Latest news with #MVP-level
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where do Bengals rank among teams likely to win first Super Bowl?
Where do Bengals rank among teams likely to win first Super Bowl? The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 NFL season as one of 12 teams yet to win a Super Bowl. When it comes to actually ranking those teams by their chances to win a Lombardi Trophy, things get tricky after rattling off the first few names. Franchises like the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers, at least as of this writing, round out the very bottom of the list. But how far up the list do the Bengals deserve to sit? For CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin, the answer is third overall: "Not even Joe Burrow's MVP-level passing production could get the Bengals into the playoffs last time around, which is real cause for concern. But the defense can't be much worse with Al Golden now atop that staff, and we won't have contract drama surrounding Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins going into September. If somehow Zac Taylor can get his team ready to roll out of the gate rather than halfway through the year, the Bengals should return to form as a challenger to the AFC powerhouses." RELATED: Bengals UDFA is already turning heads at OTAs That ranking going into the 2025 season puts the Bengals only behind the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills. Both of those teams have more well-rounded rosters and the latter happens to roster MVP Josh Allen. Behind the Bengals, other AFC hopefuls like the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers are right on their heels. Given this fair outlook, it's all the more understandable why fans and the team were so upset about last year's close call -- and why head coach Zac Taylor changed up his coaching staff going into this season. RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals players missing OTAs list ahead of training camp
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Why the 2025 Thunder Are Oklahoma City's Best Team Ever – According to Kendrick Perkins
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder (Image via Imagn). Kendrick Perkins , former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, has made a strong case for the 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder as the greatest team in franchise history. He believes they have surpassed even the iconic 2012 squad led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Perkins credits their unmatched depth and defensive dominance as the key reasons for this distinction. The 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder boast superior depth and defense compared to past teams Kendrick Perkins highlights that while the 2012 Thunder featured future Hall of Famers, the current roster is more balanced and mature. Key additions like Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Jalen Williams have transformed the team into an elite defensive unit. Perkins goes as far as calling them "one of the greatest defensive teams in NBA history." The 2025 Thunder's depth allows coach Mark Daigneault to deploy versatile defensive schemes while keeping players fresh. This is a luxury the 2012 team didn't have. Kendrick Perkins also notes that despite their youth, the 2025 squad plays with the composure of seasoned veterans, a trait that has been crucial in their success. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the greatest Oklahoma City Thunder player ever At the center of this team's rise is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , whom Kendrick Perkins considers the best player in Oklahoma City Thunder history—even above Durant and Westbrook. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged over 30 points per game for three straight seasons while shooting above 50% from the field. His MVP-level performances have redefined the franchise. Kendrick Perkins DOUBLES DOWN on SGA being the GREATEST Thunder player ever if they win it all 👀 Kendrick Perkins predicts that if the Thunder win the 2025 NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander will also secure Finals MVP, further cementing his legacy. His ability to dominate offensively while leading the team's defensive intensity sets him apart from past Thunder stars. He said: 'He will be the greatest Thunder ever. Yes, past Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook,' Perkins said. 'Third consecutive season of averaging over 30 shooting over 50% from the field, scoring title, MVP, conference MVP, going to the NBA Finals, winning the championship, and he's going to win Finals MVP.' The Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff dominance proves their historic potential The 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder have been unstoppable in the playoffs, including a 124-94 blowout win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to clinch the Western Conference Finals. Their defense was suffocating, forcing 14 steals and 8 blocks while holding the Timberwolves to poor shooting percentages. Throughout the postseason, the Thunder have averaged 10.3 steals per game, turning defense into fast-break opportunities. Their ability to disrupt opponents and convert turnovers into points has made them nearly unbeatable. Records and blowout wins highlight their superiority The Oklahoma City Thunder have set franchise records for blowout victories, showcasing their ability to dominate games from start to finish. Their deep roster allows them to maintain pressure on both ends of the floor, adapting defensively while keeping offensive efficiency high. Kendrick Perkins confidently states that the 2025 team would defeat the 2012 Thunder in a seven-game series. Their combination of talent, defense, and maturity makes them the most complete team in franchise history. Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: Is LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers - Deep dive into the legend's possible future in the league With their current trajectory, the 2025 Thunder are on the verge of bringing Oklahoma City its first NBA championship since the franchise relocated. Kendrick Perkins' endorsement underscores just how special this team is—not just for the Thunder, but in NBA history. Their defensive mastery, star power, and depth make them a true powerhouse, ready to etch their names in the record books.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Paul Goldschmidt's Strong Season May Be His Only One in Pinstripes
Paul Goldschmidt isn't ready to ride off into the sunset just yet. After signing a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the New York Yankees, the 37-year-old has prove he still has plenty to offer at the plate, in the field and in the clubhouse. While his days of MVP-level production may be behind him, Goldschmidt has re-established himself as a reliable veteran presence in a contending lineup. Advertisement As The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently pointed out, Goldschmidt continues to deliver in a way that teams covet, just with a bit more maintenance required. "Goldschmidt is proving this season at 37 that he's not done. He just needs an occasional rest to stay sharp," Bowden wrote. "He's at an age where he's probably going to have to sign one-year contracts, like he did this time with the Yankees ($12.5 million deal). But he's still a plus defender who can hit, run the bases and provide quiet leadership." Apr 12, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first base Ben Rice (22) celebrates with Paul Goldschmidt (48) after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images© Tom Horak-Imagn Images The 2022 National League MVP is slashing a robust .339/.392/.486 with five home runs and 25 RBI in 195 plate appearances. However, with Rice emerging as a potential long-term solution, Bowden believes Goldschmidt's stint in pinstripes could be a one-and-done situation. Advertisement "It's unlikely he returns to the Yankees in 2026 due to the emergence of Ben Rice, who would appear to be their long-term solution at first base starting next year." Rice is enjoying a breakout year with a .259/.352/.552 slash line. He continued his production with another home run in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Still, after a resurgent season in the Bronx, Goldschmidt shouldn't have any trouble finding a new team in 2026. Related: Rising Yankees Star Turns Heads With Latest Mammoth Home Run
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
4 overlooked early WNBA MVP candidates, including Aliyah Boston
4 overlooked early WNBA MVP candidates, including Aliyah Boston Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson has won three of the last five WNBA MVP awards, including last year's honor. Could her reign come to an end in 2025 at the hands of someone unsuspecting? Wilson had a history-breaking year in 2024. She had the WNBA and NBA's first 1,000-point season and led the league in rebounds and blocks, leaving any perceived competition in the dust. However, pulling off that kind of feat again in 2025 might be tough, and if you haven't been paying attention, there are already players quietly putting together early MVP cases to unseat Wilson. Before the season even began, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark led the MVP odds. She backed up the early chatter by starting the year with a triple-double. However, Clark isn't the name you want to watch during the early parts of this season's race. It's her Fever teammate, forward/center Aliyah Boston, who leads a group of overlooked candidates. 4 overlooked WNBA MVP candidates for 2025 4. Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever Boston is quietly stringing together MVP-level performances. She has looked calm and composed operating within the paint now that forward Natasha Howard is next to her and Clark is finding her in critical moments. (Out of the 37 assists the Indiana guard has made through four games of action, 19 have gone to Boston. That's just over 50 percent of Clark's distribution.) It's allowed her to play a lot more freely, and that's produced some early dividends. The former South Carolina product has four games of at least 63 percent shooting or better from the field, including two double-doubles of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. She also leads the league in blocks with 11 as of this publication and is also fifth in the league in total rebounds. That's what the kids call cooking. 3. Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks The Sparks are experiencing a slew of injuries right now. Center Cameron Brink, who injured her ACL last June, is still out. Forward Rae Burrell is out until late June (possibly early July) with a right knee injury. Not to mention, forward Rickea Jackson and guard Julie Allemand also popped up on the status report for injuries, too. Who picks up the slack when that sort of thing happens? Veteran Kelsey Plum. Plum opened her Sparks tenure with a 37-point outing against the poor Golden State Valkyries, who were just trying to launch their new franchise. She followed it up with five performances of 16 points or more, including three stat lines of 25 points or more. Plum's averaging 25.2 points and 5.5 points plus 2.7 steals through six games. Additionally, she leads the league in total points, made 3 pointers, and steals. Plum is also top-five in total assists. The question now becomes: can she sustain this sort of production? 2. Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm Nneka Ogwumike won the WNBA MVP in 2016 and was in the MVP conversation last season, largely for being the unsung hero of the Seattle Storm. The former Stanford Cardinal landing on this list shouldn't come as a surprise. Ogwumike is ever-steady and often produces stat lines that are seemingly unsuspecting until you turn on the tape. What stands out the most about her game is her efficiency and ability to exploit matchups. She has no problem going against some of the best post players in the WNBA, like A'ja Wilson or Alyssa Thomas, en route to stat lines of 20-plus points and five-plus rebounds. She's nearly averaging a double-double (18.6 points and 9.8 rebounds) of 54.7 percent shooting from the field so far this season and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. 1. Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream Perhaps the deepest sleeper on this list is Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray. Under new head coach Karl Smesko, Gray has been money from 3-point range. She's currently shooting a blistering 45.5 percent from behind the arc while being second in the league in made three pointers (just behind Kelsey Plum). She's also third in total points. Gray has been most dangerous in catch-and-shoot situations. Her release is often so fast (Smesko's pace and five-out style of offense helps that) that teams are often late to react. The shooting guard has been in double digits through all six matchups the Dream have played and has been the leading scorer in three of those games. In other words, she's been a force, and her current average of 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and five assists doesn't appear to be a fluke. What happens after starting point guard Jordin Canada returns from a knee injury will be the real test.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Anthony Edwards accepts reality of massive Game 5 loss to Oklahoma City Thunder and playoff elimination
Anthony Edwards. Image via: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The Minnesota Timberwolves' postseason dreams came to a crushing end in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, as the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed to a 124-94 victory. With the win, OKC secured their first NBA Finals berth since 2012, while the Wolves bowed out in disappointing fashion for the second straight year. Star guard Anthony Edwards , often hailed as the future face of the league, took the loss on the chin and didn't shy away from accountability. Anthony Edwards accepts Game 5 defeat while giving a shout-out to the Oklahoma City Thunder The Timberwolves never truly looked in sync during Game 5, or the previous game, for that matter. After scoring the first three points of the game, they were overwhelmed by the Thunder's run and never recovered. As the final buzzer sounded, the Thunder had not only secured the series 4-1 but also stamped their dominance with a fourth 30-point win in this postseason. Anthony Edwards has seemingly accepted the defeat. 'Can't do nothing, but tip my hat to those guys. They came ready,' he admitted in his post-game comments. Edwards praised Oklahoma City's energy and intensity throughout the series. While Edwards managed 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists in Game 5, his shooting woes (7-of-18 FG, 1-of-7 from three) reflected how effectively the Thunder clamped down on him. Defensive aces like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace blanketed him with physicality, which was something Edwards struggled to navigate throughout the series. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed the elephant in the room, saying his star must improve in one critical area: handling contact. He explicitly shared that Edwards needs to learn to handle physicality, noting that while OKC's defense was tough, it exposed Edwards' need to elevate under pressure. Still, Edwards' mindset appears focused on growth rather than frustration. 'Nobody's gonna work harder than me this summer,' he promised. 'I'll try to make it happen again for Mike.' His dedication to veteran teammate Mike Conley, 37. Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson issues an apology to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company after Oklahoma City Thunder's 30-point Game 5 win The Thunder's mix of elite defense, sharp execution, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level performance ultimately proved too much for the Timberwolves. For Edwards, this painful exit may be the start of something bigger. The fire has been lit, and he's already planning his comeback. Knowing his dominant attitude, Edwards may come back stronger next season, potentially bringing the team to the finals. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
