Latest news with #KylePhillips
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Russell Westbrook won't exercise $3.5 million option for next season, AP source says
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) defends against a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder's Cason Wallace (22) in the first half of Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Denver Nuggets' Russell Westbrook, right, talks with Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, after Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Denver Nuggets' Russell Westbrook (4) stands on the court late in the second half of Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Denver Nuggets' Russell Westbrook (4) stands on the court late in the second half of Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) defends against a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder's Cason Wallace (22) in the first half of Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Denver Nuggets' Russell Westbrook, right, talks with Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, after Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Denver Nuggets' Russell Westbrook (4) stands on the court late in the second half of Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Russell Westbrook will not be exercising his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets for next season and will instead become a free agent, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Friday. The decision doesn't necessarily mean that Westbrook won't be back with the Nuggets, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because neither side revealed the decision publicly. Advertisement NBA reporter Marc Stein first reported Westbrook's decision, which was later confirmed by ESPN and The Denver Post, among others. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Nuggets this season — his 17th in the NBA — and helped Denver reach the second round of the playoffs, falling in seven games to eventual Western Conference champion Oklahoma City. He underwent surgery after the season to repair multiple ligament tears in his right hand, an issue he played through during the season. At that time, Westbrook posted in his newsletter than he was 'grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon. The comeback is already in motion.' That would indicate that he is planning to play somewhere next season. Advertisement Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA selection and won the MVP award after the 2016-17 season. He's also part of the NBA's 75th anniversary team and has averaged 21.2 points and eight assists per game over his career. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Record-breaking viewership and attendance mark historic Women's College World Series
Texas pitcher NiJaree Canady throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas' Adayah Wallace, front, and Kayden Henry, back, celebrate after winning the Women's College World Series softball championship against Texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) The Texas Longhorns softball team celebrates after defeating Texas Tech 10-4 to win the Women's College World Series championship in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) The Texas Longhorns softball team celebrates after defeating Texas Tech 10-4 to win the Women's College World Series championship in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher NiJaree Canady throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas' Adayah Wallace, front, and Kayden Henry, back, celebrate after winning the Women's College World Series softball championship against Texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) The Texas Longhorns softball team celebrates after defeating Texas Tech 10-4 to win the Women's College World Series championship in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Women's College World Series has set viewership and attendance records. ESPN said in a news release that the average of 1.3 million viewers across 15 games on its platforms was the most-watched World Series ever, surpassing the record set in 2021. Advertisement Game 3 of the championship series, Texas' 10-4 win over Texas Tech for its first national title, was ESPN's most watched NCAA softball game ever with 2.4 million viewers. The previous high was 2.3 million for the 2007 Game 3 between Arizona and Tennessee. Games 1 and 2 both set championship series records with 2.1 million viewers each. Overall World Series viewership was up 24% from last year. Among non-championship games, the UCLA-Tennessee game on June 1 pulled in 2.2 million viewers with a peak of 3.9 million to deliver the best non-Finals WCWS game of all time. Tennessee's 5-4 win marked the best audience for a WCWS game in a decade. Oklahoma City's Devon Field, the site that will host softball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, hosted the most-attended World Series ever dating back to the first one in 1982. In all, 119,778 fans attended, with a session average of 11,978. Advertisement There were three session attendance records, including for the decisive Game 3 of the championship series. Session 4, which included Texas's 4-2 win over Oklahoma and Texas Tech's 3-1 victory over UCLA, set the record for any session with 12,595 fans. The numbers come on the heels of the new Athletes Unlimited Softball League's partnership with Major League Baseball. The attention was heightened for several reasons. Texas is the nation's second-largest state by population, and two teams from there played in the championship series. Texas and Texas Tech earned attention by beating Oklahoma, which had won four straight national titles. And Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady, who signed a $1 million-plus NIL deal before the season and another during the World Series, got the Red Raiders to the final. ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Will you support our consistent coverage of the Oklahoma Legislature?
Members of the Oklahoma Legislature listen as Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his State of the State Address in the House chamber of the state Capitol on Feb. 3, 2025. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) The legislative session has come to an end, and our team at Oklahoma Voice has been on the ground at the Capitol every step of the way. We dug into the budgetary disarray at the state's mental health department. We explained the controversy surrounding the state's new social studies standards. We analyzed the impact of a measure that could affect citizens' ability to place items on the ballot. And more! From covering key policy debates to breaking down what new laws mean for you, we're here to ensure that all Oklahomans can stay informed about what their elected officials are doing. This journalism is free for you to read, but it isn't free for us to produce. If you can, consider supporting our nonprofit newsroom today. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Thank you for being a part of this work. Every gift, no matter the size, supports our mission. Janelle Stecklein Editor
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas beats Texas Tech 10-4 in decisive 3rd game of WCWS to win its 1st national championship
Texas pitcher NiJaree Canady throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan reacts after striking out a Texas Tech batter during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates after throwing a strikeout during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas' Reese Atwood celebrates after the Longhorns score during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals agaisnt texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals agaisnt texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher NiJaree Canady throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan reacts after striking out a Texas Tech batter during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates after throwing a strikeout during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas' Reese Atwood celebrates after the Longhorns score during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan throws during the third game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals agaisnt texas Tech in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Mia Scott hit a grand slam, Teagan Kavan claimed another win and Texas defeated Texas Tech 10-4 in Game 3 of the Women's College World Series championship series on Friday night to win its first national title. Kavan, a sophomore, allowed no earned runs in all 31 2/3 innings she pitched at the World Series. She went 4-0 with a save in the World Series for the Longhorns (56-12). Advertisement Texas Tech star pitcher NiJaree Canady, who had thrown every pitch for the Red Raiders through their first five World Series games, was pulled after one inning in Game 3. She gave up five runs on five hits and only threw 25 pitches. Not even support from former Texas Tech football star Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, who were in attendance, could put the Red Raiders (54-14) over the top. Texas had lost to Oklahoma in the championship series two of the previous three years. Oklahoma was one of the teams Texas beat on its way to the championship. ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady breaks down after heavy pitching load in Women's College World Series
Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady threw every pitch for the Red Raiders in the Women's College World Series through the first two games of the championship series and the first inning of the third. Canady, who has signed a second NIL deal worth more than $1 million, finally broke down and was pulled after the first inning of Game 3 against Texas on Friday. After dominating much of the World Series, the two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year gave up five hits and five earned runs on 25 pitches. Advertisement Canady threw 88 pitches on Wednesday, 107 on Thursday and started Friday in the game that will decide the championship. She had no doubt she was going to pitch, despite going the distance in the previous five World Series games. 'I'm always going to play -- like throw my game, throw what I'm confident in,' Canady said after a 4-3 win over Texas in Game 2. 'It's gotten me through three years, so I'm just going to keep doing that.' Cat Osterman, one of the most decorated pitchers in U.S. softball history, says the heavy pitching load has taken a toll on Canady and Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan, but it's not quite like if a baseball pitcher did it. Osterman said because of the way a softball is released, fighting through is more about endurance and leg strength than arm pain. Advertisement 'It's more of being fatigued than it is being sore or painful,' she said. 'Obviously, with baseball guys, like it's a five day recovery period. And I know the upper body probably feels a lot worse than anything. And that's not the case for us.' Osterman, who is a general manager of the Volts in the Athletes Unlimited softball league that begins play Saturday, said softball pitching still is tough on the body. 'I'm not going to say there's not effort and strain on the arms, because absolutely there is, but it's not as much the arm as it is the legs,' she said. 'And so for us, it's a matter of can you train your body to have enough endurance, core and lower half, to sustain the impact of 200 pitches a day, etc. Osterman played for Texas back in the day when there were no off days at the World Series. Canady had breaks between games three times during this World Series. The first two were earned because of wins. The third was because there's an off day built into the schedule before the championship series. Advertisement Osterman said she understands why Canady kept going. Osterman, for all she achieved, never won a national title because she pitched during one of UCLA's championship runs. 'I mean, when you're this close to winning a national championship, there's nerves, there's adrenaline,' she said. 'It all plays a part.' ___ AP sports:
