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Norman Powell, Paul George lead Clippers to win over depleted Suns

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With a pair of second-quarter free throws Wednesday, Paul George grew to become solely the 16th lively NBA participant with not less than 15,000 profession factors.

However the true milestone — the one which alters the Clippers’ postseason potential, not less than — was reached 10 minutes earlier when George checked in to start the second quarter.

In a season that has been one, lengthy ready sport for the Clippers’ trio of injured stars to return, Wednesday marked the second two of the three have been collectively for the primary time, and if Norman Powell’s efficiency in his first sport since Feb. 10 turned heads, his first minutes with George as teammates turned a 113-109 Clippers victory at Crypto.com Area with in any other case little bearing on how a possible first-round collection may look into one teeming with potentialities.

As Phoenix, taking part in on a second consecutive evening, rested Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, the gamers most accountable for its NBA-best and franchise-record 63 victories, Powell made his first six baskets in his first motion since fracturing a bone in his toe on Feb. 10, simply three video games after being acquired by the Clippers in a commerce with Portland to turn out to be one of many workforce’s future cornerstones alongside George and Kawhi Leonard.

Like George in his startingly environment friendly return from a 43-game absence one week earlier, Powell confirmed little rust in his personal return, scoring 24 factors on 10 photographs, aided by nine-of-10 taking pictures on the free-throw line. He performed 23 minutes, his workload capped. He scored 17 first-half factors on a mixture of catch-and-shoot three-pointers and curls to the rim after taking handoffs from heart Isaiah Hartenstein that he completed with the type of bounce that attracted the Clippers to his potential taking part in off of George and Leonard as an harmful, and doubtless overqualified, third scoring possibility.

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The movie the Clippers in all probability will analyze most is of these minutes he shared with George — who scored 19 factors with 9 rebounds earlier than resting within the fourth quarter — after the 2 hadn’t performed collectively throughout two earlier follow days, as coach Tyronn Lue mentioned.

“Excited to get him again,” Lue mentioned earlier than tipoff. “Now we simply acquired to determine our rotations and who performs properly with who and we would see some totally different mixtures within the first half than we did within the second half.”

Two lineups that includes George and Powell outscored the Suns by 20 factors in solely six second-quarter minutes, bursting the lead open to 29 at halftime and as many as 39 within the second half earlier than a woeful second half of execution introduced the short-handed Suns to inside a shaky 4 factors with beneath 10 seconds to play.

On their first possession collectively, George introduced the ball upcourt to begin the offense. On the following journey, that obligation went to Powell. Essentially the most telling play of their potential got here three minutes into their first shift, after George’s knifing drive into the paint by way of two defenders drew a assist defender on the rim, leaving Powell open within the nook for a wide-open three-pointer he sank for his fourth basket.

Phoenix Suns guard Landry Shamet tries to shoot as Clippers heart Isaiah Hartenstein defends throughout the first half on Wednesday at Crypto.com Area.

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(Mark J. Terrill / Related Press)

Nonetheless left as much as the creativeness is how these two would look with Leonard, who spent a second-quarter timeout laughing with assistant Dahntay Jones because the Clippers’ lead ballooned. Leonard was seen taking pictures earlier than follow Tuesday, bolstering hypothesis a postseason return is feasible 9 months after knee surgical procedure even because the workforce has not provided an replace on his standing.

In 11 days, a special model of those groups may start their second playoff collection in as a few years — a matchup the Clippers would enter with respect for the house owners of the NBA’s greatest report however with out worry, after their short-handed roster took the Suns to 6 video games in June’s convention ultimate and held powerful in a February matchup regardless of lacking George and Powell, amongst others. Second-seeded Memphis, conversely, has been one of many Clippers’ most tough matchups all season.

Hurdles stay earlier than any playoff collection is about. The Clippers may face any certainly one of three potential opponents of their first play-in sport — Denver, Utah or Minnesota — that may decide which workforce finishes in seventh. Phoenix is getting ready for the 4 play-in event groups that might emerge as a first-round opponent.

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“It’s not as horrible as you assume,” Suns coach Monty Williams mentioned. “We now have coaches assigned to sure groups. … We’re finding out it on a regular basis. I’m not one to complain about that.

“I feel if you get so far and also you’re in that place, try to be grateful since you’re on an excellent workforce. It’s not that a lot work. Our guys may have everybody ready and as you recognize after sport one, possibly sport two, all people is aware of what you’re doing anyway.”

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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