The Indiana Fever received historic performances from Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston on Thursday night.
According to the WNBA’s official account on X, formerly Twitter, Clark and Boston became the first teammates in league history to each record a 30-point double-double in the same game during Indiana’s victory 114-106 over the Chicago Sky.
Two peas in a pod đ€
Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark became the FIRST teammates in WNBA history to both record a 30-PT double-double in the same game in tonightâs win vs. the Sky!
Boston finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, while Clark added 32 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.
The historic outing further highlighted one of the WNBA’s premier duos, as both stars delivered record-setting performances while leading the Fever to another impressive win. They moved to 7-5 on the season and currently sit third in the East behind the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream.
Taj Bradley and Joey Cantillo arenât just hot-start stories. They look like the real thing, and the numbers back up why these two AL arms are breaking outâand why itâs sustainable.
Taj Bradley: Command + Splitter = Problem
Bradleyâs journey from Rays phenom-in-waiting to legit Twins weapon has been bumpy, which makes this version of him even more intriguing. He destroyed the minors in Tampa Bayâs system, but his first two big league seasons were defined by peaks, valleys, and command that came and went start to start.
The low point came in 2025. After another uneven first half, the Rays flipped him to Minnesota at the trade deadline, and the Twins immediately sent him to Triple A to reset. When he did return, the results were rough: 23 runs in 31 1/3 innings down the stretch, the kind of line that makes you wonder if the hype was misplaced.
Then 2026 hit, and Bradley showed up in spring looking like a different pitcher. He won an Opening Day rotation spot, and through his first three starts for Minnesota, heâs 2â0 with a 1.08 ERA, looking every bit like a frontline arm instead of a project.
The biggest reason this feels real: the command. Bradleyâs walk rate has fallen to 5.7%, a huge improvement from his 8.6% career mark before this season. Thatâs not just a small tweakâthatâs a full profile shift. Pair that with a 31.4% strikeout rate, easily a career best, and you get a 25.7% K-BB%, seventh among qualified pitchers so far. Those are âace in the makingâ indicators, not ânice little hot streakâ numbers.
His stuff has also leveled up, especially the splitter. Bradley has bumped its usage to 21.6%, and hitters basically havenât touched it, whiffing 56.3% of the time they swing at it. Statcast currently grades it as the most effective splitter in baseball on a per-pitch basis, which explains why that strikeout rate has spiked.
If youâre looking for the one thing that could undercut this breakout, itâs command volatility. Last year, Bradley ranked 126th out of 127 pitchers with at least 100 innings in FanGraphsâ Location+ with a 93 score. This season heâs up to 97âstill a tick below league-average 100, but a real step forward. And thatâs the key: with this kind of raw stuff, he doesnât need to be a paint-the-corners control artist. He just has to stay close to league-average in location to pitch like an All-Star.
In other words, the breakout doesnât hinge on a fluky BABIP or a soft schedule. Itâs built on better strike-throwing, a weaponized splitter, and a pitch mix that actually fits his strengths. Thatâs the kind of foundation that holds up over 30 starts.
Joey Cantillo: Guardiansâ Next Pitching Creation
On the other side of the AL, Joey Cantillo is doing what Guardians pitchers do: showing up with new shapes on his pitches and turning them into wins. Clevelandâs track record with arms is already one of the best in baseball, and Cantillo looks like the next success story.
He spent 2025 bouncing between the rotation and bullpen, posting a 3.21 ERA across 34 games, 13 of them starts. It was solid, but not yet star-making. This year, he broke camp in the rotation and has immediately rewarded that trust with a 2.45 ERA and a 33.3% strikeout rate through his first three starts. His latest outingâa 9-strikeout, 5 2/3âinning win over the Royalsâperfectly showcased the updated arsenal.
The slider is the headline. Cantillo himself called it âdog waterâ last year, but a grip overhaul changed everything. The new version has added more than 11 inches of induced vertical drop, and now itâs generating a 37.5% whiff rate. Thatâs not a cosmetic tweak; thatâs turning a liability into a legitimate out pitch.
His changeup has joined the party, too. It already graded as a bat-missing weapon, and it showed why against Kansas City, drawing seven whiffs on 11 swings in that start. When a lefty can land a deep-breaking slider and then fade a firm changeup off it, hitters are guessing instead of reacting.
The legit question with Cantillo is not whether the stuff playsâit clearly doesâbut whether his body and efficiency can keep up. Heâs never thrown 120 innings in a professional season, and walks have been a recurring issue throughout his big-league time. If he learns to get deeper into games by cutting down on waste pitches, heâs not just a fun early-season story; heâs a long-term rotation pillar.
Why These Breakouts Feel Real
Both pitchers check the boxes you want when deciding if a breakout is sustainable:
Theyâre missing bats with specific, improved pitches, not just riding batted-ball luck (Bradleyâs splitter, Cantilloâs slider and changeup).
Their strikeout rates are backed by whiff-heavy arsenals, not just called strikes or generous framing.
Theyâve made clear, documented adjustmentsâmechanical, grip, and usage changesâthat explain the leap, instead of vague âbetter feelâ narratives.
Their only big red flags (Bradleyâs historical command issues, Cantilloâs workload and walks) are trending in the right direction, not getting worse.
Bradley doesnât need to become a precision command guy; with this splitter and strikeout profile, league-average location is enough for him to look like an ace for the Twins. Cantillo doesnât need to throw 200 innings right away; if he can stay on the mound and steadily stretch his workload, the Guardians have yet another homegrown weapon at the front of their staff.
As the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down, the Miami Heat find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position. Known for their “Heat Culture” and ability to overperform when it matters most, the front office is already looking past the play-in tournament toward a summer that could fundamentally reshape the franchise.
From roster clearing to superstar hunting, here is the latest on the Miami Heat.
Current Standings: Fighting for the Postseason As of early April 2026, the Heat sit at 41-37, currently occupying the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. While they have secured a spot in the Play-In Tournament, itâs a disappointing finish for a team with championship aspirations. They currently trail the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, leaving them with a steep uphill battle to even reach the first round of the playoffs.
The End of the Terry Rozier Era The biggest internal news involves guard Terry Rozier. Reports indicate, and from what I’m hearing is that the Heat are finalizing a way to release or waive Rozier before the postseason begins.
Rozierâs tenure in Miami has been complicated, to say the least. Having been away from the team for much of the season due to an ongoing federal gambling investigation, his $26.6 million contract has become a massive weight on the books. While the Heat held onto him through the trade deadline, hoping to use his expiring deal as a “chip,” no deal materialized. Waiving him now would finally open a roster spot, likely to be filled by promoting a young prospect like Vlad Goldin or Jahmir Young for the playoff push.
Andrew Wiggins: Staying Put? While some expected Andrew Wiggins to test the waters of free agency, the word around the league is that he is likely to exercise his $30 million player option for next season.
Wiggins has been a solid contributor for Miami, averaging roughly 15 points per game on efficient shooting (40% from deep). However, his decision to opt-in creates a complex puzzle for Pat Riley. While his contract is high, it also serves as a crucial “salary filler” in potential blockbuster trades. If Wiggins stays, he becomes the primary piece to balance the scales in a high-stakes move.
All In on the Greek Freak The worst-kept secret in Miami is the team’s obsession with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Background: The Heat reportedly went “all in” to acquire Giannis at the 2026 trade deadline. However, the Milwaukee Bucks weren’t ready to pull the trigger on a midseason total rebuild, and the deal ultimately fell through.
With the Bucks currently languishing in the bottom half of the East and tensions rising between Giannis and Milwaukee managementâexacerbated by a recent league investigation into how the Bucks handled his “shutdown” late in the seasonâthe door has swung wide open again.
The Summer Strategy:
The Market: Miami is expected to be the heaviest hitter in the market this summer.
The Package: A potential “Godfather offer” would likely center around Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and a haul of unprotected first-round picks. If Miami is willing to give that much up, it’ll be interesting to see.
The Goal: Pairing Giannis with Bam Adebayo to create the most formidable defensive frontcourt in NBA history.
Pat Riley has never been one to shy away from a big swing, and after failing to land his whale in February, the “Heat Check” this summer is going to be deafening. For Miami fans, the current 10th seed might just be the quiet before the storm
Rob Murrows covers the NBA with a focus on trade rumors, roster construction, and league trends. Follow @RobMurrows on X for the latest NBA updates and news.
The moment baseball has been waiting for is finally here.
Shohei Ohtani will take the mound Tuesday night for the Los Angeles Dodgers, making his first pitching appearance of the 2026 season against the Cleveland Guardians. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, and for the first time this year, Ohtani will fully return to his role as a two-way force.
This isnât just another startâitâs a milestone.
With Roki Sasaki taking the ball Monday and Yoshinobu Yamamoto scheduled for Wednesday, the Dodgers will become the first team in Major League history to start three consecutive Japanese-born pitchers in a single series.
A unique buildup to the moment
Ohtaniâs path to this debut didnât follow a traditional spring ramp-up.
For much of Spring Training, he was away from the Dodgers while competing in the World Baseball Classic, where he appeared exclusively as a hitter. That limited his early work on the mound, leaving questions about how quickly he could be stretched out to handle a full outing.
Once he returned, the progression accelerated.
Ohtani built up through bullpen sessions and live at-bats before making two spring appearancesâone in the Cactus League and another in the Freeway Series. Those outings showed he was further along than initially expected, putting him in position to open the season as a true starter rather than a limited option.
What to expect on the mound
Manager Dave Roberts is anticipating a typical starterâs workload, though nothing is rigid.
Roberts emphasized flexibility in how the team plans to handle Ohtaniâs innings, as first reported by Sonja Chen of MLB.com. (SOURCE)
âHonestly, with Shohei, youâve got to be willing to adapt. Because if heâs really efficient, then youâre still trying to win the game. And if it makes sense, Iâm not going to just pull the plug just because of a certain number.â
That mindset reflects the bigger picture.
The Dodgers understand that managing Ohtani isnât about strict pitch counts or inning limits. Itâs about feel, communication, and reading the momentâespecially with a player who impacts the game in multiple ways.
Balancing workload after recent seasons
Ohtaniâs return to the mound comes after a gradual buildup.
Last season, he posted a 2.87 ERA across limited innings while continuing to work back from his second major elbow surgery. His outings were carefully managed, often increasing workload incrementally rather than pushing for length.
Now, expectations shift toward a more complete role.
Even so, the Dodgers will continue to monitor his usage closely. The plan isnât static, and adjustments will be made based on how he feels between starts and how his outings unfold.
Elite arsenal still intact
From a talent perspective, Ohtani remains one of the most dominant arms in baseball.
He pairs upper-90s velocity with a deep mix of secondary pitches, giving him the ability to attack hitters in multiple ways. His command, when locked in, allows him to control at-bats and dictate tempo, while his ability to adjust mid-game separates him from most starters.
But the intrigue isnât just about stuff.
Itâs about how quickly he can settle back into a rhythm as a full-time two-way player.
Bigger implications for Los Angeles
For the Dodgers, this outing is part of a larger equation.
The rotation has talent, but also moving pieces early in the season. Ohtaniâs presence adds stability and upside, even if his workload is managed. If he returns to peak form, it changes the ceiling of the entire staff.
And beyond the numbers, thereâs the impact factor.
Few players in baseball can shift a gameâor a seasonâthe way Ohtani can when heâs fully active on both sides of the ball.
No one is immune to tampering in college footballânot even Ohio State football star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Following his second standout season with the Buckeyes, Smith revealed that another program attempted to lure him into entering the NCAA transfer portal.
âI wasnât surprised,â Smith said, as noted in an article by On3 Sportsâ Barkley Truax. âI knew, especially at the end of that game (vs. Miami in the Cotton Bowl), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasnât goinâ nowhere.â
Although Smith declined to identify the program, speculation intensified following his final game of the season against Miami. A Florida native, Smith played his high school football at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in nearby Hollywood, which only fueled rumors about a potential move closer to home.
Despite the outside noise, Smith never seriously considered leaving. While some believed he might enter the portal, he ultimately remained in Columbus and is set to return for what could be his final collegiate season. Widely regarded as one of the premier receivers in the sport, Smith is expected to be a top prospect whenever he declares for the NFL Draft.
Through two seasons, Smith has recorded 162 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. This past season, he totaled 87 receptionsâfourth most in the nationâfor 1,243 yards (also fourth) and 12 touchdowns (sixth).
Ohio State will open its 2026 season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5, before facing a significant early test on the road against Texas in Austin on Sept. 12.
The offensive showcase began in earnest Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the tight ends wasted no time making noise at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
After defensive drills wrapped up earlier in the week, the spotlight shifted to offensive skill players. The tight end group closed out Day 2, and Oregonâs Kenyon Sadiq delivered a record-breaking performance.
Kenyon Sadiq had one of the best days ever by a TE at the Combine:
Sadiq blazed to a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, officially becoming the fastest tight end in Combine history. The performance validated his status as one of the top prospects at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Oregon standout is coming off a career year, hauling in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns while serving as a key target for quarterback Dante Moore during the Ducksâ College Football Playoff run.
Stowers, Maryland Also Impress
Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt clocked a 4.51, tying for second among tight ends. A former quarterback, Stowers evolved into a dynamic offensive weapon, finishing 2025 with 62 receptions and 769 yards.
RJ Maryland of SMU also ran a 4.51, showcasing the athleticism that defined his four-year career with the Mustangs. Maryland totaled 1,495 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during his collegiate tenure.
Several others posted notable times, including LSUâs Bauer Sharp (4.63), Alabamaâs Josh Cuevas (4.65), and Ohio Stateâs Will Kacmarek (4.74).
Athleticism at the Position
The 2026 class features an intriguing blend of traditional in-line tight ends and hybrid weapons. Sadiq and Stowers also stood out earlier in the day during broad and vertical jumps, reinforcing the modern evolution of the position toward speed and explosiveness.
With tight ends concluding Fridayâs workouts, attention now turns to Saturdayâs headline group: quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.
Day 2 belonged to the tight ends â and the former Oregon Ducks standout made sure it will be remembered.
The Phoenix Suns are waiving guard Cole Anthony, per league sources. The Suns plan to sign forward Haywood Highsmith, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Rob Murrows covers the NBA with a focus on trade rumors, roster construction, and league trends. Follow @RobMurrows on X for the latest NBA updates and news.
As the 2025-26 NBA season marches toward the All-Star break, a significant cloud hangs over the Kaseya Center: the future of Tyler Herro. Despite being eligible for a veteran extension since October 2025, reports indicate that the Miami Heat and their former Sixth Man of the Year haven’t engaged in meaningful negotiations.
The silence between the front office and Herroâs camp isnât just a matter of procrastinationâitâs a calculated move by a franchise known for its “Heat Culture” and a player navigating a career-defining crossroads.
The Financial Landscape
Herro is currently in the third year of a four-year, $120 million rookie extension signed in 2022. While his current deal keeps him in Miami through the 2026-27 season, the window to lock him in long-term is wide open.
Eligibility: Herro was eligible for a three-year extension worth up to $149.7 million this past fall.
The Deadline: The October 20, 2025 deadline passed without a firm offer from the Heat.
Next Opportunity: Negotiations cannot officially resume until July 1, 2026.
If Herro were to make an All-NBA team this season, his potential extension value could skyrocket to a five-year “supermax” worth roughly $380 million. However, that reality seems distant given the current circumstances.
From what Iâm hearing, Tyler Herro and the Miami Heat front office still have yet to speak on an extension, will that change by July? Iâve been told Miami has been prolonging this with Herroâs camp.
Rob Murrows covers the NBA with a focus on trade rumors, roster construction, and league trends. Follow @RobMurrows on X for the latest NBA updates and news.
In order to hold his players accountable, Deion Sanders has instituted a new system that involves taking their NIL money. Colorado will now penalize those who fail to show up for class.
A $2,500 fine for missing practice is one of them. You will be charged $500 for being late. After the transfer portal closed, Coach Prime gave the team an introductory meeting, and you can view the complete list below.
Late to practice: $500
No show practice: $2,500
Late to meeting or film session: $400
No show meeting or film session: $2,000
Late to strength & conditioning: $1,000
No show strength & conditioning: $1,500
Late to treatment: $1,000
No show treatment: $1,500
Colorado players may also face fines of up to $5,000 for misconduct on social media or in public, and $2,500 for breaking team rules. Severity is the basis for both.
In addition to any early enrollees from the 2026 recruiting class, Colorado welcomes 41 new players into the program through the NCAA transfer portal. Since Sanders took over, the Buffs have consistently been active on the portal, and this year was no exception. But as a result, Colorado lost 34 players from the previous roster.
Brennan Marion and Robert Livingston, the coordinators, were among the coaches who were introduced to the players during the meeting. At the conclusion, Coach Prime addressed his team.
âIâm supposed to have 100-something men, but not everyoneâs a man right now,â Sanders told his new team. âBut through this processâand thatâs what I love, the process. Iâm really not in love with the results. Iâm in love with the process. I like the struggle. I like the journey. ⊠Weâre in the process right now.
âBut I need men. I donât need boys. I donât need blamers, or people thatâs on a list. I donât need naysayers. I donât need people who sold this court amongst other men, who talk about program, who talk about this. And Iâm not having it this year. Ainât no way in the world, because weâre winning whether you like it or not.â
Colorado will be looking to greatly improve on their 3-9 finish in 2025. This came after a nine-win season the year before, quarterbacked by Shedeur Sanders and led on both sides by Heisman Trophy-winning two-way star Travis Hunter. The Buffs will kick their 2026 season off against Georgia Tech on Sept. 5.
The decision not to file charges against Samson Nacua ends a brief but widely publicized legal situation tied to an alleged vehicle incident in Los Angeles.
NBC Los Angeles 4 reported this week that prosecutors will not pursue charges. Investigators determined the incident resulted from a genuine mistake rather than criminal behavior. (source)
Why Investigators Dropped the Case Against Samson Nacua
Investigators found that Nacua believed the vehicle belonged to his brother, Puka Nacua. The car closely matched his brotherâs vehicle in both model and color.
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Adou Thiero owned the vehicle. Officials stated the visual similarity caused the confusion. After reviewing the circumstances, investigators found no intent to steal. Thiero chose not to press charges.
Connection to Puka Nacua and the Rams
The story gained national attention because of Samson Nacuaâs connection to the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver. That connection placed the incident under broader NFL attention.
Once authorities clarified the mistake, the case ended without further legal action. The resolution confirmed the issue remained procedural rather than criminal.
Samson Nacuaâs Football Career Context
Nacua played college football at Utah and BYU before continuing his professional career. He recently earned selection by the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League draft.
Earlier this year, Nacua served a one-game suspension for an on-field incident during a previous UFL stint. Clearing this legal matter removes a potential obstacle as he works to regain momentum.
Conclusion
Investigators confirmed that Nacua was not charged, officially closing the case as a verified misunderstanding. The decision allows Samson Nacua to focus fully on football while leaving an unexpected off-field storyline behind him.
