtics 5-time NBA champion dies at 86

Mass LiveDon Nelson, former Celtics champion and NBA’s second-winningest coach, dead at 86

Celtics WireCeltics legend Don Nelson passes away at 86

To Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, even MMA matches can inform NBA strategy

Today in Boston Celtics history: Cousy, Anthony, Arroyo, Udoka born; Davis re-signs

Payton Pritchard may benefit the most from the Jaylen Brown trade

Reacting to Jaylen Brown’s first presser with the 76ers

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum golfs with Obama, Steph Curry, Don Cheadle

Celtics face talented East heading into 2026-27 NBA regular season

How will Paul George fit on the Celtics (or Jaylen Brown on the 76ers)?

The AthleticDon Nelson, 5-time NBA champion and pioneer of ‘Nellie Ball,’ dies at 86

Boston Sports JournalNBA Notebook: Celtics rumors crash course, Kawhi Leonard drama, and more 76ers stuff

Hardwood Houdini Celtics reporter sparks outrage after false claims about Jayson Tatum

Warriors playing dangerous game with Stephen Curry that Celtics must monitor closely

Boston’s secret weapon isn’t stars; it’s role players dominating hyper-specific jobs

The unfair pressure stacking up on Jayson Tatum ahead of the new season

Derrick White’s 3-ball returning to form would revolutionize Mazzulla Ball

Celtics’ Luka Garza among first to take advantage of the NBPA’s newest resource

HeavyNBA Legend Slams Boston Celtics for Handing of Jaylen Brown Trade

Lakers Proposed to Trade Bronny James to Celtics in 4-Team Deal for 3-PT Sniper

Essentially SportsJaylen Brown Makes Special Announcement for Boston Fans After Comments on Celtics in 76ers Introductory Presser

Celtics RoundtableOne Player For Boston Celtics Who Needs to Step Up in 2026-27

Basketball NetworkJaylen Brown believes athletes are unfairly portrayed as unintelligent: “We’re trying to change it”

ForbesMen In The WNBA? Former NBA Stars Declare For 2027 WNBA Draft, Cite “Self Declaration”

Fansided Nick Nurse and the 5 NBA head coaches under the most pressure for 2026-27

Hoops Rumors Celtics Notes: Harper, George, Gansey, Brown

PFSN ‘Changed the Franchise Short-Term’ – NBA Analyst Details the Moment That Led to Jaylen Brown’s Blockbuster 76ers Move

Fadeaway World9 Active NBA Stars Who Stayed Loyal To One Franchise Through Everything

SI .com Jaylen Brown Makes a Strong First Impression in Philadelphia

Fan Recap Derrick White Faces One Big Celtics Question Entering This Season

Joe Mazzulla Still Faces One Celtics Question That Wont Go Away

The Chosun DailyLee Hyun-jung Invited to Celtics, Pelicans Mini-Camps

BasketNews WNBPA fires back at former Top 3 NBA pick after stunning WNBA Draft declaration

The Sporting NewsBoston Celtics star named one of most overpaid players at his position

ESPNDon Nelson, second-winningest coach in NBA history, dies at 86

Bleacher ReportDon Nelson Dies at 86, Hall of Famer Won 5 NBA Titles as Celtics Player, 3 Coach of the Year Awards

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Dodgers at Diamondbacks game chat

Aug 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Dreyer (86) reacts after shutting out the Arizona Diamondbacks in the tenth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Dodgers stared death in the face but lived to tell about it on Saturday night. Now they try to get out of Phoenix with a series win.

Sunday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers at Diamondbacks
  • Ballpark: Chase Field, Phoenix
  • Start time: 1:10 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

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Game Thread: Sea-ya Seattle

SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 09: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Saturday, August 9, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rod Mar/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Go Rays!

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Mariners Game #119 Preview and Discussion, 8/9/26: SEA vs. TBR

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 08: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park on August 08, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

So the Mariners’ 50th anniversary celebratory weekend hasn’t gone as planned on the field. Are any of that that surprised? Thankfully, both the alumni home run derby on Friday and the pregame ceremony last night reminded us that yes, there can still be joy in baseball. The M’s will look to salvage the series against the Rays this afternoon in their last home game for a bit before starting the long-dreaded mid-August road trip of facing the Yankees, Astros, and Brewers.

Lineups:

The Rays have not yet put out a fancy lineup graphic, so an MLB dot com screenshot for them it is. Lefty Ian Seymour will get the start for them today, which means we’re treated to Weston Wilson manning the hot corner and hitting eighth as Brendan Donovan continues to work back to full strength after coming off the IL last week. Despite it being a day game after a night game, Cal Raleigh is once again behind the plate to catch Emerson Hancock while hitting seventh. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged, and hey, maybe ten total bases last night was just what Josh Naylor needed to catch a spark down the stretch.

Game Info:

First Pitch: 1:10pm PDT

TV: Mariners TV

Radio: Old Reliable

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D-backs vs. Dodgers Discussion

TEMPE, AZ. - MAY 16, 2022. Boaters navigate Tempe Town Lake, an artificial lake that contains Colorado River water conveyed through the Central Arizona Project Aqueduct. The lake is a popular place for waterside recreational activities. It holds about 977 million gallons of water and loses about 1.7 million gallons a day to evaporation in the hot and dry climate. Growth in the greater Phoenix area is fast outpacing the supply of water. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Today’s Lineups

DODGERSDIAMONDBACKS
Shohei Ohtani – DHGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Andy Pages – CFCorbin Carroll – RF
Freddie Freeman – 1BGabriel Moreno – C
Tommy Edman – 2BKetel Marte – DH
Mookie Betts – SSNolan Arenado – 3B
Kyle Tucker – RFIldemaro Vargas – 2B
Teoscar Hernandez – LFTim Tawa – CF
Enrique Hernandez – 3BTyler Locklear – 1B
Ben Rortvedt – CRyan Waldschmidt – LF
Justin Wrobleski – LHPE. Rodriguez – LHP

We came into this weekend with the season series tied 5-5. The first two contests have been split, each being won by the narrowest of margins, and could have gone either way. And, so, we reach Sunday for the rubber game, both in this set and of the entire 2026 campaign. The good news is, if we see the Dodgers again this year, it’s going to be in the playoffs. I’m fine with that. Eduardo Rodriguez had a rough outing last time out, against the Padres, allowing 11 hits over five innings. However, he was victimized by a .440 BABIP, and it’s hard to blame him for that kind of thing. His FIP actually dropped in that start. Here’s to better this afternoon.

I’m kinda amused that, after last night, the number of “Why is Torey bunting?” complaints this year is probably about the same as the number of “Why isn’t Torey bunting?” complaints this year. Yes, bunting a runner from second to third is normally a waste of an out, now we don’t have to worry about pitchers coming to the plate. But it does increase your odds of scoring something – albeit at a decline in the chances of a big inning. When you’re down by one and must score or the game is over, it makes sense to maximize those odds. Now, Tawa failed to execute on his two attempts. But if it had worked, the tying run might well have scored on McCann’s infield single.

All told, this year there have been 39 actual sacrifice bunt attempts by Arizona (as classified by BR, which is only ones resulting in a ball in play, so Tawa’s last night would not count). Those have resulted in 27 successes, eight hits and four failures (where the lead runner was out). All told, they have contributed +50% to Win Probability, so you’d be hard pushed to call it a failed tactic. I’ve a feeling we all suffer from confirmation bias in this area, with people remembering the times their preferred tactic was not followed by Torey Lovullo, and in particular the occasions when things didn’t work out.

CorbinCarrollEnthusiast on the guest recap this afternoon. I believe he is unbeaten in that role this season, so I hope the streak continues!

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8/9 Gamethread: Giants vs. Tigers

Logan Webb reaching back to throw a pitch.
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 03: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Monday, August 3, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Courtney Kramer/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

It’s rubber match time. The San Francisco Giants won on Friday, and the Detroit Tigers won on Saturday. Now we find out who wins the series!

Righty Logan Webb takes the mound for the Giants, and makes his 21st start. The three-time All-Star is 7-7 on the year, with a 3.74 ERA, a 3.30 FIP, and 101 strikeouts to 31 walks in 125 innings. He’s coming off an excellent start in which he struck out eight Texas Rangers batters over six shutout innings.

For the Tigers, it’s right-hander Troy Melton, a 25-year old in his second season. Melton has been excellent in 12 starts, posting a 7-1 record with a 1.58 ERA, a 3.78 FIP, and 64 strikeouts to 23 walks in 74 innings. He’s pitched seven scoreless innings in each of his last two starts.

Enjoy the game, everyone!

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Game #118

Who: San Francisco Giants (49-68) vs. Detroit Tigers (57-60)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 1:05 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

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Why Braves ace Chris Sale was ejected from Sunday's game

Chris Sale slept on it. It obviously did not help.

The Braves left-hander got ejected before the first pitch Sunday, Aug. 9, which takes some doing when he's not even playing in the game. Sale just could not resist when umpire Dan Merzel and the rest of the crew walked by the visitor's dugout at Yankee Stadium.

Sale started barking at Merzel as the umpires came out onto the field for Sunday's series finale. Mezel didn't waste much time, ejecting the Cy Young Award winner quickly. Before exiting the dugout, however, Sale had a few more words for crew chief Dan Bellino.

Clearly, Sale had not finished his argument from pitching on Saturday night.

In the fifth inning, Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones had just tripled home the tying run. Sale started his first pitch to Austin Wells and Merzel called him for a balk over a slight hitch in his right leg. It was the third balk of Sale's 16-year career. Jones jogged home. Sale and Walt Weiss argued it for several minutes before Weiss got run with the Yankees up 3-2. It was the first ejection of his managerial career.

Sale is what the league calls a hybrid pitcher, meaning he works from both the windup and the stretch and you can't tell which by looking at his feet. So he has to say which one is coming out loud to the umpire.

Bellino reiterated that rule after the game and pointed out that Sale had announced it before he struck out Jose Caballero. He did not before pitching to Wells.

Sale, 37, gave up three runs on five hits in six innings Saturday and took his first loss since June 28. He's 12-7 with a 2.20 ERA in 21 starts. Sunday was his fourth career ejection and his first in almost seven years. The last one came Aug.3, 2019, when Mike Estabrook ran him for arguing balls and strikes in a 9-2 Boston loss - also at Yankee Stadium.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Braves ace Chris Sale was ejected from Sunday's game

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Ortiz hits 2nd career homer, Dion leads strong bullpen outing as Nationals beat Reds 7-1

WASHINGTON (AP) — Abimelec Ortiz hit his second career home run, Will Dion led a bullpen outing that allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings and the Washington Nationals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 on Sunday to sweep the series.

Dion (1-0), who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Guardians, earned his first win of the year after retiring the first nine batters he faced. He allowed one hit in three innings. Trevor Williams tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings and maintained his 0.00 ERA since returning from elbow surgery on July 29.

Brad Lord surrendered the only run during his start, and Jake Bird worked a hitless ninth.

Jacob Young and Andrés Chaparro each drove in two runs for the Nationals, who have won four of their last five games.

The 24-year-old Ortiz opened the third inning with an opposite-field fly ball off Reds pitcher Brady Singer (5-11) that put the Nationals up 3-1. Chaparro capped the scoring with a two-run double.

Keibert Ruiz’s single in the second inning tied the game at 1, before Young gave Washington the lead for good with a sacrifice fly. Daylen Lile added a single to right field that plated CJ Abrams in the seventh.

Singer gave up three runs on eight hits in six innings.

Dane Myers hit a sacrifice fly in the second inning that gave Cincinnati a 1-0 lead, but that was it and the Reds were outscored 20-6 in the series.

Up next

Reds: LHP Nick Lodolo (3-2, 4.60 ERA) starts game one against the White Sox on Tuesday.

Nationals: Yet to announce a starter for a series opener with the Cubs on Tuesday.

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Dodgers on Deck: Monday, August 10 vs. Royals

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Tarik Skubal of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on in the dugout against the Boston Red Sox during the eigth inning at Dodger Stadium on August 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a dreadful road trip the Dodgers return home for seven games at Dodger Stadium. First up are the Kansas City Royals, beginning Monday night in Los Angeles.

Tarik Skubal makes his first Dodger Stadium start since joining the Dodgers, after allowing two runs in six innings last Tuesday in a tough-luck loss at Wrigley Field in his debut with the team.

Left-hander Noah Cameron starts for the Royals in the opener.

Monday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Royals
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Don Nelson, second-winningest NBA coach who won 5 titles as a Celtics player, dies at 86

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died Sunday. He was 86.

Nelson’s death was announced by the Golden State Warriors, one of the teams he coached.

Nelson is one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three different franchises — Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State — also serving as general manager for all three franchises. He was a three-time coach of the year and made the playoffs 18 times in 31 seasons. He went to the conference finals three times with the Bucks and once with the Mavericks, never winning a title.

Nelson introduced what is now known as the point forward, and his up-tempo style of offense created a buzz. He said the idea of shifting from the dominant big men of the 1970s to an offense focused on speed and the fast break came from his playing days under Celtics Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach.

Nelson played 11 of his 14 seasons in Boston and was on five Celtics championship teams under four different coaches. He became an assistant coach in Milwaukee after retiring as a player, then took over after coach Larry Costello resigned 18 games into the 1976-77 season. Nelson coached the Bucks for 11 seasons starting in 1976 and won seven straight division titles.

His fast-paced offenses were probably best on display with Golden State in the “Run TMC” era featuring future Hall of Famers Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. Nelson said he wanted them on the court at the same time.

Nelson spent 11 seasons over two stints with Golden State. The first one was punctuated by a rift with rookie star Chris Webber, who was traded away a month into his second season. Nelson, demoralized by the trade, missed nine games that season due to illness and resigned under pressure three months later in February 1995.

In between, Nelson was fired after less than one season in New York in 1995-96, then coached in Dallas for eight seasons, missing 21 games with the Mavericks starting in December 2000 to recuperate from prostate cancer surgery.

Nelson’s son, Donnie, joined his father as an assistant coach with the Mavericks in 1998, later became general manager and remained with the organization until 2021. Together they persuaded 20-year-old German star Dirk Nowitzki to pass up European basketball and join the Mavericks. Don Nelson also developed Steve Nash into one of the NBA’s top point guards before Nash went on to win back-to-back MVPs with the Phoenix Suns in 2005 and 2006.

At Golden State, Nelson’s “We Believe” Warriors led by Baron Davis upset Nowitzki and the top-seeded Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs in one of the biggest shockers in NBA history. In his final season as a coach, Nelson mentored rookie Stephen Curry in 2009-10.

Nelson retired as the NBA’s career coaching wins leader with 1,335, just ahead of Lenny Wilkens’ 1,332. Nelson kept that top spot for nearly 12 years before close friend and now-retired San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich passed him in March 2022.

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Braves ace Chris Sale ejected by umpire Dan Merzel before start of game against Yankees

NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was ejected by umpire Dan Merzel before a pitch was thrown in Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees, a day after being called for a balk that scored a run.

As umpires took the field and walked by the Braves’ dugout on the third base side, Sale began barking. Merzel tossed him and Sale said something to crew chief Dan Bellino as the two talked near the dugout rail.

Sale was called for his third career balk by Merzel during the fifth inning of Saturday’s 5-4 loss. Rookie Spencer Jones scored on the balk after getting an RBI triple and Sale began fiercely yelling at Merzel before manager Walt Weiss continued the argument and was ejected.

Bellino told a pool reporter afterward that Sale was called for the balk because he did not declare he was going to pitch from the windup. Bellino said Sale declared he was pitching from the windup when he struck out José Caballero but did not do so ahead of the at-bat to Austin Wells.

It was Sale’s fourth career ejection. It was his first since Aug. 3, 2019, when he pitched for Boston and was tossed by Mike Estabrook for arguing balls and strikes during the fourth inning of a 9-2 loss at Yankee Stadium.

Sale allowed three runs and five hits in six innings Saturday for his first loss since June 28. In his third season with the Braves, the veteran left-hander is 12-7 with a 2.20 ERA in 21 starts.