Latest news with #Phoenix
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Suns hit with ‘no leverage' reality in Kevin Durant trade talks
The post NBA rumors: Suns hit with 'no leverage' reality in Kevin Durant trade talks appeared first on ClutchPoints. The 2025 NBA Finals is nearing its conclusion, and in essence, so is the 2024-25 NBA season, but talks about the possible trade destination of Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant are already taking up so much space in the headlines. The future Basketball Hall of Famer has been linked to a number of teams, but so far, nothing serious has truly come out of it, as Durant remains in Phoenix's fold. Advertisement What there is little to deny is the intent of the Suns to move the former NBA Most Valuable Player somewhere else. They tried to accomplish that before the 2025 NBA trade deadline last February, but ultimately kept him for the rest of the campaign. With the Suns failing to make the NBA Playoffs, their attention has shifted largely to restarting trade talks involving Durant, who have a short list of preferred landing spots. Phoenix will want a big return for the all-time great, but they may not have that much power on the negotiation table to demand such, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Wrote Rankin: 'The Suns have 'no leverage' in part because of Durant's age and because he wants to start fresh elsewhere, league sources say. The idea of Kevin Durant returning to a team that entertained deals for him before the 2025 trade deadline isn't a pleasant one.' Durant's list includes the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. The Spurs are rumored to be the 'specific team' that the 15-time NBA All-Star would want to get traded to, but San Antonio hasn't come up with a package enough for Phoenix to pull the trigger. The former Texas Longhorns star, who will turn 37 years old in September, has a year left on the four-year $194.22 million contract extension he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, before Phoenix acquired him in 2023 via a blockbuster four-team trade that involved the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Advertisement Durant is set to earn $54.7 million in the final year of his current deal, which will be for the 2025-26 season. But wherever Durant lands, that team will have an aging but still very much dangerous offensive weapon that averaged at least 26.0 points per game in the last nine seasons (excluding 2019-20). Related: Spurs rumors: Ex-San Antonio VP reveals major hold up in Kevin Durant trade Related: NBA rumors: Shams claims Heat, Rockets 'a piece or 2 away' from Kevin Durant trade
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Family of tragic Phoenix Spencer-Horn raise thousands for Women's Aid days after killer admits horrific murder
LASTING LEGACY Family of tragic Phoenix Spencer-Horn raise thousands for Women's Aid days after killer admits horrific murder THE FAMILY of a young woman who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend have been thanked for raising thousands to support Women's Aid. Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, was savagely attacked in a flat she shared with Ewan Methven in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire. Advertisement 3 Phoenix Spencer-Horn was murdered by her boyfriend Credit: Facebook 3 Evil Ewan Methven admitted the brutal killing Credit: PA She was strangled and repeatedly stabbed before evil Methven severed her head and attempted to dismember her body. Her heartbroken relatives and friends raised money for Women's Aid services and help others across Scotland. The Glasgow branch of the charity thanked her loved ones and said she will never be forgotten. Glasgow Women's Aid said: "Phoenix Spencer‑Horn was only 21 when her life was taken. Brutally murdered in the flat she shared in East Kilbride on 18 November 2024. Advertisement "Her partner, Ewan Methven, has admitted to the savage and brutal killing: stabbing her, strangling her, then dismembering her body, attempting to conceal his crime. "Now her family and friends are left grieving and living with something unimaginably evil. "In the middle of heartbreak, they've raised thousands of pounds for Women's Aid services, not just here in Glasgow, but across Scotland. "Her name, Phoenix, now stands for more than loss. It stands for action. For change. For refusing to let her story end in silence. Advertisement "This is what it means to rise from the ashes. To take this devastating crime and use it to protect others." They added: "Phoenix should still be here. But her legacy is one that's lifting others up, and that matters. Turning pain into action. Refusing to let her name be forgotten. The explosive detail that could tie Costa Del Sol assassination to Daniel clan amid fears of revenge "Glasgow Women's Aid sends our love, support and thanks to Phoenix's family and friends." Methven pled guilty to murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at the High Court in Glasgow earlier this week. Advertisement The court heard he choked Phoenix, of Strathaven, before severing her head and trying to remove her limbs and torso from her body. Earlier that day, Methven, who worked as a postman, had complained her waitress shifts at the Strathaven hotel made him 'lonely'. He then covered up the killing for two days and messaged her mum in a bid to make it seem like her daughter was still alive. Methven spent the weekend driving her Corsa, scrolling through her phone and searching 170 times for internet pornography as well as making several attempts to buy cocaine. Advertisement The killer claimed that the murder happened during a psychotic episode induced by cocaine, alcohol and steroids. Phoenix's mum Alison Spencer later said the family had been left 'shattered' and would remain 'broken forever' over their loss. Methven, of East Kilbride, will be sentenced next month. 3 Phoenix's family have raised thousands for Women's Aid Credit: Facebook
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Returning Kahleah Copper is Mercury's final piece of ‘death lineup'
The post Returning Kahleah Copper is Mercury's final piece of 'death lineup' appeared first on ClutchPoints. From the moment Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally joined the Phoenix Mercury, Kahleah Copper was in elite company. Together, the three of them create a death lineup that could take the league by storm. Advertisement However, Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces marked the first time all three players played together this season. After all, Copper missed the beginning of the Mercury's season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Not to mention, Thomas missed five games with a left calf issue. As a result, Sabally has been the most consistent presence on the court of the three, even with her checkered injury history. In Las Vegas, though, the three stepped on the court together for the first time. Even with Copper only playing 19 minutes, she posted 11 points and showed that her injury worries were a thing of the past. Advertisement Meanwhile, Thomas posted another double-double and had 13 assists. To make things sweeter, Sabally had another 20+ point performance in Sin City. An 8-4 record is impressive, and the team is 1-0 with Copper playing alongside her two new superstar teammates. It's a one-game sample size, but there is reason to be excited for Phoenix's future. The so-called 'death lineup' highlights versatility, elite scoring, playmaking, and a concerted effort on the defensive side of the ball. Still, more pieces to the puzzle go beyond what statistics say. Kahleah Copper is the Mercury's leader of the death lineup © Candice Ward-Imagn Images Although Phoenix has Thomas and Sabally leading in their unique ways, the former Rutgers star is different. During the Mercury's training camp, Copper's leadership was her key area for improvement. Advertisement During her time playing in Unrivaled over the offseason, there were moments of her taking control in a huddle, after a play, or simply navigating which players needed to be talked to differently. Even center Natasha Mack praised Copper's leadership ability and credited her patience in growing with her and other players on the team. Head coach Nate Tibbetts has consistently given her flowers for rallying everyone together. Even though she was sidelined to start the season, she attended every one of Phoenix's games. In huddles, she was hyping up Thomas, Sabally, and the rest of her team. The culture starts with Copper, as she and Tibbetts have a clear understanding of where the team can go. Advertisement The championship expectations within the Mercury organization are as old as the day. The franchise itself has three titles. Still, Copper has one, and the other two stars are searching for their first. An aligned pursuit of the best prize in the WNBA is at the forefront of everyone's mind, and having Copper as the clear leader throughout the journey will be a major boost. Kahleah Copper can be the Mercury's top scorer © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images While Sabally is leading the team in scoring, Copper's ability is otherworldly. She's consistent when it comes to attacking the basket and getting downhill with authority. She and Thomas will have a field day in transition. That, combined with Sabally's inside-out game, makes a true three-headed monster that's hotter than the Phoenix heat. Advertisement The Mercury's +2.2 net rating so far this season is impressive, especially when considering the number of injuries the team has had. No matter who has been on the court, the team's defense has been outstanding, only allowing 77.6 points per game. And while there has been a lack of offensive firepower at times, bringing back one of the top scorers in the WNBA will put a stamp on that side of the ball. Having a playmaker in Thomas and a dual threat in Sabally should help create wide-open lanes for Copper to get plenty of looks at the basket and free-throw attempts if she gets fouled. Her fluidity in the schematics might be a work in progress as she advances in game speed. Once that comes, the league might have to start worrying about what's brewing in the Valley of the Sun.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liberty's Breanna Stewart shatters WNBA record in performance vs. Mercury
The post Liberty's Breanna Stewart shatters WNBA record in performance vs. Mercury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Breanna Stewart made WNBA history during Thursday's matchup between the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury. Advertisement In 37 minutes of action, Stewart finished with a stat line of 35 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. She shot 11-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Stewart made history in the process, per StatMuse. She broke a tie with Brittney Griner and A'ja Wilson for the most 30-point games on 60% shooting from the field in WNBA history. What's next for Breanna Stewart, Liberty John Jones-Imagn Images Despite Breanna Stewart's historic efforts, the Liberty were unable to get past the Mercury in an 89-81 loss. New York had a 65-64 lead going into the fourth quarter. However, Phoenix outscored them 25-16 in the last 10 minutes to stun the hosts and secure the road win. The Liberty lost Jonquel Jones due to injury, leaving the squad short by one starter as the Mercury took advantage. Advertisement New York struggled with Phoenix's physicality on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 42-32. The hosts also failed to protect the ball, committing 19 turnovers as they proved to be costly down the stretch. Only two players scored in double-digits on New York's behalf, including Stewart. Sabrina Ionescu had a rough shooting night against the Mercury's defense. She had 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals but shot 3-of-16 overall, including 1-of-10 from downtown. Natasha Clous came next with eight points and 10 assists, while Nyara Sabally provided seven points and seven rebounds. New York fell to 10-2 on the season, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are two games above the Atlanta Dream and 3.5 games above the Indiana Fever. The Mercury will look to bounce back in their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Seattle Storm on June 22 at 7 p.m. ET. Related: Liberty's Jonquel Jones suffers injury scare vs. Mercury Related: How Nyara Sabally's EuroBasket decision is already paying off for the Liberty
Fox Sports
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Phoenix visits Chicago following Akoa Makani's 21-point game
Associated Press Phoenix Mercury (10-4, 6-4 Western Conference) at Chicago Sky (3-8, 1-6 Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Chicago Sky after Monique Akoa Makani scored 21 points in the Mercury's 89-81 victory over the New York Liberty. The Sky have gone 1-3 in home games. Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 86.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Mercury are 4-2 in road games. Phoenix ranks eighth in the WNBA with 33.8 rebounds per game. Satou Sabally paces the Mercury with 8.5. Chicago's average of 6.4 made 3-pointers per game is 1.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game Phoenix allows. Phoenix averages 80.5 points per game, 5.8 fewer points than the 86.3 Chicago allows to opponents. The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mercury won 94-89 in the last matchup on May 28. Sabally led the Mercury with 20 points, and Ariel Atkins led the Sky with 21 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Atkins is averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, nine assists and 1.8 steals for the Mercury. Sabally is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Sky: 3-7, averaging 77.0 points, 35.7 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.6 points per game. Mercury: 7-3, averaging 81.9 points, 34.2 rebounds, 20.3 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.3 points. INJURIES: Sky: Moriah Jefferson: out (leg), Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). Mercury: Megan McConnell: out (knee). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. recommended
