64′ Arsenal 3-1 Manchester City
City look shell-shocked after conceding that sloppy goal seconds after going level, and they are punished!
Lewis-Skelly, just 18 years old and from Islington in north London, not far from here at all, receives the ball outside the box with his back to goal.
He turns, dribbles forward, looks like he’s going to shoot with his left foot but instead cuts back onto his right and lashes it towards the bottom-right corner.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who has been seriously dodgy today, gets a big hand to it but can only deflect it upwards into the top corner. He should probably do better, but Lewis-Skelly and Arsenal won’t care!
The young man then runs to the corner and does the ‘meditation’ pose made famous by Erling Haaland. Wonder what Haaland is thinking right about now…
Lewis-Skelly with a beaming smile that would light up the whole pitch in the January evening darkness. No floodlights needed!
In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal have taken a commanding 4-1 lead against reigning champions Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League showdown. The latest goal came from Kai Havertz, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to extend Arsenal’s lead.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Gunners look to secure a memorable victory against the formidable Manchester City side. Can they hold on to their lead and claim all three points? Don’t miss a moment of the action as we bring you the latest updates from this exciting match. #Arsenal #ManchesterCity #PremierLeague #HavertzGoal #LiveUpdates
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#Arsenal #Manchester #City #live #updates #Havertz #goal #Premier #League #rout #champions
The Nasdaq and S&P 500 rebounded on Tuesday, following a steep stock sell-off spurred by Chinese startup DeepSeek and the ripple effect its potentially cheaper AI model could have on Big Tech.
Bellwether Nvidia (NVDA) was the standout of the trading day, with shares finishing the day up nearly 9% after it shaved off a record $589 billion from its market cap in the previous session.
Aided by Nvidia’s gains, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) surged over 2%, coming off a closing loss of more than 3%. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose around 0.9%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) gained roughly 0.3%.
Notably, the tech sector notched its biggest two-day reversal in over two years after it notched its worst day since March 2020 on Monday.
Stocks began to chip away at losses booked in Monday’s tech-led rout, which came as buzz built for DeepSeek’s potentially cheaper AI model. That risk to US leadership in AI raised questions about whether chipmakers and other tech names can follow through on high earnings expectations.
With the DeepSeek risk in mind, focus is tighter on Big Tech earnings coming this week, with results from Apple (AAPL), Tesla (TSLA), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT) on the docket.
Investors also assessed a tougher tone on tariffs from President Donald Trump as markets look ahead to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday where the impact of his policies will likely be discussed.
The central bank is expected to leave interest rates unchanged, given recent solid economic readings.
The dollar (DX=F) strengthened after renewed tariff threats from Trump that revived worries about a trade war, already in focus after a brief standoff with Colombia. Trump said he wants universal tariffs “much bigger” than the 2.5% his incoming Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, reportedly plans to introduce gradually.
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The Nasdaq made a strong comeback today, jumping in an effort to chip away at the recent losses fueled by the DeepSeek controversy. The index was boosted by a nearly 9% surge in Nvidia’s stock price.
Investors were encouraged by the positive momentum in the market, with many seeing Nvidia’s strong performance as a sign of resilience in the tech sector. The chipmaker’s impressive gains helped to offset some of the losses seen in other tech stocks in recent days.
Despite the ongoing concerns surrounding DeepSeek and its impact on the market, today’s rally was a welcome reprieve for many investors. The surge in Nvidia’s stock price served as a reminder of the sector’s potential for growth and innovation.
As the market continues to navigate the fallout from the DeepSeek scandal, investors will be closely watching for any further developments. In the meantime, today’s gains offer a glimmer of hope for those who have been rattled by the recent market turbulence.
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#Nasdaq #jumps #chip #DeepSeekfueled #rout #Nvidia #surges
Tech shares are the main drag with Nvidia itself down some 11% in pre-market trading. A lot of attention is put on DeepSeek and Adam had the early scoop last week already here: China’s DeepSeek may have just upended the economics of AI
That’s leading to a broader fallout among chipmakers now as investors pick up on the development since the weekend. S&P 500 futures are now down 2.4% at the lows for the day with Nasdaq futures down 4.2%. It’s a bloodbath out there. Meanwhile, Dow futures are down 0.9% currently.
The flight to safety is leading 10-year Treasury yields down over 9 bps to 4.524% and USD/JPY down over 1% now to test 154.00 on the break of the 155.00 level earlier. The greenback was the lead gainer in Asia trading but has surrendered a chunk of its gains during European morning trade.
EUR/USD has turned things around from 1.0460 to 1.0500 now while GBP/USD is up from 1.2430 to 1.2500 on the session. USD/CHF has also dropped from 0.9060 to 0.8995 now as the equities selloff is also lighting a bid in the franc.
Going back to US stocks, the S&P 500 may have touched a record high last week but looks poised to erase all of the gains then at the open today. On the chart, it will still look like a blip but perhaps this could signal the start of a more meaningful retracement/correction after all the frothiness in 2024.
The rout continues with S&P 500 futures down over 2% now
The stock market turmoil shows no signs of easing up as S&P 500 futures are now down over 2% in early trading. Investors are grappling with concerns over rising inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, sparking a wave of selling across the board.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq is also feeling the pressure, with futures pointing to a sharp decline as well. The ongoing rotation out of high-growth stocks and into more defensive sectors is exacerbating the market selloff.
As uncertainty looms, investors are bracing for further volatility ahead. With the Federal Reserve signaling a more aggressive stance on tightening monetary policy, the market is facing headwinds that could potentially lead to more downside.
While the rout continues, some analysts see this as a healthy correction after the market’s prolonged rally. However, others warn that the situation could deteriorate further if economic data continues to disappoint and inflationary pressures persist.
As the market digests the latest developments, investors are advised to tread cautiously and consider their risk tolerance in these uncertain times. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation evolves.
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#rout #continues #futures
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LOS ANGELES — After applying public pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers to upgrade the roster with their statements off the court, LeBron James and Anthony Davis backed up their demands with a statement win at a critical juncture of the season.
The Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 117-96 on Thursday for their best win of the season. Los Angeles improved to 24-18 — reaching six games above .500 for the third time this season — and remains No. 5 in the Western Conference as it prepares to head out on a six-game, 12-day Grammys-induced road trip (the final game will be in Los Angeles against the Clippers).
The timing of the win was important on multiple fronts. In the jumbled West, every game matters. Lakers-Celtics games always mean more and delivering this type of win against this specific opponent is notable. Plus, the Lakers have struggled on the road, putting a greater emphasis on stacking up as many home wins as possible.
Beyond those valid reasons, though, the primary reason the victory was crucial was the noise that preceded the game. With two weeks until the Feb. 6 trade deadline, James and Davis made it clear that they believe this roster still needs work — and they’re unafraid to push for it more directly than in years past.
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On Wednesday, ESPN reported that James and Davis “have expressed that they want the franchise to make moves to contend for a championship” and believe the Lakers are “potentially a piece or two away” from contending.
On Thursday, Davis doubled down on that sentiment in an interview with ESPN that dropped roughly an hour and a half before tipoff between the Lakers and Celtics.
“I think we need another big,” Davis told ESPN. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the four and having a big out there. We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale (McGee) and Dwight (Howard) at the five and I’m at the four. … We are (a couple of pieces away). I feel like we are.”
It’s no secret that Davis has preferred to play power forward more than center, or that James and Davis want the Lakers to take bigger swings with their assets and improve the roster significantly. The latter fact has seemingly become an annual deadline tradition.
However, the way Davis’ preferences were revealed was a bit surprising given his typically quiet maneuvering. The mild-mannered star hasn’t tried to apply this type of pressure since he played for New Orleans, where he famously made a controversial exit in 2019. Citing the team’s needs publicly in a televised interview two weeks before the trade deadline is nothing if not a bold approach.
GO DEEPER
Lakers need to pick a direction. Are they serious about another championship run or not?
Davis was asked after Thursday’s game about his comments and if he feels the urgency to pressure the front office.
“We always want to have a championship mindset,” Davis said. “We always want it to be attainable. I think our front office is, obviously, working. (Lakers general manager) Rob (Pelinka) is working on trying to better the team. But for us, it’s about going out and playing. Whether something happens or not, we have to go out and compete with whatever is in this locker room. Just like we did tonight.
“We’re gonna go on the (Grammy) trip. Not sure what’s gonna happen. I know he (Pelinka) is always working on the phones and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, we can’t try to wait on anything. We gotta go out and compete and do what we gotta do to win basketball games.”
When asked a follow-up question about what he feels his biggest advantage is playing the four versus the five, Davis explained that he’s more comfortable at the four because of his familiarity and prior success at that position.
“I only started playing the five in 2021,” Davis said. “I’d have stretches, but I was primarily a four. So my whole career I’ve been playing the four. And we’ve seen how I play. I just feel a little bit more effective (at the four). I mean, (playing the five) has its advantages and disadvantages. But the front office knows that. I’ve told them that every year I’ve been here. So it’s nothing new. But I just feel like, personally, I’m a better player at the four.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game that he and the organization have been aware of their respective perspectives for quite some time.
“No reaction,” Redick said. “I mean, the reality is that’s not a new report. I got the job six months ago. So I know that. I’ve followed this team since I retired. Just put a date next to it, that’s the report. It’s not a big deal.
“Those guys wanna win, we wanna win. And again, it’s a challenging environment to just go out and make trades. Feel very fortunate that we’re able to execute and get someone like Dorian Finney-Smith on our team. And we’ll continue to look over the next couple of weeks.”
The off-court developments overshadowed the on-court developments, which was unfortunate for the Lakers considering how well they performed.
They outplayed the defending champions, leading by as many as 28 points and withstanding multiple Boston mini-runs that would’ve rattled a less-focused group. The Lakers executed Redick’s one-through-five switching plan, cross-matched Davis on Jaylen Brown and Rui Hachimura on Kristaps Porziņģis, and even outshot the Celtics, making one more 3-pointer and shooting almost 9 percent better from beyond the 3-point arc.
They took care of the ball (six turnovers), dominated the glass (plus-11 margin), and made their free throws (18 of 20 for Lakers versus 12 of 18 for Celtics). Davis (24 points, eight rebounds and three blocks) James (20 points, 14 rebounds and six assists) and Austin Reaves (23 points and six assists) all played well. Hachimura, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht made timely plays and played their roles.
HE’S DOING THAT AT 40?! pic.twitter.com/qCYsBuaRGh
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 24, 2025
At the same time, the consequences of Davis publicly calling for another center and saying the group is another piece or two away is fascinating. It’s setting up, potentially, for something of a standoff between the front office/organization and its two superstars.
The Lakers stars prefer the all-in path of trading picks and young players to create the best roster possible. Meanwhile, the organization is trying to balance the present and the future and has a higher bar for trading its first-round picks and younger foundational players. And that tension sets up a riveting two-week lead-up to the deadline.
While the Lakers have certainly done a laundry list of notable favors for James and Davis recently — drafting and signing Bronny James, signing other Klutch Sports clients to the back end of the roster and largely allowing both to structure contracts however they’d like — they haven’t been as favorable when it’s come to bigger roster decisions since the Russell Westbrook debacle (a disaster so colossal it continues to have ripple effects throughout the organization).
James has wanted a third All-Star-caliber player for years, be it Kyrie Irving, Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine. If the Lakers gave him the type of roster he covets, it would look fairly different than the current one.
The same can be said for Davis, who said he’s tried to get the franchise to invest more heavily in the center position. Instead, it’s been more of an afterthought from a roster construction perspective with the Lakers revolving through DeAndre Jordan, Howard, Wenyen Gabriel, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, Damian Jones, Tristan Thompson, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood and Harry Giles over the past four seasons.
That’s an uninspiring list; none of those players are legitimate options in a championship-level rotation. And the problem has persisted into this season with a two-way center, Christian Koloko, being arguably the Lakers’ best backup big up so far (and him coming up against the 50-game limit for two-way players sooner than expected).
To Redick’s point, the Lakers took a shrewd midsized swing on Finney-Smith, and he’s looked the part of a playoff-caliber 3-and-D wing. At the same time, there are obvious holes on the roster, like a better backup center, a better backup ballhandler/shot creator and another two-way wing. And if the group is serious about competing, it needs to address at least one, if not two of those deficiencies.
The pressure is now on the front office and ownership to respond — or not respond — to James and Davis. There’s no going back. It was one thing in the past when there were rumors or anonymous reports about how James and Davis felt. But Davis put his name to his feelings, implying he’ll be disappointed if changes aren’t made.
Perhaps this push was too late. Maybe it’ll make a difference. The answer won’t be known, likely, for close to two weeks.
The stakes of this trade deadline were already clear, but now they’ve been raised to an even higher level. There will be a lasting fallout from this situation that will likely impact the franchise’s direction this summer and beyond.
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(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)
LeBron James, Anthony Davis ramp up off-court statements with on-court rout of Celtics
LeBron James and Anthony Davis made quite the statement on the court as they led the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant win over the Boston Celtics. But it wasn’t just their performance on the court that caught everyone’s attention.
Off the court, both James and Davis have been making headlines with their strong statements and actions in support of social justice and equality. From speaking out against racial injustice to using their platforms to advocate for change, both players have been at the forefront of the fight for a more just society.
Their on-court performance against the Celtics was just another reminder of the power and influence these two players have, both on and off the court. With James and Davis leading the charge, the Lakers look poised to make a deep playoff run and continue to make a positive impact in the world around them.
As they continue to dominate on the court and use their platforms to make a difference off the court, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are proving that they are not just basketball superstars, but leaders in their communities and beyond.
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LeBron James, Anthony Davis, NBA, Los Angeles Lakers, Celtics, basketball, off-court statements, on-court rout, sports, rivalry, Lakers vs Celtics, NBA playoffs, LeBron and Anthony Davis, basketball game, NBA superstars, Lakers victory, sports news.
#LeBron #James #Anthony #Davis #ramp #offcourt #statements #oncourt #rout #Celtics
James Harden had 17 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for his 79th career triple-double and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in routing the NBA-worst Washington Wizards 110-93 on Thursday night.
Harden surpassed the late Wilt Chamberlain for the eighth-most triple-doubles in league history.
Norman Powell led the Clippers with 22 points — 14 in the fourth — and Derrick Jones Jr. added 19. Kawhi Leonard had 15 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes. He reached his minutes limit late in the third and didn’t play the rest of the game to manage his surgically repaired right knee.
Jordan Poole had 24 points and nine assists for the Wizards, who lost their 12th in a row while falling to 1-19 on the road and 6-37 overall.
Washington got within 12 points in the fourth on Kyle Kuzma’s 3-pointer before the Clippers ran off 10 in a row — eight by Powell — to keep the game out of reach.
Wizards: They had five players in double figures but managed just one sustained run. The 8-0 spurt was started by two consecutive Clippers turnovers and it left the Wizards trailing by 19.
Clippers: They had all their best players back one night after Leonard, Harden, Powell and Ivica Zubac were sidelined in an overtime loss to the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
The Clippers outscored the Wizards 19-4 to open the second, hitting five 3-pointers in that span, to take a 25-point lead. The Clippers stretched their lead to 27 points on a basket by Jones in the third.
The Clippers had 29 assists on 40 made shots.
The Wizards visit Phoenix on Saturday, when the Clippers host Milwaukee.
In a dominant performance, Norman Powell scored 22 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 110-93 victory over the NBA-worst Washington Wizards. The Clippers put on a clinic on both ends of the court, holding the Wizards to just 93 points while scoring over 100 themselves.
Powell’s scoring outburst was a key factor in the Clippers’ victory, as he shot an efficient 8-12 from the field, including 4-6 from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess was complemented by strong performances from his teammates, with Paul George chipping in 18 points and Reggie Jackson adding 15 points.
The Clippers’ defense was suffocating throughout the game, forcing the Wizards into tough shots and causing turnovers. They held Washington to just 41% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers.
With the win, the Clippers improved to 45-30 on the season and solidified their position in the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Wizards dropped to 21-54 and continued to struggle in what has been a challenging season.
Overall, it was a complete team effort for the Clippers as they cruised to a 110-93 victory over the Wizards behind Powell’s impressive scoring display. The team will look to build on this win as they continue their push towards the playoffs.
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Powell, Clippers, NBA, Wizards, basketball, rout, score, victory, game, sports, Los Angeles, Washington, Bradley Beal, Paul George, highlights, stats, performance, winning streak, dominant, player, team, arena, matchup
#Powell #scores #Clippers #rout #NBAworst #Wizards
LOS ANGELES — Kristaps Porzingis remained in a bright spot in the ugliest loss of the year for the Celtics on Thursday night against the Lakers. The big man posted a team-high 22 points in and seven rebounds, shooting well from the field (9-of-16) and 3-point range (2-of-5). Amid up and down play from the team over the past month, Porzingis has turned into arguably Boston’s most consistent performer in January. He’s averaging 19.4 points per game on 48 percent shooting. His 3-point shooting woes have disappeared (46.7 percent). These are all promising signs for a guy coming off a major offseason leg surgery.
“I’m feeling pretty good, honestly,” Porzingis said Thursday night. “I’m having again good starts early on. Guys are finding me early on. I’m hitting shots. My percentages and 3-pointers are going up. Starting to feel better physically. I’m getting there. If I’m not there, I’m getting there. It’s a good sign. I want to keep playing this way and all of us just to have more consistent performances as a team and we’ll be good.”
This stretch is probably about as good as it gets from Porzingis for Boston, at least offensively. He’s been looking like his efficient self from last year, feasting against mismatches in postups again while also hitting the 3-ball again with more regularity (38.4 percent on the season).
Despite this stellar month, the Celtics are just 5-4 in January in games he’s played and are just 7-5 in the month overall. Therein lies the concerning part of this equation for the Celtics. For awhile, Boston could point to the need to reintegrate Porzingis as the cause for their mediocre stretch. Now? Porzingis is far from the problem. He’s been one of their biggest weapons, yet the inconsistency remains.
The starting five has found its footing again and collectively, they played well against the Lakers in 12 minutes (plus-20 net rating). That’s three straight strong performances from that unit. Everything else beyond that specific grouping struggled Thursday night.
Boston’s offense is floundering a lot in different areas on the whole. The 3-point shooting remains mediocre. Boston’s starting backcourt has disappeared offensively most nights. Jaylen Brown’s 3-point shooting has sharply regressed. Payton Pritchard is falling back to earth more often. Collectively, Boston has looked like an ordinary team for more than a month now. The group is 10-10 in their last 20 games after a 21-5 start, yet there is no concern within the locker room after the loss.
“I’m not concerned but it’s a part of just navigating the year,” Jaylen Brown said. “Anything can happen. We just need to finish through All-Star break strong and then get ready to gear up going in towards the playoffs and just continue to stay with it, stay with it, stay the course, stay the course, because I feel like we’re still the best team out there. We’ve just gotta put it all together.”
Porzingis also pointed to the tough schedule reality of the matchup Thursday as a way to explain a lethargic performance.
“I think we’re starting to play better, but we just didn’t have a good night tonight,” Porzingis said. “We had a back-to-back. That has to go into the equation, so that’s honestly what it is a little bit. But to be honest I feel like we are starting to play better and I think we’ll be fine.”
Boston’s championship pedigree gives them the ability to earn some benefit of the doubt here. Yet, it’s hard not to feel like this is a different team this year despite the same names returning unless things start to shift soon. An uneven week has turned into an uneven month and contenders generally don’t alternate wins and losses for weeks on end in the regular season.
With no back-to-backs on the horizon until after the All-Star break, the time is now for this Celtics team to show they can play consistent basketball again. Porzingis is ahead of schedule getting back to his old self but his successful return has not hidden other warts that keep emerging within this group.
In last night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis made a bold statement by disguising a grim Celtics sign in the midst of the Lakers’ dominant performance.
As the Lakers were cruising to a comfortable victory, Porzingis, who was sitting on the bench, was caught on camera holding up a sign that appeared to be in support of the Celtics. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the sign actually read “Just Kidding, Go Lakers!”
This playful prank by Porzingis not only added some humor to the game but also showed his support for his new team, the Lakers. It was a light-hearted moment in an otherwise intense matchup between two historic rivals.
Despite the Celtics suffering a tough loss, Porzingis’ antics provided a moment of levity in the game and showcased his playful personality off the court. It’s clear that Porzingis is already fitting in well with his new team and is ready to embrace the Lakers’ winning culture.
Overall, Porzingis’ clever disguise of the grim Celtics sign added some fun to the game and further solidified his place as a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
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Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, basketball, game recap, player performance, rivalry, Lakers vs Celtics, NBA matchup, game analysis, sports news, NBA highlights
#Kristaps #Porzingis #disguises #grim #Celtics #sign #Lakers #rout
STORRS — During practice this week, UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma said he pointed out to first-year transfer Kaitlyn Chen that she hadn’t hit a 3-pointer in the entire month of January.
Chen, who graduated from Princeton last spring, sagely replied that there were more than a week of games still to play before the end of the month, and she quickly proved her own point in the Huskies’ 100-57 rout of Villanova at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night. Chen hit her first shot from beyond the arc since Jan. 1 early in the second quarter to give UConn its first 20-point lead of the game, then added another midway through the third that kicked off an 11-2 run for the Huskies. It was just her second game of the season with multiple made 3-pointers and the 12th of her college career.
“Seeing the ball go in today, that was just great,” Auriemma said. “I told her I couldn’t wait for January to end, because she was 0-for in January … But she’s a Princeton kid, so she said there’s still a lot of time left in January, and she was right. Today, she was really, really good. In a lot of ways, she was really good.”
Chen was Auriemma’s first transfer signee since 2022 and joined the roster with a reputation as a prolific scorer. She averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds in her senior season at Princeton, excelling against even top competition: Chen led the Tigers with 17 points and seven assists when they faced UConn at Gampel Pavilion back in 2022, and she led Princeton to three consecutive berths in March Madness averaging 17 points across five game appearances in the tournament.
But when she arrived in Storrs, Auriemma said he felt the graduate transfer deferring too much to the other stars on the roster. Surrounded by 11 former McDonald’s All-Americans on a court adorned with dozens of Final Four and NCAA Championship banners, Chen struggled to figure out where she fit with the Huskies.
“It’s not easy coming in and trying to fit with with a group like this,” Auriemma said. “Somewhere along the line, I think she had a little too much respect for our guys. She just constantly kept saying, ‘I’m with all these really good players.’ I’m like, where? Just play, you know? You’re here, you’re on the team, don’t worry about it. And I think that’s she’s worked through all that, I hope.”
On a team with multiple elite scorers, Chen is seeing significantly fewer touches than she did at Princeton. She is logging less than 25 minutes per game for the first time in her career and averaging a career-low 6.1 points, but her efficiency is at an all-time high shooting 51.1% from the field. Against Villanova, the pieces finally came together for the graduate transfer: She was UConn’s third highest scorer with a season-best 17 points shooting 7-for-8 from the field, and she also added a pair of assists, a block and a steal.
Part of Chen’s breakthrough came from UConn’s decision to simplify its offense over the last week. Auriemma said after a win over Seton Hall on Sunday that the coaching staff “slashed” the playbook to help streamline the system, and the benefits have been immediate. The Huskies scored more than 90 points in just one game this season — their historic shooting performance against Iowa State — before logging 95-plus in each of their last two games. The team has also had two of its most efficient outings against Seton Hall and Villanova, shooting a combined 60.9% from the field and 53.1% on 3-pointers.
“I feel like it’s helped us flow really well within our offense. We’re getting we’re getting a lot of touches. We’re just moving the ball super well side to side, and getting a lot of open shots,” Chen said. “I feel like just getting to my pull up, I haven’t really looked for it very much this year, so once I started looking for it more, and just having the confidence of my teammates having my back and knowing that definitely helps.”
It’s difficult to grasp where UConn truly stands in the national picture amid a weak season for the Big East, though the Huskies already boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the country and rank top-15 in turnover margin. Their biggest weakness has been a lack of offensive depth behind Bueckers and Strong, but Chen discovering her offense again could be game-changing with star guard Azzi Fudd and sophomore Ashlynn Shade both hitting their own hot streaks in recent weeks. That small lineup gives UConn five legitimate 3-point shooters on the floor at one time with Fudd and Shade both shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc, and the Huskies can also run looks with multiple different ball handlers between Bueckers, Chen and sophomore KK Arnold coming in off the bench.
“I didn’t really have a particular vision of where we’d be, but I was hopeful that someone would rise up and and it wouldn’t be the Paige Bueckers show … because it can’t be that to win a championship” Auriemma said. “Right from the very first game, Sarah did it … and today was more of a combination of things. As long as we have people contributing, I think we’re where we need to be, because we’re getting contributions from a lot of people, and I wasn’t sure who that was going to be … Little by little, we’re starting to get that but the last two (games) it looks like these guys have been together a long time, and they haven’t been.”
Kaitlyn Chen breaks through in UConn’s rout of Villanova
In a dominating performance by the UConn women’s basketball team, freshman guard Kaitlyn Chen emerged as a standout player in their 87-52 victory over Villanova.
Chen, who has been steadily improving throughout the season, had a breakout game against the Wildcats, scoring a career-high 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field. She also added 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in her impressive all-around performance.
The 5’9″ guard showcased her scoring ability, shooting efficiency, and playmaking skills, making a significant impact on both ends of the court. Her energy and aggressiveness on defense helped disrupt Villanova’s offense, leading to turnovers and fast-break opportunities for UConn.
Head coach Geno Auriemma praised Chen’s performance, highlighting her growth and development as a key contributor to the team’s success. “Kaitlyn has been working hard in practice and it showed in her performance tonight. She played with confidence, made smart decisions, and helped us execute our game plan effectively,” Auriemma said.
With Chen’s breakout game and the team’s overall dominant performance, UConn continues to solidify their status as a top contender in women’s college basketball. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kaitlyn Chen as she looks to make a lasting impact and contribute to the team’s pursuit of a national championship.
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#Kaitlyn #Chen #breaks #UConns #rout #Villanova
The Boston Celtics have responded well to losses all season long, and Monday’s game vs. the Golden State Warriors was no exception.
After falling to the Atlanta Hawks in overtime Saturday, the C’s started their four-game West Coast road trip with an emphatic 125-85 victory. The win brought them to 12-1 this season after a loss with an average margin of victory of 21.7 points, according to WEEI’s Justin Turpin.
After the Celtics’ win over the Warriors, Jaylen Brown spoke about the team’s mentality heading into the matchup.
“We’ve just got to fight,” he told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin. “We’ve just got to fight to get a win. It’s the NBA, it’s tough to get a win each and every night. Coming off a long flight, tough game, overtime, we just wanted to come out as a team and do it together.”
It’s been a rough stretch for the reigning champions. Boston entered Monday’s game with an 8-8 record over its last 16 games. Perhaps the midseason malaise is nothing to worry about, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr asserted before the matchup, but it’s been difficult to ignore some of the red flags that have appeared over the last month.
Heading out west after the brutal loss to Atlanta presented another stiff test for the C’s, and they passed with flying colors.
“Tonight was just a mindset win,” Brown said. “Our bodies not feeling great, overtime, long flight, early game, nobody made an excuse. We just come out and just tried to put our best foot forward.”
Brown played a key role in the win, notching 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting while adding four rebounds and two assists. He also took on the challenge of guarding Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, who finished with 18 points on a modest 6-for-16 from the floor (4-13 3-PT).
The 2024 NBA Finals MVP hasn’t looked like himself at points this month, but he stepped up to lead the bounce-back effort. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla spoke after the game about handling players who are going through struggles and how he attempts to get them back on the right track.
“One, you trust them,” Mazzulla said. “You trust the work that they’ve put in their career. You trust the work they put in daily. I think that’s a huge part of that. These guys go through so much on and off the court.
“So, it’s a lot of trust, just seeing the way he carries himself, and I think it’s my job to (ask), ‘Hey, how can I put you in better situations?’ So, I think it’s a high level of communication that you try to have, and just whatever they need, you try to make sure us as a staff and team can put them in the best position.”
Brown and the C’s will look to duplicate Monday’s performance when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Tip-off for that matchup is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.
The Boston Celtics’ dominant victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night was more than just a statement win on the scoreboard. According to NBC Sports Boston, the rout was a “mindset win” for the Celtics.
From the opening tip, the Celtics came out with a focused and determined approach, setting the tone for the game early on. They played with a sense of urgency and intensity that was unmatched by the Warriors, who seemed to struggle to keep up with Boston’s relentless energy.
The Celtics’ defense was particularly impressive, holding the Warriors to just 39% shooting from the field and forcing 20 turnovers. Their ability to disrupt Golden State’s offense and turn defense into offense was a key factor in their commanding victory.
But it wasn’t just their defensive prowess that stood out – the Celtics also excelled on the offensive end, with multiple players stepping up and contributing to the scoring effort. Jayson Tatum led the way with 26 points, while Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart also made significant contributions.
Overall, the Celtics’ performance against the Warriors was a testament to their mental toughness and resilience. They showed that they are capable of competing at a high level against top teams in the league and that they have the mindset to overcome any challenges that come their way.
As the Celtics continue their season, this “mindset win” could serve as a turning point for the team, propelling them to even greater success in the future. It was a statement victory that showed the rest of the league that the Celtics are a force to be reckoned with.
Tags:
#Celtics #rout #Warriors #mindset #win #NBC #Sports #Boston
Steve Kerr drew the ire of Celtics fans this past summer after a controversial benching of Jayson Tatum during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The drama surrounding the move has quieted down in recent months as the NBA season continued but resurfaced again on Monday. Cameras caught Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown appearing to give Kerr the cold shoulder after Boston’s blowout win over Golden State.
The Warriors coach did his best to downplay any apparent tension between him and Tatum however in an appearance Tuesday on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco. Despite the perceived on-court snub, Kerr spoke about his relationships with all Celtics with Team USA ties and how they connected postgame.
“Great, fantastic conversations and interactions with former USA guys, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown I coached him in 2019 at the World Cup,” Kerr said. “It’s always really fun to see guys that you have a relationship with. I got a chance to visit with all those guys including Jayson (Tatum) after the game (Monday) night. It was great to see them and I’m always pulling for guys I have coached.”
Kerr went on to detail his interaction with the Celtics All-Star after Boston handed the Warriors their worst home loss in Kerr’s tenure as coach.
“We texted after the game in Boston a couple of months ago and we talked last night after the game,” Kerr said. “I will tell you that Jayson was an absolute dream to coach. During all that stuff, that so-called controversy, you might notice there wasn’t a single quote from Jayson. It was everybody else talking about it. Jayson’s an amazing guy and an incredible player and he couldn’t have handled it any better when he was there.
“The reality is it’s 2024, these guys are all in the spotlight. There’s so much pressure on them and that whole thing was overblown and also just a modern media type thing. He handled it beautifully, we won a gold medal, everybody’s happy. I don’t even think about it anymore to be honest with you.”
Tatum and the Celtics won’t see Kerr or the Warriors again this season after Monday’s win. The team continues their road trip in Los Angeles on Wednesday night against the Clippers.
In a post-game press conference following the Celtics’ dominant win over the Warriors, Steve Kerr addressed the perceived snub of Jayson Tatum in the NBA All-Star selections. Kerr highlighted Tatum’s exceptional performance in the game, showcasing his talent and impact on the court.
Kerr emphasized Tatum’s versatility and scoring ability, praising his offensive prowess and defensive skills. Despite not being selected as an All-Star this year, Kerr emphasized Tatum’s importance to the Celtics and recognized his potential as a future All-Star.
The coach’s comments shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding Tatum’s exclusion from the All-Star lineup and sparked discussions about the criteria for All-Star selections. Kerr’s acknowledgment of Tatum’s talent and contributions to the Celtics further solidified the young star’s status as one of the league’s rising stars.
Overall, Kerr’s remarks served as a reminder of Tatum’s undeniable talent and potential, fueling the ongoing conversation about his All-Star snub and solidifying his place as a key player in the league.
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#Steve #Kerr #addresses #perceived #Jayson #Tatum #snub #Celtics #rout
9:23 pm CT January 21, 2025
Eugene Rapay, the Register’s Iowa State beat reporter, provides instant analysis from the Big 12 victory at Hilton Coliseum. An assist to Register columnist Travis Hines for this link via X/Twitter:
9:08 pm CT January 21, 2025
Joshua Jefferson finished with 30. It had been a minute since a Cyclone reached that number (Caleb Grill in 2022, according to ESPN+).
Iowa State shot 56%, had a 43-29 rebounding edge, forced 16 steals and had an 18-5 advantage in fast-break points. And T.J. Otzelberger emptied the bench in the final two minutes.
Any way you slice it, a dominant performance by the Cyclones.
8:55 pm CT January 21, 2025
The Cyclones hit the road later this week for a two-game road trip in the Grand Canyon State. At Arizona State on Saturday, then at Arizona on Monday. A tough three-day stretch in a different time zone. Will be a good challenge for the Cyclones.
Let’s see if Joshua Jefferson can get 30 points in this game, eh? He’s at 26 with 3:58 left.
Keshon Gilbert also having a big night. 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting with eight assists.
Here’s a dunk from Nate Heise:
8:43 pm CT January 21, 2025
Jefferson up to 26 points now, Gilbert with 19, Jones with 13, and it’s a big party at Hilton Coliseum.
Jefferson has 15 in the second half.
Another great stat: Iowa State has a 42-18 advantage in points in the paint.
8:33 pm CT January 21, 2025
It’s the Joshua Jefferson Game. He has a career-high 23 points. Iowa State is shooting 58% from the field.
Something to keep an eye on − Des Moines Register Cyclones columnist Travis Hines sent this note to his subscriber text-messaging group:
“Tamin Lipsey has grabbed at that thumb in pain that he hurt at WVU probably 3-4 times tonight. It’s definitely something that’s bothering him.”
More:Join Travis Hines’ Cyclone Insider text-messaging group for behind-the-scenes access
8:25 pm CT January 21, 2025
Not sure why we needed another media timeout here, but we got one anyway. Joshua Jefferson scored four points in a row to put the Cyclones’ lead back at 15.
Jefferson has 19 points to lead the team.
8:20 pm CT January 21, 2025
UCF made five field goals in a row, so T.J. Otzelberger called for a timeout. The Knights have outscored the Cyclones 14-7 so far this half. Iowa State needed a reset to get back to playing defense like it knows how.
UCF was 4-for-4 on 3-pointers in the first 3:12 of the second half.
7:59 pm CT January 21, 2025
The Cyclones scored 57 points on Saturday at West Virginia. They almost matched that total in 20 minutes tonight vs. UCF.
Iowa State is in complete control, and there’s no reason to think that’s going to change. The Knights don’t know what hit them in that first half in front of a raucous Hilton crowd.
Gilbert with 13 points to lead the team. Jefferson with 11 (including two pretty 3-pointers). Jones with 10 (and a team-high six rebounds). Watson with seven points and three rebounds in six minutes off the bench.
A really impressive half for Iowa State. Do you think that loss at West Virginia ruffled some feathers?
7:48 pm CT January 21, 2025
Iowa State looks poised to take over this game, with Joshua Jefferson hitting a pair of free throws and then a 3-pointer to help the Cyclones take a 12-point lead.
Stat of the game so far: Iowa State has 23 rebounds, UCF has nine. Dominant effort on the glass by the Cyclones.
7:37 pm CT January 21, 2025
Iowa State went on a 3-point shooting spree in that stretch. One by Demarion Watson, one by Keshon Gilbert and another by Curtis Jones.
The Cyclones suddenly led by seven before UCF scored the last five before the media timeout.
Iowa State 11 of 20 from the field. UCF is 9 of 21. (Eight turnovers now for ISU).
7:26 pm CT January 21, 2025
Keyshawn Hall has six points for UCF, with Dallan Coleman close behind with five, and UCF has taken the lead with a 7-0 run.
Five turnovers now for the Cyclones. That has allowed the Knights to get their transition game going.
7:11 pm CT January 21, 2025
Curtis Jones with four quick points as the teams settle into the game. Cyclones with two early turnovers. We just started.
6:45 pm CT January 21, 2025
6:43 pm CT January 21, 2025
6:42 pm CT January 21, 2025
Cyclones beat reporter Eugene Rapay has the latest on the sophomore’s hand injury.
6:30 pm CT January 21, 2025
Eugene Rapay, the Register’s Cyclones beat reporter, previews Tuesday’s Iowa State vs. UCF game.
6:15 pm CT January 21, 2025
6:00 pm CT January 21, 2025
Record: 15-2 (5-1 Big 12)
*Indicates Big 12 Conference game
5:30 pm CT January 21, 2025
The game will be exclusively streamed on ESPN+, which requires a subscription.
5:00 pm CT January 21, 2025
The Iowa State vs UCF game starts at 7 p.m. CT from Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
4:30 pm CT January 21, 2025
TV channel: None
Livestream: ESPN+
Iowa State vs UCF will not be shown on national television. The game will be exclusively streamed on ESPN+, which requires a subscription.
The Iowa State Cyclones dominated the UCF Knights in a stunning victory at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones came out strong from the start and never let up, showcasing their talent and tenacity on both ends of the court.
Led by standout performances from key players, the Cyclones overwhelmed the Knights with their high-octane offense and suffocating defense. The crowd at Hilton Coliseum was electric as they cheered on their team to a commanding win.
This victory serves as a statement for the Cyclones as they continue to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. With this impressive win under their belt, the Cyclones are sure to be a team to watch as the season progresses. #Cyclones #HiltonColiseum #Dominance
Tags:
#Cyclones #rout #Knights #Hilton
