Latest news with #BradPenner-Imagn
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fox Sports Makes Announcement After Red Sox-Yankees Series
Fox Sports Makes Announcement After Red Sox-Yankees Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A Yankees–Dodgers World Series rematch may loom on the horizon, but nothing captivates baseball fans like the timeless rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Advertisement Fox Sports announced that Saturday's Baseball Night in America broadcast from Yankee Stadium averaged 3.05 million viewers, according to Nielsen data. That makes it the most-watched regular-season MLB telecast on any network since 2022. The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is one of baseball's oldest and most storied, as this marquee matchup often draws national interest. MLB viewership is trending upward overall in 2025, thanks in part to recent pace-of-play rule changes and the continued star power of players like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. Jun 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Oswald Peraza (18) forces out Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) at second base and throws to first to complete a double play on a ball hit by Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images© Brad Penner-Imagn Images Through early June, Fox Sports' MLB games are averaging 1.84 million viewers, a 10% increase from 2024. ESPN's MLB coverage coverage is up 22% over the same period. Advertisement Saturday's broadcast topped the previous season high of 2.73 million viewers for Yankees–Dodgers on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball the week prior. Before that, the season high was 2.54 million for the Yankees–Mets Subway Series. The Yankees have now played in four of the five most-watched MLB windows this season, which as may go without saying is more than any other team. Related: Tigers React to Latest Reese Olson News After Cubs Series Related: Orioles Urged to Fix Major Adley Rutschman Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3 reasons Pacers will stun world by beating Thunder in 2025 NBA Finals
The post 3 reasons Pacers will stun world by beating Thunder in 2025 NBA Finals appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Indiana Pacers are facing long odds once more in their quest to win the 2025 NBA Finals. The journey keeps on getting tougher and tougher for this Pacers squad, as they will be facing an Oklahoma City Thunder squad that's won 80 games thus far this season, regular season and playoffs combined. Advertisement This Thunder squad has long been touted as the heavy championship favorite for a reason; their defense is historically great, especially at forcing turnovers, and they have swallowed whole teams that rely on dribble penetration to create offense. The Pacers are one such team; powered by the pick-and-roll prowess of Tyrese Haliburton, they rely so much on maneuvering from the perimeter to the paint to generate buckets. One would think that this might spell doom for the Pacers. However, they did not make it this far by being mere pushovers. They were the underdog against the Cleveland Cavaliers and yet they handled them quite easily, winning the series 4-1 in the end. They were also seen as the inferior team in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they ended up taking care of the New York Knicks in six games. It might be unlikely for the Pacers to defeat the powerhouse that is the Thunder, but here are a few reasons as to why they cannot be counted out whatsoever in the 2025 NBA Finals. Pacers are this year's team of destiny Brad Penner-Imagn Images This might be straying too far into the abstract; if quality basketball analysis is what you're looking for, then there are plenty of other articles on this site that will discuss the Xs and Os of the Pacers-Thunder series. Regardless, the narrative is on the Pacers' side, and as the underdog, they will be receiving plenty of support from the millions that comprise the entire NBA fanbase. There's no reason to rag on the Pacers other than the fact that they're from a small-market team, as they play such fun and exciting basketball which makes it hard to root against them. Advertisement But the Pacers have that team of destiny feel to them at the moment, as if they've been blessed by the basketball gods for all of their hard work in building a contending team without routinely blowing up the roster and hoping for the best in the draft lottery. This iteration of the Pacers was built off of shrewd moves; only Jarace Walker, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner were selected by Indiana in the lottery, and the Turner pick was all the way back in 2015. Haliburton was acquired via the Domantas Sabonis trade. Pascal Siakam, in retrospect, was acquired for peanuts. Andrew Nembhard was selected in the second round and Aaron Nesmith went under the radar as a trade piece in the Malcolm Brogdon trade. The Pacers built their roster in the most ethical way possible, and they are reaping the rewards. In the clutch, it seems like they turn the user sliders to 100 (shout out to fans of the NBA 2K series) while setting the opponent's to zero. In Game 5 of the Milwaukee Bucks series, the Pacers managed to overturn a seven-point deficit in the dying embers of the game, scoring eight points in 34 seconds to seal the deal in the series. Game 2 of the Cavs matchup was even more exhilarating; they came back from another seven-point deficit in the final minute or so of the game and punctuated proceedings with a Haliburton stepback triple that gave way to an epic Sam Cassell-inspired celebration. Advertisement As if the Pacers' playoff run couldn't get any more miraculous, Game 1 of the Knicks series proved otherwise rather quickly. Down 15 with three minutes to go, Nesmith went on a three-point barrage, scoring 20 minutes in the final stretch after going 6-6 from deep and 2-2 from the foul line. But they were up against a moving target, which necessitated even more heroics from Haliburton, who drilled a stepback long two that bounced off the back iron and into the net. Even Cinderella's special night ended when the clock struck 12. The spell wore off and the prince had to search for her around town after that romantic night at the ball, hoping that the glass slipper would fit perfectly into her special woman's foot. For the Pacers, they are hoping to find Cinderella around town now that they have to face the reality that the Thunder aren't quite on the same level as all the other teams that they beat. But if there's any team that exudes the tireless searching energy that Prince Charming had, it's the Pacers, who will fight for a happily ever after in this year's NBA Finals. Indiana can keep up with OKC in a track meet Brad Penner-Imagn Images What stands out at first glance of this Pacers squad is just how well-conditioned everybody appears to be. Watching Nembhard hound Jalen Brunson for 94 feet in Game 6 and not relent an inch was a sight to behold. Meanwhile, they run after every possession, with Siakam even capitalizing on a few layups after a made basket by the opponent. Advertisement The Thunder have all the youthful verve in the world, and they can play a hounding defense similar to that of the Pacers'. Regardless, Indiana is not the team to be stretched thin by how exhausting OKC makes playing the sport of basketball. They run deep and head coach Rick Carlisle has some magic up his sleeve. Who knew that Tony Bradley, Thomas Bryant, and even Jarace Walker for a second there could play meaningful minutes for Indy in the ECF? Tyrese Haliburton is the new Point God Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Haliburton is a throwback to the old school type of floor general; he executes to perfection and is very unselfish with the basketball. The Pacers star is also one of the most cautious playmakers with the ball; his assist to turnover ratio is elite. He leads the playoffs in assist to turnover ratio (156:31, 5.03) and this is the exact kind of lead guard who can do his damage without floundering against the Thunder's elite defense. Advertisement The defense of Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace might be a problem, but the Point God is called as such for a reason, and for the Pacers to defeat the Thunder, he will have to rack up those stellar double-digit/no turnover nights he's become so famous for in recent years. Related: Indiana Pacers X-factor that will determine 2025 NBA Finals vs. Thunder Related: Why Paul Pierce trusts Tyrese Haliburton more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
8 Blockbuster Trades That Could Happen In 2025 Offseason
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have only just wrapped up their first round, but the groundwork for a seismic offseason is already being laid. Powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat all suffered humbling early exits, sparking immediate questions about whether their current cores are enough to compete. Meanwhile, rebuilding squads like the Brooklyn Nets are circling the waters, armed with cap space and draft picks, eager to make their move for a franchise superstar. This summer, the trade market could explode with names far bigger than your average role player. Advertisement Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee is murky after another disappointing playoff flameout, Kevin Durant is certainly on the move yet again as Phoenix faces a reset, and other stars like Zion Williamson and Zach LaVine are already popping up in trade whispers. After all, teams that thought they were contenders are now forced to get aggressive or risk falling behind in an Eastern and Western Conference that just keeps getting deeper and younger. We've identified eight blockbuster trades that could realistically happen and shake up the entire NBA hierarchy. Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes New York Knicks The Title-Favorite Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details New York Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, 2025 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2026 Second-Round Pick (DET/MIL/ORL) This is the kind of trade that instantly shifts the NBA's power structure. The Knicks landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and still arguably the league's most dominant two-way force (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG), would launch them straight into title-favorite territory. Advertisement After all, the Knicks are certainly on the shortlist of Giannis should he leave Milwaukee. Interestingly enough, the Knicks aren't the only ones on Giannis' mind because the Lakers could have enough to pry him away from Milwaukee without having to lose LeBron James or Luka Doncic. Pairing Giannis with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby gives New York a terrifying blend of offense, defense, and playoff toughness. And let's face it, after their strong regular season, the Knicks are one superstar away from going from "dangerous" to "overwhelming." Of course, things can change if they win the NBA title, but flaming out before the NBA Finals could see some changes for a win-now franchise. For Milwaukee, this is painful but not a disaster. Karl-Anthony Towns brings elite spacing as a center who just averaged 24.4 points and shot 42.0% from deep this season, and Mikal Bridges gives them one of the game's best two-way wings, a player who never misses games and can guard anyone. Advertisement Add in draft assets and suddenly the Bucks are retooling, not rebuilding. It's a monster swing for both sides, but one that checks out given Giannis' rumblings about his future. Kevin Durant Makes Houston Rockets A Legitimate Powerhouse Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Houston Rockets Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Cameron Whitmore, 2027 First Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First Round Pick (DAL/PHX) This could be nuclear. Kevin Durant may be 36, but he just averaged 26.6 PPG on 52.7% shooting for a flailing Suns squad, proving he's still an offensive machine. Advertisement For the Rockets, adding KD next to Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and rising star Alperen Sengun vaults them into the Western elite. We even went through how this could play out in our massive offseason plan. Houston is ready to accelerate after their 52-win campaign and tough seven-game first-round series, and this is how GM Rafael Stone makes them a powerhouse right now. No doubt, the Rockets needed a go-to scorer against the Warriors, and it suits them that Durant has a potential interest in joining Houston. Phoenix, meanwhile, would finally start over properly. Jalen Green (21.0 PPG), Jabari Smith Jr. (now an excellent two-way forward), and Cameron Whitmore (a second-year athletic freak) give them one of the league's most explosive young cores. The two future firsts sweeten the deal, helping the Suns replenish their barren draft cupboard. This trade ends the KD era in Phoenix but sets them up with exciting pieces for the future. Miami Heat Take A Gamble On Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) waits during a timeout during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. Pat Riley swinging for Joel Embiid is exactly the kind of bold, Heat Culture move you'd expect after the Miami Heat got bounced early by Cleveland. Embiid remains one of the league's most unstoppable forces when healthy, averaging 23.8 PPG and 8.2 RPG in only 19 games this season, but durability and playoff questions loom large. Advertisement Miami would be betting that their conditioning program and system can finally unlock postseason dominance from Embiid. The Sixers, in return, get a haul that keeps them competitive while building for the future. Andrew Wiggins brings playoff-tested defense, Duncan Robinson's shooting spaces the floor for Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and youngsters Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (who showed flashes) offer real upside. This is Philly's pivot if they decide the Embiid-Maxey duo isn't going to get over the hump. It's risky, but it's a plan. Ja Morant Takes His Talents To The Orlando Magic Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesCredit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Orlando Magic Receive: Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jalen Suggs, Tristan da Silva, 2026 First-Round pick, 2027 First-Round swap, 2030 First-Round pick, 2025 Second-Round pick, and 2026 Second-Round pick Ja Morant in Orlando would set the Eastern Conference on fire. The Magic are already a defensive juggernaut with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the way, and adding Ja, who averaged 23.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 4.1 RPG in Memphis' playoff run, gives them the electric shot-creator they desperately need. Advertisement With Ja's athleticism and flair, Orlando becomes not just a playoff team but a dark horse contender overnight. They need scoring after all, after ranking 28th in offense (105.4 PPG). For Memphis, this is a massive reset but a smart one after a difficult one for their star point guard. Jalen Suggs (an All-Defense candidate) gives them toughness and perimeter defense, and the haul of picks gives them control over their future for the next five years. After years of exhausting the Ja era amid injuries and off-court issues, the Grizzlies get a clean slate while staying competitive. It's bold, but maybe the right time to cash in. Brooklyn Nets Find Their Franchise Star In Zion Williamson New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn ImagesCredit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zion Williamson New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams (Sign-and-Trade), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN) Brooklyn has been wandering in NBA purgatory since the collapse of the Durant-Kyrie era. Landing Zion Williamson, who, despite health issues, still put up 24.6 PPG and 7.2 RPG this season, would finally give them a young superstar to build around. Advertisement In a market that craves star power, Zion's ability to sell tickets and bulldoze defenders makes this a no-brainer swing for Sean Marks. The Nets are looking for a franchise star, and Zion can be that, even though he only appeared in 30 games this season. For New Orleans, this is about moving on before Zion's value dips. Cameron Johnson (18.8 PPG, 39.0% from three) is a plug-and-play shooter, and Ziaire Williams gives them a developmental wing with upside. More importantly, they picked up two future firsts that allowed them to continue building around the improvement of Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi. It's a soft reset without fully tearing things down. San Antonio Spurs Form Twin-Towers Pairing With Lauri Markkanen Lauri Markkanen Needs Help: 5 Trades For An All-Star The Jazz Should ExploreCredit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details San Antonio Spurs Receive: Lauri Markkanen Utah Jazz Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL) Pairing Lauri Markkanen with Victor Wembanyama? Now that's a Twin Towers 2.0 that could terrorize the league. Markkanen, who quietly averaged 19.0 PPG this season, would stretch the floor beautifully while Wemby wreaks havoc on defense. Advertisement For the Spurs, it's time to start winning around their generational talent, and landing a 27-year-old All-Star forward is an aggressive but necessary step because they would complete a Big Three that also includes the recently acquired De'Aaron Fox. Utah, meanwhile, gets a solid package to pivot into their next phase. Devin Vassell (16.3 PPG this season) is an emerging two-way wing, and Keldon Johnson brings scoring punch. The two firsts add valuable assets for Danny Ainge to wheel and deal with. It's a classic Ainge move: sell high on Markkanen and stockpile for the bigger picture. Detroit Pistons Continue Improving By Acquiring Zach LaVine Feb 5, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) looks on during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Chicago Bulls Receive: Zach LaVine Sacramento Kings Receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 First-Round pick (Top-5 Protected), 2027 Second-Round Pick This deal feels chaotic, but also kind of necessary. Trade rumors marred Zach LaVine's 2024-25, but when healthy, his 23.3 PPG scoring punch is elite, especially when taking into account his 44.6% clip from deep. Advertisement For Detroit, adding LaVine gives Cade Cunningham a dynamic backcourt partner who can actually put pressure on defenses, something the Pistons sorely lacked this year. It's a big swing, but after showing heart in a six-game loss against New York in the first round, Detroit needs to get bold. Meanwhile, Chicago cashes out on LaVine and finally begins their long-overdue rebuild. Tobias Harris is a veteran leader, Jaden Ivey (17.6 PPG, flashes of star upside) gives them a young centerpiece, and they add picks to sweeten the future. It's a win-now gamble for Detroit and a start-over move for the Bulls, who desperately need one. Los Angeles Lakers Find Their Starting Center With Nic Claxton Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) dribbles against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesCredit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick This is quietly one of the smartest moves the Los Angeles Lakers could make. Nic Claxton, fresh off averaging 10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1.4 BPG, gives LA the athletic, switchable big they've lacked this season. Advertisement We went through the list of centers that the Lakers could add this summer, and Nic Claxton was one of the main targets. He fits perfectly alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, providing elite rim protection and vertical spacing without needing the ball. This move makes the Lakers longer, tougher, and better equipped for a deep playoff run in 2025-26, especially since they won't have to move Austin Reaves to get a new center. Brooklyn, on the other hand, grabs Rui Hachimura (13.1 PPG), who's still young and offers versatile scoring, and Gabe Vincent, who adds guard depth. More importantly, they secure a 2031 first-round pick, a long-term asset that could become gold when the Lakers' superteam era eventually fades. It's a move that helps them now while also betting on future chaos in LA. Related: 5 NBA Veterans Who Could Be Available For Title Contenders This Summer
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Posts Strong Aaron Judge Message on Monday
The New York Yankees continue to be one of the hottest teams throughout the 2025 season, sitting in first place in the AL East with a 23-17 record and an MLB-leading plus 75 run differential. There's no doubt that baseball is a team sport, but there's no denying that much of their success comes off the back of outfielder Aaron Judge, who has been on another level this year. Advertisement On Monday, MLB revealed that his .409 batting average is the fourth-highest for any batter after 40 games played with at least 100 at-bats since 2000, while stating, "We are witnessing one of the best starts to a season EVER from Aaron Judge." Of course, that can be viewed as a very bold statement, but his numbers do help back it up, accumulating 154 at-bats, 63 hits, 27 extra base hits, 38 runs scored, 14 home runs, 39 RBIs, 24 walks, 120 total bases and three stolen bases. Those are only amplified by the fact that he is also leading MLB in several major categories, including batting average, on-base percentage (.494), slugging percentage (.779) and OPS (1.273). New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images It also doesn't come as much of a surprise that this has led him to being named the AL Player of the Month for April, while also having the highest odds (-155) of winning AL MVP, per ESPN BET. Advertisement If he does keep up with this pace, there's no doubt Judge will win the award, meaning he could join an exclusive list of just 12 players in MLB history to win an MVP at least three times in their career. Related: Red Sox Star Sends Rafael Devers Clear Message Amid Controversy
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watching Yankees on Amazon Prime Explained
For New York Yankees fans, finding your beloved Bronx Bombers' broadcasts can be frustrating with cable, Amazon, Roku and Apple+ games. Here's a watch guide for you on those Amazon Prime Games. In 2025, Amazon is streaming 21 Yankees regular-season games exclusively on Prime Video at no extra cost for Prime members who live in New York State, Connecticut, north and central New Jersey, and northeast Pennsylvania. These games are part of the team's regional broadcast package and can be accessed via the Prime Video homepage or sports section. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.© Brad Penner-Imagn Images Outside of Yankees broadcasts, Prime members can subscribe to channel through Prime Video Channels to watch live out-of-market regular-season games. Advertisement This subscription is not included in the standard Prime membership and requires an additional monthly or seasonal fee. offers full league access, a single-team pass, and on-demand replays. It's ideal for fans who want to follow teams outside their local market. However, all options come with a catch: blackout restrictions. These restrictions prevent users from watching nationally televised games or being shown in their local market. Location-based blackout rules are enforced regardless of the streaming platform. To watch, users need an active Amazon Prime subscription and the Prime Video app on a compatible device. Once logged in, navigate to either the Yankees game (if eligible) or access the channel after subscribing. From there, fans can stream games live or watch replays on demand. How to Watch: Advertisement Ensure you have an active Amazon Prime membership. Navigate to the Prime Video app or website. For Yankees games included with Prime, select the game from the homepage or sports section. To access additional games, subscribe to the channel via Prime Video Channels and select your desired game Related: Yankees Pitcher Keeps Minor League Tradition Cookin' After Rehab Start Related: Jazz Chisholm Jr. and His Coach Are Baseball's New Favorite Odd Couple
