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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka came across a sore loser — in the eyes of many analysts — after her loss to Coco Gauff in the French Open final. Sabalenka blamed her loss on the "terrible conditions" in Paris and undermined Gauff's win during her news conference by suggesting that the American got lucky with some of her mistimed shots. "She was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow, magically, the ball lands in the court. It felt like a joke," she had said.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
Kevin Durant has zeroed in on the Spurs as his No. 1 landing spot, but the franchise may not be as enthused about the marriage. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Rockets, Heat and Timberwolves are "more motivated" to land Durant, and the Spurs haven't been "as aggressive" in trying to acquire the 15-time All-Star. Charania added that the Spurs could hold off on a Durant trade to stockpile assets for a "bigger player" who fits their timeline.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
Mixed doubles has not been relevant since Roger Federer and Martina Hingis represented Switzerland at the Hopman Cup, or when Steffi Graf and Boris Becker did the same for Germany in the early 1990s. The U.S. Open is attempting to revitalize the format by offering both riches and a platform to shine under the brightest lights.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
The Timberwolves are the most aggressive suitor for Kevin Durant, but the Suns star has "no desire" to join the franchise, per insiders. So, how does Anthony Edwards feel about Durant's reported indifference toward the Timberwolves?
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton vowed that he'll be "ready to go" for Game 6 of the NBA Finals, even as he limped in and out of the podium after his team's 120-109 loss in Oklahoma City. Several analysts have urged the point guard, dealing with a strained right calf, to prioritize his health over a potential chance to win the championship. ESPN's Kendrick Perkins compared Hali's situation to Kevin Durant's debilitating Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
Kevin Durant's inability to make deep postseason runs and questions about his leadership have seemingly tarnished his reputation. On Monday, ESPN's Marc Spears dropped a bombshell by noting that Durant had the New York Knicks atop his list of preferred destinations, but the franchise did not make a run to acquire him. "KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
While Haliburton deserves some leeway for his Game 5 performance, he has been too inconsistent in the Finals, validating claims by some analysts that he is not a superstar-level player. Through five games thus far, Hali has shot 29.4 percent from three while committing 4.0 turnovers per game. The latter number suggests he has failed to penetrate OKC's No.1-ranked defense after having his way against weaker New York and Cleveland defensive units.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
The impressive part of SGA's performance on Monday was his willingness to defer to Jalen Williams and score within the flow of the offense. With Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard hounding him through screens, SGA attempted only six shots in the first half, but found other ways to help his team, specifically with his playmaking and defense. SGA's 10 assists were tied for the most in a game this postseason.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
In Monday's Game 5 win, Williams was relentless in attacking the rim, going 9-of-16 on shots in the paint area, including several fallaway jumpers, floaters and innovative shots with his off hand. SGA called Williams "fearless" for his aggressive mindset, crediting his co-star for keeping the Thunder's offense rolling when his shot wasn't falling.
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1 week ago | 
yardbarker.com | Sai Mohan
Many questioned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's supporting cast leading into the playoffs, with some contending that Jalen Williams wasn't quite ready to ascend to co-star status. Those questions were more than answered during Thunder's run to the NBA Finals, but even more resoundingly in Monday's Game 5 win. Williams and SGA performed like true co-stars as OKC seized a 3-2 lead over Indiana to find itself on the brink of an NBA title. Along the way, Williams and SGA made several pieces of history.
