Latest news with #MVP-worthy
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Silences MVP Debate With Game 7 Masterclass—Chet Holmgren Says It's Over
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Image via: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a dominant 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of their second-round playoff series, advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016. After the game, Thunder center Chet Holmgren made a strong statement about teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case, declaring the debate between SGA and Nikola Jokic officially settled. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivers MVP performance in Game 7 Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a game-high 35 points on an efficient 12-19 shooting, cementing his case as the league's most valuable player. His performance came at the perfect time, as the Thunder overcame a slow start to dismantle the Nuggets in front of their home crowd. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Despite early struggles from three-point range, Oklahoma City locked in defensively and never looked back, stretching their lead to as many as 43 points. The Nuggets, still led by their 2023 championship core, had no answers and were forced to concede early in the fourth quarter. Chet Holmgren ends the MVP debate In the postgame interview, Holmgren left no doubt about where he stands on the MVP race. Pointing to Gilgeous-Alexander, he said, 'You know who this is? The MVP.' The statement, captured by ESPN and shared by ClutchPoints on X, reinforced what many have believed all season—that SGA deserves the award. The NBA has yet to officially announce the MVP winner, which is unusual given that the award is typically revealed by this stage of the playoffs. However, Gilgeous-Alexander has been the frontrunner for months, and his Game 7 masterpiece only strengthens his case. Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-worthy season Throughout the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander was the driving force behind the Thunder's league-best 68-win record. He averaged 32 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game while shooting an impressive 52% from the field, 38% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. His consistency and leadership elevated Oklahoma City to new heights, making them a legitimate title contender. With the Thunder now set to face Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, the MVP announcement is expected soon. If voters needed any final confirmation, Gilgeous-Alexander's Game 7 performance provided it. Also read: Aaron Gordon Erupts at Refs in Game 7 Meltdown: 'Get Him the F— Off Me!' After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Call Thunder shift focus to Timberwolves The win over Denver sets up an exciting matchup between two of the NBA's brightest young teams. The Timberwolves, led by Edwards, present a new challenge, but the Thunder have proven they can handle elite competition. As Oklahoma City prepares for the next round, one thing is clear: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't just the MVP in Chet Holmgren's eyes—he's the MVP, period. 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.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Monumental trade idea gives Lakers a talented wing and center
Monumental trade idea gives Lakers a talented wing and center Changes will likely be coming to the Los Angeles Lakers' roster this summer. The team suffered from a very weak center rotation and a lack of guard and wing depth following the Luka Doncic trade, and both deficiencies resulted in it losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It won't be easy for the Lakers to pull off a trade or two to address both deficiencies. But Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World put forth a big trade idea involving three teams that would net the Lakers two players who would plug both needs. In this trade, they would give up guard Austin Reaves and forward Dorian Finney-Smith while receiving wing Andrew Wiggins and center Kel'El Ware, both of whom are currently members of the Heat. Via Fadeaway World: "Wiggins, who averaged 18.0 points per game with a 44.8% field goal percentage during the 2024–25 season, brings versatile defense and scoring ability to the wing position," Bitar wrote. "His experience and athleticism complement Doncic's playmaking and [LeBron] James's leadership, especially when considering he had finals MVP-worthy performances in the 2022 NBA Finals. "Kel'el Ware, a promising 21-year-old center, adds youth and athleticism to the Lakers' frontcourt. In his rookie season, Ware posted 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 55.4% from the field. "His presence addresses the Lakers' need for a dynamic big man who can protect the rim and finish around the basket. No doubt, he would be an immediate upgrade over who the Lakers had competing at center this past season: Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len. "This trade allows the Lakers to balance their roster by adding a seasoned wing and an emerging center, providing Doncic and James with the support needed to contend in the competitive Western Conference." Wiggins could be a nice replacement for Reaves who could fit the Lakers better than Reaves does. While he isn't the secondary ball-handler or facilitator that Reaves is, he's about as reliable a 3-pointer as the undrafted guard is. Wiggins made 37.4% of his 5.8 3-point attempts a game this season, and he's an athletic wing who can get out in transition and defend at a high level, two things Reaves struggles with. While he's more of a 3 than a 4, unlike Finney-Smith, he could fit Los Angeles well, given the fact that James and Rui Hachimura primarily play the 4. The experience he has as a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors when they won the 2022 NBA championship also doesn't hurt. Ware was the No. 15 pick in last year's NBA draft and stands seven feet tall while weighing 230 pounds. scouting report on him said he has the "prototypical size, length and athleticism for the NBA center position," and he runs the floor well, rebounds well and blocks shots. However, that same scouting report also expressed concerns about his determination, focus and demeanor.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NFL Thanksgiving 2025 schedule: Chiefs vs Cowboys and more must-watch matchups set for the holiday
The 2025 NFL Thanksgiving schedule features a thrilling tripleheader with marquee matchups like Chiefs-Cowboys and Bengals-Ravens, promising holiday excitement. (Credit: Getty Images) Thanksgiving and the NFL have long shared a bond that's almost as iconic as turkey and pumpkin pie. What started in 1934 with Detroit Lions' former owner George A. Richards hosting the Chicago Bears has evolved into a national tradition. And in 2025, that tradition gets another thrilling chapter as the NFL sticks to its festive tripleheader format, bringing a mix of historical rivalry, emerging storylines, and MVP-worthy showdowns to fans across the country. NFL Thanksgiving 2025: A star-studded holiday feast for Football fans Tradition meets rivalry: Lions vs. Packers The day kicks off, as always, in Detroit. The Lions, who've hosted Thanksgiving games every year since 1934—with the exception of 1939 to 1944 due to World War II—will face their age-old rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Slated for a 12:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Fox at Ford Field, this matchup carries rich historical weight. The Lions and Packers have squared off 22 times on Thanksgiving, with Detroit holding a slight edge at 12-9-1. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson Shows Off Her Jaw-Dropping Figure - See Photos 33 Bridges Undo Interestingly, Detroit has won six of their last seven encounters with Green Bay. However, it's worth noting that the only loss in that stretch came on Thanksgiving in 2023, proving that this rivalry continues to deliver drama regardless of trends. The Packers may have the historical upper hand in their overall series, but the Lions' recent form and home-field advantage will give them hope for a strong holiday performance. Star power in the afternoon: Cowboys vs. Chiefs When the clock strikes 4:30 p.m. ET, attention shifts to Arlington, Texas, where the Dallas Cowboys will host the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium. Airing on CBS, this game may break from traditional rivalries, but it brings a compelling narrative of its own. The Cowboys have been synonymous with Thanksgiving since 1966, having missed the holiday game only twice in nearly six decades. They're 34-22-1 in these contests—proof of how much they thrive under the national spotlight. This game, however, adds a unique layer of emotion and excitement. Patrick Mahomes, who grew up cheering for the Cowboys, will be playing his first Thanksgiving game—and his first-ever matchup in Dallas. The only previous meeting between Mahomes and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was back in 2021, where Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 19-9 win. With Mahomes now firmly established as one of the NFL's brightest stars, the matchup has the makings of a holiday classic. Primetime fireworks: Ravens vs. Bengals Closing out the night at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, the Baltimore Ravens will host the Cincinnati Bengals in a prime-time divisional duel at M&T Bank Stadium. While these two teams have limited Thanksgiving experience—the Ravens are 2-0 and the Bengals 0-1—their recent head-to-head battles have been electric. Four of their last five matchups have ended in one-score games, offering a taste of the fireworks fans can expect on Thanksgiving night. This clash also features two marquee quarterbacks: Joe Burrow and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. Both signal-callers are capable of turning any play into a highlight reel moment, and their showdown promises to be a fitting finale to a day filled with high-stakes football. With a schedule that blends tradition, rivalry, and star power, the NFL's 2025 Thanksgiving Day lineup is primed to deliver entertainment from noon to night. Whether it's a historic divisional showdown or a new chapter in quarterback duels, football fans are in for a feast they won't forget. Also Read: "The Taylor Swift effect": Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 schedule fuels Swiftie buzz with must-watch primetime clashes early in the season 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.
Calgary Herald
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
How Ottawa has frustrated Montreal's stars to the brink of elimination
Article content They might not have said it postgame, but it's a fact now: the Montreal Victoire are in trouble. Article content Article content After pitching a 26-save shutout in Game 3, goaltender Gwyneth Philips and the Ottawa Charge have allowed just a single goal in more than two-and-a-half hours of play, stretching back to Laura Stacey's second-period marker in Game 2. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Ottawa, which tied with the New York Sirens for the most goals allowed this season, has suddenly become impenetrable at the most critical time of the year. Now it has them one win away from a massively satisfying series upset and a PWHL Finals berth. Article content Article content Article content Coming into the series, Ottawa's path to victory was clear: find a way to neutralize Montreal's top line of Marie-Philip Poulin, Jennifer Gardiner and Stacey. The belief was that beyond those three players, the Charge held the superior depth down their lineup to grind out wins. Article content Article content All of this has come to pass. Montreal's first line has only mustered a collective four points in the series after racking up 35 goals and 66 points in the regular season together. Meanwhile, the Victoire have also had the fewest depth contributions of any playoff team. Article content Article content Article content Article content It's not as if the top unit hasn't had its chances. They've collectively fired a whopping 53 shots on Philips through three games, with only two goals to show for it. Article content Article content And while Philips is turning in an elite, MVP-worthy performance, her teammates played lockdown defence to close out Game 3, especially after Montreal pulled goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens for an extra attacker in the final two-and-a-half minutes. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content 'The frustration was there the whole game from both ends of the ice,' Philips said about the lack of scoring. Between Brianne Jenner's game-tying goal in Game 2 and Mannon McMahon's third-period goal in Game 3, Desbiens and Philips combined to stop 105 of 106 shots. 'You can feel that they're pushing, but I can feel that my teammates are pushing back just as hard, if not harder.' Article content Article content Article content Defender Zoe Boyd showed that pushback when she angled Poulin into the back boards and off her feet in the final minutes of the game. It was just one of many examples of the Charge dictating how much time and space their opponents were allowed. Stacey's dangerous one-timer was suffocated all game by forwards clogging passing lanes. The power play was unable to move pucks anywhere closer to the net than its umbrella setup above the faceoff dots. Article content Article content 'Ottawa is playing us very aggressively high in the zone right now, so we have to find a way to get pucks to the net,' Montreal coach Kori Cheverie said. 'We have to find a way in that moment, and we didn't, and so we start to turn the page.'
Ottawa Citizen
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
How Ottawa has frustrated Montreal's stars to the brink of elimination
Article content They might not have said it postgame, but it's a fact now: the Montreal Victoire are in trouble. Article content Article content After pitching a 26-save shutout in Game 3, goaltender Gwyneth Philips and the Ottawa Charge have allowed just a single goal in more than two-and-a-half hours of play, stretching back to Laura Stacey's second-period marker in Game 2. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Ottawa, which tied with the New York Sirens for the most goals allowed this season, has suddenly become impenetrable at the most critical time of the year. Now it has them one win away from a massively satisfying series upset and a PWHL Finals berth. Article content Article content Article content Coming into the series, Ottawa's path to victory was clear: find a way to neutralize Montreal's top line of Marie-Philip Poulin, Jennifer Gardiner and Stacey. The belief was that beyond those three players, the Charge held the superior depth down their lineup to grind out wins. Article content Article content All of this has come to pass. Montreal's first line has only mustered a collective four points in the series after racking up 35 goals and 66 points in the regular season together. Meanwhile, the Victoire have also had the fewest depth contributions of any playoff team. Article content Article content Article content Article content It's not as if the top unit hasn't had its chances. They've collectively fired a whopping 53 shots on Philips through three games, with only two goals to show for it. Article content Article content And while Philips is turning in an elite, MVP-worthy performance, her teammates played lockdown defence to close out Game 3, especially after Montreal pulled goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens for an extra attacker in the final two-and-a-half minutes. Article content Article content Article content Article content 'The frustration was there the whole game from both ends of the ice,' Philips said about the lack of scoring. Between Brianne Jenner's game-tying goal in Game 2 and Mannon McMahon's third-period goal in Game 3, Desbiens and Philips combined to stop 105 of 106 shots. 'You can feel that they're pushing, but I can feel that my teammates are pushing back just as hard, if not harder.' Article content Article content Article content Defender Zoe Boyd showed that pushback when she angled Poulin into the back boards and off her feet in the final minutes of the game. It was just one of many examples of the Charge dictating how much time and space their opponents were allowed. Stacey's dangerous one-timer was suffocated all game by forwards clogging passing lanes. The power play was unable to move pucks anywhere closer to the net than its umbrella setup above the faceoff dots. Article content Article content 'Ottawa is playing us very aggressively high in the zone right now, so we have to find a way to get pucks to the net,' Montreal coach Kori Cheverie said. 'We have to find a way in that moment, and we didn't, and so we start to turn the page.'
