Latest news with #MostValuable
France 24
15 hours ago
- Sport
- France 24
Thunder ready to play for all the marbles - Gilgeous-Alexander
"The way I see it, we sucked tonight," Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, said after the Thunder's bid to close out the Pacers ended in a 108-91 defeat in Indianapolis. Averaging more than 30 points per game in the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander scored just 21 to go along with four rebounds, two assists and eight of the Thunder's 21 turnovers. "Some of them I think was carelessness, not being as focused, not being engaged," he said of the Thunder's uncharacteristic turnovers. "They played harder than us tonight as well. When a team plays harder, they turn the other team over." Gilgeous-Alexander's eight turnovers were more than his seven baskets, but Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said the defeat was on the entire team. "First of all, credit Indiana," Daigneault said. "I thought they obviously earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes. "That's the story of the game. They went out there and attacked the game. "From our standpoint, it was uncharacteristic," Daigneault added. "It was disappointing. It was collective. It wasn't one guy. Just we were not where we needed to be on either end of the floor for much of the game." Gilgeous-Alexander admitted that the chance of clinching the franchise's first title since it relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 was "definitely in the back of our minds. "Now, we didn't play like it at all," he added. "That's why the night went the way it did. We got exactly what we deserved, what we earned. We have to own that." But he didn't think he and his Thunder teammates -- who ousted the Denver Nuggets with a lopsided game-seven win in their Western Conference semi-final series -- needed to find something new. "I don't feel like I have to do anything other than just be the best version of myself," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I think that goes for everyone else in the room. We just have to bring what we bring to the table, what we've brought to the table all year. "One game for everything you ever dreamed of," he added. "If you win it, you get everything. If you lose it, you get nothing. It's that simple." © 2025 AFP
GMA Network
15 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
NBA Finals: Thunder ready to play for all the marbles — Gilgeous-Alexander
The Oklahoma City Thunder "sucked" in a sloppy, lopsided game six loss to the Indiana Pacers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, but he's confident they have what it takes to claim the title in game seven. "The way I see it, we sucked tonight," Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, said after the Thunder's bid to close out the Pacers ended in a 108-91 defeat in Indianapolis. Averaging more than 30 points per game in the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander scored just 21 to go along with four rebounds, two assists and eight of the Thunder's 21 turnovers. "Some of them I think was carelessness, not being as focused, not being engaged," he said of the Thunder's uncharacteristic turnovers. "They played harder than us tonight as well. When a team plays harder, they turn the other team over." Gilgeous-Alexander's eight turnovers were more than his seven baskets, but Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said the defeat was on the entire team. "First of all, credit Indiana," Daigneault said. "I thought they obviously earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes. "That's the story of the game. They went out there and attacked the game. "From our standpoint, it was uncharacteristic," Daigneault added. "It was disappointing. It was collective. It wasn't one guy. Just we were not where we needed to be on either end of the floor for much of the game." Gilgeous-Alexander admitted that the chance of clinching the franchise's first title since it relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 was "definitely in the back of our minds. "Now, we didn't play like it at all," he added. "That's why the night went the way it did. We got exactly what we deserved, what we earned. We have to own that." But he didn't think he and his Thunder teammates -- who ousted the Denver Nuggets with a lopsided game-seven win in their Western Conference semi-final series -- needed to find something new. "I don't feel like I have to do anything other than just be the best version of myself," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I think that goes for everyone else in the room. We just have to bring what we bring to the table, what we've brought to the table all year. "One game for everything you ever dreamed of," he added. "If you win it, you get everything. If you lose it, you get nothing. It's that simple." — Agence France-Presse elated content
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Panthers rout Oilers to capture second NHL Stanley Cup in a row
Panthers become the first NHL club since Tampa Bay to win back-to-back titles MIAMI: The Florida Panthers, powered by Sam Reinhart's four-goal effort, captured their second consecutive Stanley Cup on Tuesday, defeating Edmonton 5-1 to win the NHL Final. Florida goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 shots while Matthew Tkachuk added a goal for the Panthers, who took the best-of-seven series 4-2. 'It's incredible,' Florida's Brad Marchand said. 'It's a feeling you can't really describe... words can't put this into reality how great it feels. Such an incredible group.' After claiming their first crown last year, the Panthers become the first NHL club since Tampa Bay in 2020-21 to win back-to-back titles. Florida beat Edmonton in seven games in last year's Stanley Cup final after squandering a 3-0 series lead, but this time dominated the last two games to hoist the trophy again. 'It's an amazing feeling,' Bobrovsky said. 'They are amazing, the group. I'm so privileged to be their goalie. It's a dream come true and to win that trophy twice, it's amazing.' Not since Montreal beat Boston in 1977 and 1978 had a team defeated the same foe in the final two years in a row. The Panthers, who also lost to Vegas in the 2023 final, obtained Tkachuk in a 2022 trade with Calgary and haven't missed the final since. 'We're a dynasty,' Tkachuk said. 'And I can't believe this is what has happened... It just shows how unbelievable the group is, the depth.' Reinhart became only the fourth player to score seven goals in an NHL Final after Jean Beliveau in 1956, Mike Bossy in 1982 and Wayne Gretzky in 1985. 'It's not easy coming back again,' Reinhart said. 'You know how hard it is to do. Sometimes that benefits you and sometimes it doesn't. 'We just stuck with it. A lot has to go your way to be standing here at the end. We were up to task again.' Florida players took turns skating a lap on the ice after the game with the trophy lifted above their heads. Florida center Sam Bennett, who scored five goals in the final, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. 'It's incredible,' Bennett said. 'This was harder than last time. We put in so much work. There are 25 MVPs in this group. It's the best feeling in the world.' The Oilers, seeking their sixth crown overall, have not won the Cup since 1990. No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since Montreal in 1993. Marchand, obtained in a trade from Boston where he won a Cup in 2011, scored six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. 'We just had that fire,' Marchand said. 'We knew we had something special.' Florida became only the eighth NHL team to clinch the Cup on home ice in back-to-back seasons, the first since the Oilers in 1987 and 1988. Reinhart runs wild Just 4:36 into the game, Reinhart stole the puck from Edmonton's Evan Bouchard at the blue line, evaded defender Mattias Ekholm and beat Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner one-on-one to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. It was the 29-year-old Canadian right wing's league-leading 15th goal of the playoffs, coming a day after Reinhart was named to Canada's 2026 Winter Olympic team. Tkachuk, named to the 2026 US Olympic squad, made it 2-0 for the Panthers just 47 seconds before the end of the first period. Reinhart made it 3-0 with 2:29 remaining in the second period, deflecting in an Aleksander Barkov shot. The Oilers pulled Skinner in favor of an extra attacker in desperation and Reinhart made them pay by scoring two goals into the empty net. Vasily Podkolzin scored for Edmonton with 4:42 remaining to avert a shutout. — AFP
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lamar Jackson's recent honor isn't one that should be swept under the rug
Lamar Jackson's recent honor isn't one that should be swept under the rug Lamar Jackson was presented with the Pro Football Writers of America MVP Award today at Minicamp. Lamar Jackson sat until the final selection of the 2018 NFL Draft's first round. That's kind of hard to believe now, isn't it? Four quarterbacks were taken before him. You're more than welcome to make your own theories about who they were and where they landed: Baker Mayfield (taken 1st overall), Sam Darnold (3rd), Josh Allen (7th), Josh Rosen (10th). Ozzie Newsome's final first-round selection as Baltimore Ravens GM was a jackpot addition. The guy we all refer to as 'Action' Jackson hasn't disappointed very often. Four Pro Bowls in his first seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens have followed his selection (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)... So have three First-Team All-Pro nods (2019, 2023, 2024)... He led the NFL in passing TDs during the 2019 NFL season. He was pro football's passer rating leader five years later. The Associated Press has twice named him the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Recently, he earned another well-earned distinction, but it got swept under the rug. That type of thinking should be changed immediately. Lamar Jackson accepts the PFWA MVP trophy For the third time, Lamar Jackson has been named the Pro Football Writers Association's MVP. He was presented with his trophy at Ravens minicamp. Things are seemingly going well, and it's easy to fall in love with the way things are progressing. He's connecting with his teammates and receivers. Baltimore recently announced the signing of his buddy Jaire Alexander. QB1 and The Flock have labeled the coming season as their revenge tour. Everyone approves. They took a step backward last January by being eliminated in a Divisional Round road game after losing a home AFC Championship Game one year prior. They've moved past disappointment to refocus. The coming campaign is about winning it all. As long as Lamar is in the mix, they have a shot at beating anyone they line up against. This recent honor indicates that his value as one of the game's best players is appreciated. Congratulations to QB1. This is another well-deserved mention, one that didn't get enough press. Consider this an attempt to right that wrong and offer credit where credit is due.
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Toronto Sceptres bring back key forwards Natalie Spooner and Jesse Compher
Natalie Spooner is staying put. The Sceptres ' forward and former PWHL's Most Valuable Player has signed a two-year extension to stay with Toronto through 2026-2027. 'As someone born and raised in Toronto, it means so much to represent my hometown. This city, this team, and our amazing fans have a special place in my heart,' the 34-year-old star said in the team statement announcing her signing Tuesday. 'I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue building something special here and can't wait to bring a Walter Cup to Toronto.' Spooner, who previously played for the Toronto Furies in the defunct Canadian Women's Hockey League, took the PWHL by storm in the first season and finished it with the league-leading 27 points and 20 goals. But a devastating ACL injury took her out of the playoffs and she stayed sidelined until this past February. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Sceptres' general manager Gina Kingsbury said in a statement that Spooner remains a significant 'piece of the puzzle' for Toronto on and off the ice. 'She is a world-class athlete that has shown just how impactful she can be in this league. With her determination and work ethic, we know Natalie will come back in Season 3 ready to help our team be successful,' Kingsbury said. Spooner's teammate and fellow forward Jesse Compher also received a similar two-year extension to stay in Toronto, as the team continues to retool and get ready for a new season after losing several players earlier. Compher, 25, had a productive season with Toronto and recorded 18 points (9-9-18) in 30 regular season games this past season. 'Playing in front of a sold-out crowd in the best city, with the most passionate fans, is an absolute honour,' Compher said in the statement. 'Over the past two years, my teammates and coaches have made this place feel like home, and I can't wait to get to work with this group.' Hockey Toronto Six star Elaine Chuli set the standard for the goalie renaissance in the PHF With the second-most wins in PHF history, Chuli is part of a group of elite goalies, which is led by Pride netminder Corinne Schroeder this season. Hockey Toronto Six star Elaine Chuli set the standard for the goalie renaissance in the PHF With the second-most wins in PHF history, Chuli is part of a group of elite goalies, which is led by Pride netminder Corinne Schroeder this season. The team had announced earlier Tuesday that goaltender Elaine Chuli signed a one-year deal along with forward Claire Dalton, the first two signings for the Sceptres this off-season. They both played the past two seasons with the Montreal Victoire. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Elaine brings consistency to our team,' general manager Kingsbury said in a statement. 'A proven goalie in the league, she brings a lot of traits we value both on and off the ice. We are also excited to have signed Claire Dalton, who brings size, a great shot and a high ceiling.' Chuli helped the Toronto Six win the Isobel Cup in 2023 in the defunct Premier Hockey Federation, a year after winning the league's goaltender of the year award. 'I couldn't be more excited to be coming home to Toronto and joining the Sceptres for next season,' the Waterford, Ont., native said in a statement. 'I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent this city and this organization, and I'm ready to compete to bring a championship back to Toronto.' The signings come after Toronto fell to the Minnesota Frost in the PWHL semifinals for the second straight season. Kristen Campbell, the PWHL goalie of the year two seasons ago, had a strong end to her regular season but struggled in the playoffs against Minnesota, giving up seven goals in Game 3, and posting a 4.55 goals-against average over three games in the series. Head coach Troy Ryan opted to start backup Carly Jackson in the deciding Game 4, even though she had only played one PWHL game in her career, with regular backup Raygan Kirk out with injury. Both Jackson and Kirk are signed for next season. The 31-year-old Chuli, who grew up idolizing Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph, started in 10 of her 11 appearances for Montreal this past season, finishing with a 2-2-1-6 record and a 2.42 GAA while backing up Ann-Renée Desbiens. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The Sceptres' attack could use some help too, after they lost Sarah Nurse (expansion draft) and Hannah Miller (free-agent signing) to Vancouver. Dalton will be expected to help. The Toronto native had 18 points during her two-season tenure in Montreal, after 133 points in her college career at Yale University. 'I'm looking forward to coming home and playing in front of friends and family,' Dalton said in a statement. 'I've admired the competitiveness and style of play Toronto has demonstrated these past two seasons and hope to contribute positively to an already great group.' The two signings are just the first step in trying to fill out roster holes ahead of next season. Aside from Nurse and Miller, the Sceptres also lost Izzy Daniel (Vancouver), Julia Gosling (Seattle) and Megan Carter (Seattle) in the expansion draft. More new names will be added to the roster during next week's PWHL entry draft, with Toronto holding the third pick in the expanded eight-team league.
