Roundup

Victor Wembanyama’s insane block is a must-see

Victor Wembanyama’s insane block is a must-see

Victor Wembanyama was a defensive force on Monday. The San Antonio Spurs superstar made history in Game 1 of their NBA Western Conference semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He set the playoff record for most blocks and became the third player in league history to record a playoff triple-double with blocks.

The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year had several highlights, including his 10th block of the game. Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland drove to the basket with 2:55 left in the third quarter. Wembanyama kept his eyes on him and made sure he was ready to challenge the attempt. newssport.cv

MORE: NBA playoffs power rankings in round 2

The 7-foot-4 blocked the same shot twice. He first swatted it with his left hand before blocking the ball again with his right hand up top.

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs need to regroup

Wembanyama finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks. However, it wasn’t enough to lead San Antonio to victory. The 22-year-old struggled with efficiency on offense, knocking down just five of his 17 attempts. Six Minnesota players scored in double figures, securing a 1-0 series lead.

The Timberwolves stole homecourt advantage from the conference’s No. 2-seeded team. Anthony Edwards returned from injury and inspired his teammates, resulting in a 104-102 win. He registered 18 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Julius Randle recorded a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Spurs will have one day to to plan for Game 2, which is scheduled for Wednesday at Frost Bank Center. They need to bounce back to avoid a 2-0 series deficit before the series shifts to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4.

Barcelona shift priorities as €85m-rated deal proves financially impossible

Barcelona shift priorities as €85m-rated deal proves financially impossible
Barcelona shift priorities as €85m-rated deal proves financially impossible

Barcelona’s brief link with Anthony Gordon has quickly lost momentum, with the club now stepping back from what was never a realistic deal to begin with.

Despite recent reports suggesting contact between the two parties, the latest update makes it clear that this is not a transfer Barcelona are planning to pursue.

According to MARCA, the winger does not fit within the club’s current financial structure, nor is he seen as a priority signing for the upcoming window.

While sporting director Deco did meet with the player’s representatives, the outcome of those discussions only confirmed the gap between interest and possibility.

Gordon is appreciated, but…

One thing to note is that from a sporting point of view, Gordon is well regarded.

Both Deco and manager Hansi Flick appreciate his profile, particularly his pace, directness, and ability to impact games from wide areas.

There is also an understanding that the player himself would be open to joining Barcelona, which, on the surface, makes the situation look promising.

However, the financial reality tells a different story, as Newcastle United are under no pressure to sell.

Anthony Gordon is not Barcelona’s priority. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

With Gordon tied down until 2030, the Premier League club is demanding a fee in the region of €85 million, a figure Barcelona are simply not willing to match.

On top of that, his wage demands would further stretch a budget that is already being managed carefully.

There are other priorities

More importantly, the left wing is not at the top of Barcelona’s priority list, as Flick’s focus is elsewhere.

Strengthening the number 9 position and reinforcing the left-back role are seen as more urgent needs within the squad.

While adding depth on the wing does remain part of the plan, it is not an area where the club intend to invest heavily.

This is partly because there is confidence within the squad that existing options can cover that position if needed, reducing the urgency to bring in an expensive signing.

This means even if Barcelona decide to sign a left winger, they will look for a low-key option like Jan Virgili or Victor Munoz.

Knicks star unties Jimmy Fallon's shoes during playoff game

Jimmy Fallon got a taste of his own medicine Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Tonight Show host appeared courtside at Game 1 of the New York Knicks' second-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Little did he know it'd turn into quite the immersive experience.

Few love pranks as much as Fallon, so one of the Knicks players decided to return the favor. The notoriously silly Josh Hart untied Fallon's shoes midgame, prompting a hilarious response from the comedian.

The Knicks rocked the 76ers, 137-98, so Hart and Co. had plenty of time for jokes. Here's a look at Hart's biggest one:

The 76ers bot blown out by the Boston Celtics before rallying back from a 3-1 deficit in Round 1, so New York can't afford to get too complacent.

Let's hope for a more competitive Game 2, which is slated for Wednesday at 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Knicks' Josh Hart unties Jimmy Fallon's shoes during playoff game

Tennessee softball pitcher Karlyn Pickens selected No. 1 by Carolina

Tennessee senior pitcher Karlyn Pickens was selected No. 1 overall by Carolina in the AUSL college draft on Monday. The Blaze are located in Durham, North Carolina and were established in 2025 as one of the four original teams in the AUSL.

Pickens joins former teammate Payton Gottshall and director of player development Aubrey Leach as former Lady Vols in the AUSL. Gottshall plays for Portland and Leach is with Carolina.

Utah won the AUSL in 2025.

The 2026 AUSL season will feature six teams: Chicago Bandits, Carolina Blaze, Portland Cascade, Oklahoma City Spark, Utah Talons and Texas Volts.

In February, Pickens became the first current college player to sign a NIL deal with the AUSL.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t really see (pro) softball," Pickens said. "I watched the Olympics, but outside of college, I didn’t really think there was an option to go pro. It’s been just a few years, and now everyone’s dream is to go to AUSL and continue their softball career."

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Carolina Blaze select Karlyn Pickens No. 1 in AUSL college draft

Former Yankees outfielder signs with White Sox immediately after being release

Just three days after being designated for assignment by the New York Yankees, Randal Grichuk has agreed to an MLB deal with the Chicago White Sox, according to reports. Chicago will need to make corresponding moves to clear space on both the active roster and 40-man roster. Adding the veteran makes sense for the White Sox, considering they have been playing competitive baseball this season.

MORE: John Sterling’s 5 most memorable Yankees home run calls

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Randal Grichuk (34) sliding safely into home in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

A Short Stint in New York

Grichuk’s time in the Bronx was brief. The 34-year-old made the team out of camp on a minor league deal and served primarily in a platoon role off the bench, seeing most of his opportunities against left-handed pitching. However, the production never followed.

In limited action, he hit:

  • .194 batting average
  • .212 on-base percentage
  • 0 home runs
  • 10 strikeouts in 33 plate appearances

That lack of impact ultimately led to his DFA.

Apr 18, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Randal Grichuk (34) watches his RBI sacrifice fly against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A Specialist Looking to Rebound

While his recent numbers are underwhelming, Grichuk’s track record suggests there’s still value—especially in a matchup-specific role. From 2022–2024, he was one of the most productive hitters in baseball against left-handed pitching, posting:

  • .317 average
  • .367 OBP
  • .573 slugging percentage

He also racked up:

  • 25 home runs
  • 34 doubles
  • 4 triples

That’s the version of Grichuk the White Sox are betting on.

Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Randal Grichuk (34) before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

A Low-Risk Move for Chicago

For the White Sox, this is a classic low-risk, potential-reward signing. Grichuk brings veteran experience, power potential, and a clear role against left-handed pitching. If he regains his previous form, he could quickly become a valuable piece in the lineup.

If not, the commitment is minimal. Randal Grichuk didn’t find his footing in New York. But in Chicago, he gets another shot. And for a player with a proven ability to mash left-handed pitching, it might not take much for this move to pay off.

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