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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
6 Steelers standouts from preseason win over Jaguars
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-25 in their preseason opener — with several standout performances on both sides of the ball. From outstanding quarterback play to once-injured players making their triumphant returns, to undrafted rookies forging their own path, here are the six best Steelers performers from the preseason opener vs. the Jaguars. QB Mason Rudolph With Aaron Rodgers a healthy scratch in the preseason opener, Rudolph was tasked with leading the offensive charge on the first two drives of the contest — and he did not disappoint. Completing 9-of-10 passes for 84 yards and an opening-drive touchdown pass, Rudolph looked like his 2023 self against the Jaguars. TE Darnell Washington As Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth were dominating the headlines this offseason, one massive Steelers tight end continued to be overlooked: Darnell Washington. The huge 6'7", 265 lb pass catcher has been a red-zone favorite throughout training camp — and it translated to an impressive 19-yard touchdown on the Steelers' opening drive. WR Scotty Miller Similar to Washington, Miller was also turning heads in training camp — but his preseason performance was outstanding in its own right: four catches for 47 yards. If Miller can continue his success throughout the remaining two preseason games, he may be in line for plenty of work with the first-team offense. WR Ke'Shawn Williams The undrafted rookie exploded onto the scene in his NFL preseason debut, catching two passes for 55 yards — the most of any wideout in the contest. Not to mention his viral touchdown taking social media by storm, one in which he all but mossed a Jaguars defender on his way to six points. If Williams' production continues this sky-high trajectory, he could push to make the 53-man roster this upcoming season. LB Cole Holcomb Almost a year and a half removed from a season-ending knee injury, Holcomb reminded everyone watching the preseason opener why he is still one of the most underrated linebackers in the league. His best play of the night was, without a doubt, breaking up a third-down pass intended for RB Tank Bigsby — where he silenced concerns over his explosiveness and speed following his injury. QB Skylar Thompson There was zero chance we could leave Thompson off the list — as the former Dolphins-turned-Steelers QB gave an absolute preseason master class: completing 20-of-28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. If there were any Player of the Week awards given out in the preseason, Thompson would receive it hands down — as he all but carried Pittsburgh to their 31-25 victory. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA.com Hails Nikola Jokic as Undisputed King of the Western Conference After Historic Season with the Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets (Image via Facebook / Nikola Jokic) Nikola Jokic 's journey from a 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft to one of the league's most dominant forces is nothing short of remarkable. In August 2025, confirmed what many fans and analysts had already concluded - the Denver Nuggets ' superstar center is the top player in the Western Conference. This honor reflects not only his unmatched individual skill but also his transformative influence on the Nuggets and the NBA as a whole. Nikola Jokic's Historic Triple-Double Season Redefines Big-Man Play The 2024-25 season was another masterpiece for Nikola Jokic . He averaged a triple-double—29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game—while maintaining jaw-dropping efficiency, shooting 57.6% from the floor and 41.7% from beyond the arc. His all-around dominance put him in the rarest company in league history. Shaun Powell of summed up Jokic's season best: 'He is not only the best player in basketball, but he is also experiencing one of the greatest runs in the history of the sport… His ability to achieve triple-doubles consistently and his capacity to carry the franchise are clear indicators of his greatness.' Adding to his historic run, Jokic became the first player ever to record multiple 30-point, 20-rebound, 20-assist games in a single season. His consistent recognition as Western Conference Player of the Week and Player of the Month further underlined his dominance. 2024-2025 Western Conference Stars Key Stats Player Points Per Game Rebounds Assists FG% 3P% Nikola Jokic (DEN) 29.6 12.7 10.2 57.6% 41.7% Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) 31.1 5.6 6.3 53.4% 38.9% Luka Doncic (DAL) 30.2 9.1 8.8 48.7% 36.2% Anthony Edwards (MIN) 28.4 6.2 5.1 47.8% 37.5% MVP Credentials Remain Untouched Despite Runner-Up Finish Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder edged him out for the 2025 MVP award, Nikola Jokic's resume remains among the most decorated in modern NBA history. With three MVP trophies already (2021, 2022, 2024) and a fourth narrowly missed, the 30-year-old has firmly cemented his place among the game's all-time greats. Denver's 2025 playoff exit to the Thunder only fueled Jokic's motivation. With his leadership and consistency, the Nuggets remain poised for another championship run in the upcoming season. Why Nikola Jokic is The Complete Package: Skill, IQ, and Showmanship What makes Jokic truly unique is how he dominates without relying on raw athleticism. His unmatched basketball IQ, silky shooting touch, and creative passing make him nearly impossible to game-plan against. Whether it's a no-look dime, a full-court outlet pass, or intricate footwork in the post, Jokic turns routine possessions into highlights. His ability to stretch the floor forces defenders into difficult choices, while his calm demeanor under pressure allows him to control the pace of games. Off the court, his humility and dry humor have endeared him to fans, making him one of the most relatable superstars in sports. How Jokic's Legacy is Still in the Making Nikola Jokic is not just the Nuggets' cornerstone—he's a trailblazer for the modern NBA center. His style of play has redefined expectations for big men, inspiring the next generation to blend scoring, playmaking, and versatility. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics May Part Ways with $45 Million NBA Champion After Latest Roster Shake-Up Even in a Western Conference loaded with talent—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic—Jokic's sustained brilliance continues to set him apart. The stats tell part of the story, but the way he elevates his teammates and delivers must-watch performances night after night is why crowned him the king of the West—and why his reign may extend across the entire league for years to come. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Aliyah Boston joins Caitlin Clark among Indiana Fever franchise elite
"How good has Aliyah Boston been in 2025." 💯Aliyah Boston earned her third Player of the Week honors of her career after averaging 16.7 PPG and 11.7 RPG, along with three double-doubles to lead us to a 3-0 record during the week of July 28-August 3. After finishing the week with three of her six consecutive double-doubles while leading the Indiana Fever to a fifth straight win, Aliyah Boston was named the WNBA's Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Boston, who has been the backbone of the Fever's 2025 campaign so far, showcased her dominance this past week by posting averages of 16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. In addition to her impressive stat line, Boston's 35 total rebounds, 28 defensive rebounds, and three double-doubles were all tied for the most across the entire WNBA during the week. For the former 2023 WNBA No. 1 overall pick, the honor is her first of the 2025 season and the third in her three-year career. With her selection, Boston joins Tamika Catchings, Caitlin Clark, Katie Douglas, and Kelsey Mitchell as the only Fever players to win three or more Player of the Week Awards. Of the now-five-member group, Catchings still leads with nine honors during her memorable 15-year career with the franchise. Fever head coach Stephanie White surprised Boston with the news at Monday night's team dinner in Los Angeles, which drew a joyous celebration from her fellow teammates and coaches. Boston and the Fever will look to continue their stellar play tonight when they clash against the Los Angeles Sparks from Arena. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
USA Today
31-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M transfer Chris Hacopian dominates Cape League with Player of the Week nod
Summer league baseball has treated Texas A&M players well across their respective leagues. The Cape Cod Baseball League recently recognized an Aggie transfer as its Player of the Week. On July 27, third baseman Chris Hacopian was named the Cape Cod Baseball League Franklin Sports Player of the Week. He dominated against high-level competition, leading the league with nine hits and tying for the lead in total bases with 12. He slashed .500/.526/.667/1.193, racking up three RBIs and a stolen base with the Y-D Red Sox. Hacopian has been a standout all summer, ranking in the top 10 for hits (32), doubles (6), and triples (1). He also placed in the top 20 for RBIs (16), batting average (.274), slugging percentage (.393), and OPS (.739). These numbers bode well for Aggie fans eager to see another reliable bat in the 2026 lineup. Check out the official announcement from the Cape League's X account below. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
New York Times
29-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
All-Star Jacob Wilson, an AL Rookie of the Year candidate, lands on IL with broken forearm
Two weeks after he was the American League's starting shortstop in the All-Star Game, Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson is on the injured list with a broken left forearm, putting a significant damper on his candidacy for AL Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old was batting .312/.354/.439 with 10 home runs in 94 games this season, though he had only four hits in 38 at-bats since being hit in the left arm by a pitch on July 8. He last played on July 25th. The A's have recalled infielder Darell Hernaiz from Triple A to take Wilson's spot on the roster. Advertisement Wilson got off to a red-hot start this season and was batting .337 as late as July 4, but was batting only .191 over his last 30 games and had started to lose ground in the AL Rookie of the Year race to teammate Nick Kurtz, who won the AL's Player of the Week award each of the past two weeks and hit four home runs in a game last Friday. Kurtz, who didn't make his major-league debut until April 23, is now leading the A's in bWAR with 3.4 and is batting .308/.376/.676 with 23 home runs in 68 games. The No. 6 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Wilson has had little trouble hitting for average since turning pro, batting .299 in 122 major-league games dating back to last season and .401 in 79 minor-league games. He's had trouble staying on the field, however. In his major-league debut last season, Wilson strained a hamstring running the bases after collecting a hit in his first at-bat. He missed more than a month with that injury and has missed games this season with hamstring soreness. He also missed time earlier in the 2024 season with knee soreness while with Triple-A Las Vegas. His pro debut season in 2023 also ended three weeks early with lower-body soreness. Wilson's injury further thins the A's at shortstop. The team is already missing 2021 first-round pick Max Muncy, who landed on the IL with a broken hand last week. Muncy had been playing all over the infield with Wilson getting the bulk of the time at short, but he is a natural shortstop. Utility man Max Schuemann has played short in Wilson's place recently and figures to share time at the position with Hernaiz. Acquired from the Orioles for left-hander Cole Irvin before the 2023 season, Hernaiz made the A's roster out of spring training last year but struggled and hit only .192 in 120 at-bats. He was playing well for Las Vegas, batting .305/.383/.424 in 96 games.
