Boston Sports

Sox Trade Luis Urias

November 18, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – The Boston Red Sox today announced the following roster moves:

Acquired right-handed pitcher Isaiah Campbell from the Seattle Mariners, in exchange for infielder Luis Urías.
The club will not tender a 2024 contract to right-handed pitcher Wyatt Mills. As a result, Mills will become a free agent.
Boston will tender 2024 contracts to all 29 remaining unsigned players on their Major League roster. Eight players are already under contract for 2024: Rafael Devers, Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, Rob Refsnyder, Chris Sale, Trevor Story, Garrett Whitlock, and Masataka Yoshida.

The Red Sox’ 40-man roster is now at 37.

Campbell, 26, went 4-1 with one save, a 2.83 ERA (9 ER/28.2 IP), a .210 opponent batting average, and 33 strikeouts in 27 games for the Mariners during 2023, his Major League debut. The right-hander was one of eight rookies last season to make at least 25 appearances and post an ERA below 3.00. He owns a 2.01 ERA (20 ER/89.2 IP) in 61 career minor league games (four starts), including a 2.63 ERA (8 ER/24.0 IP) in 23 games for Double-A Arkansas in 2023. The Portugal native was selected by Seattle in Competitive Balance Round B of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a degree in criminal justice.

Urías, 26, was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on August 1, 2023 and played in 32 games for the Red Sox, batting .225 (20-for-89) with 13 runs scored, four doubles, two home runs, and 13 RBI. The right-handed hitter played in 52 Major League games overall during 2023, appearing in 39 at second base and 19 at third base. Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the San Diego Padres on December 27, 2013, the Mexico native has batted .234 (331-for-1,412) with 192 runs scored, 48 home runs, and 180 RBI in 445 games with San Diego (2018-19), Milwaukee (2020-23), and Boston (2023).

Pastrnak Leads Bruins Past Sabres

November 15, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

BUFFALO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – David Pastrnak logged a goal and two assists while four teammates each scored their first goal of the season as the visiting Boston Bruins beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Tuesday night.

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Danton Heinen, Brandon Carlo, Oskar Steen and Hampus Lindholm also scored for Boston, which extended its unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1).

The Bruins never looked back after scoring twice in the first 4:09 and had 3-0 and 5-1 leads at the intermissions. Pavel Zacha and Charlie McAvoy each contributed two assists to Boston’s attack while Bruins goalkeeper Linus Ullmark made 32 saves, improving to 6-1-1.

Victor Olofsson scored both goals for Buffalo, which finished with a 34-32 shots advantage.

Devon Levi made 13 saves on 18 shots before Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen entered in relief late in the second period. Luukkonen stopped all 14 shots he faced.

Boston netted its second and third shots on Levi within a span of 1:08 early in the opening period. At 3:01, Heinen got the scoring started outside the crease, burying the rebound of McAvoy’s shot from above the right circle.

Pastrnak caught Zacha’s cross-ice pass for a one-time goal from the left circle, doubling the Bruins’ lead at the 4:09 marker.

It was 3-0 after the opening frame. At 15:14, after Ullmark scurried out of his net to break up an odd-man rush, Carlo finished a great passing sequence with Pastrnak and Zacha as the trailer coming down the slot at the other end.

The Boston lead ballooned to 4-0 at 4:07 of the second. Buffalo defenseman Owen Power turned a puck over right to Steen, who was left wide open in the left circle for a finish through a screen.

The Bruins continued the scoring on the power play when Pastrnak set up Lindholm’s shot from the center point at 12:23.

Olofsson got the Sabres on the board with 4:53 left in the middle frame, collecting the carom of Power’s shot off the end wall.

Olofsson spun in the slot and buried JJ Peterka’s feed with 4:48 remaining, but the Sabres could not find another goal on a late 6-on-4 with Luukkonen pulled.

Sabres forward Tage Thompson suffered separate lower-body and upper-body injuries during the game. After being initially listed as questionable to return in the first period, he took four shifts in the second period and was forced out after taking McAvoy’s shot off the hand.

Buffalo captain Kyle Okposo became the 381st skater in NHL history to reach 1,000 games played and the 12th to do so as a Sabre.

–Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Nov. 12

November 13, 2023 by Terry Lyons

While We’re Young (Ideas) Looks at Boston Common Golf

By TERRY LYONS

BOSTON – There’s a new sports franchise in town and its players will begin hitting golf balls this January with games in Palm Springs Gardens Florida, not The Country Club or TPC Boston. Let’s welcome Boston Common Golf to the Commonwealth and jump on the “merch” to stuff your Christmas stockings, just before the initial TGL Season Preview on ABC this December 30th.

TGL is a connection to Tiger Woods’ brand and is backed by Woods and PGA Tour superstar Rory McIlroy.

Fenway Sports Group introduced the team this week at a press gathering at MGM Fenway a little while after the players were given a tour of the ballpark.

The TGL season will begin on Tuesday January 9, 2024, with coverage of ESPN and ESPN+. The first match will be broadcast at 9pm ET, a day after the College Football National Championship game.

The second week of matches will be broadcast Tuesday, January 16 at 7pm ET, a day after the NFL plays its Monday Night Football wild card playoff game. The promotional value of the CFP and NFL should not be lost on fans, as TGL golf executives carefully picked the dates to find open windows in the “big event” and NFL playoff game schedules. They’ll switch from Tuesdays to Mondays to allow the PGA Tour players time to travel to the next tour stop on Monday night or Tuesday morning, especially as the Tour swings through the home base of Florida and the Southeastern USA at the same time of year.

Mike McCarley, Founder & CEO, TMRW Sports and TGL and former golf executive for NBC Sports and the Golf Channel is calling the shots and has been working on the concept for nearly three years.

One by one, McCarley checked the items off his “To Do” list, partnering with Tiger Woods, attracting talents like Rory McIlroy and scores of others, securing an IP deal with the PGA Tour itself – proving its far better to work in conjunction with the Tour rather than to butt heads much the way LIV Golf made the scene a couple years ago.

In addition to introducing the four players (McIlroy, New England’s own Keegan Bradley, Australia’s Adam Scott and England’s Tyrell Hatton) to call the Boston Common Golf their home team, the TGL rolled our news releases this week like putts on a practice green .

On the same day the Boston Common Golfers were introduced, the general rules and the introduction of a shot clock to golf were put in place along with a handful of other assorted goodies revealed:

The SoFi Center, a purpose-built arena (studio) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on the campus of Palm Beach State College, will act as home base. Full use of technology is a foundational element of TGL, and it will offer fans a progressive, shorter format presentation of team golf.
The Custom-Built Venue is a first-of-its-kind experience for golf enabled by a data-rich, virtual course paired with a tech-infused, short-game complex.
TGL Teams: The six TGL teams will each have four players assigned. A TGL match will feature three players competing for each team in a modern match play format.
Modern Match Play: TGL matches will feature two teams squaring off across two sessions: nine holes of Triples, 3 vs. 3 team alternate shot, and six holes of Singles, head-to-head competitions. Each hole is worth one point and most points wins the match.
Tech-Enabled Fan Experience: There will be a high-energy, greenside fan experience (picture the Phoenix (Waste Management Open) with every shot live within a two-hour televised match. All TGL players will be mic’d up.
Referees will be employed to monitor the shot clock and rules.
Inaugural Season: 15 regular season matches followed by semifinals and finals matches, on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ in the U.S.

The league also announced Jupiter Florida as its sixth (and final) franchise for the 2024 season. It’s no secret, Woods hails from Jupiter and he’ll be cashing sports franchise owner David Blitzer’s checks when the competition begins.

Blitzer is personally investing in Jupiter Links GC and is the first person to hold equity stakes in five North American major sports teams. Blitzer founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment with Josh Harris and is co-chairman and managing partner of its portfolio highlighted by the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), New Jersey Devils (NHL), Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR). Blitzer also is a co-owner of the Cleveland Guardians (MLB) and Washington Commanders (NFL). Additionally, Blitzer is a General Partner of Crystal Palace Football Club (English Premier League) and owns stakes in a variety of soccer clubs around the globe, including Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Utah Royals of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Blitzer needs to back a WNBA franchise and he’ll be in business.

(L to R: (PR emcee) is Zineb Curran, Lev, Bradley, Hatton, Scott and McIlroy. (Photo @DigSportsDesk)

Here’s a look at the TGL’s full ownership as of November 10th:

Atlanta Drive GC: led by Arthur M. Blank, AMB Sports and Entertainment (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstores). Team roster currently includes Justin Thomas.
Boston Common Golf: led by John Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, and Fenway Sports Group (Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racing). As previously mentioned , team roster currently includes Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adam Scott. The team will be run by club president Mark Lev of Fenway Sports.
Jupiter Links GC: led by Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures and David Blitzer (Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Cleveland Guardians, Washington Commanders, Crystal Palace FC, Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals, Joe Gibbs Racing). Team roster currently includes Tiger Woods.
Los Angeles Golf Club: led by Alexis Ohanian (Angel City FC), Seven Seven Six, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams; as well as limited partners the Antetokounmpo brothers, Alex Morgan, Servando Carrasco, and Michelle Wie West. Team roster currently includes Collin Morikawa.
TGL New York: led by Steven A. Cohen (New York Mets), Cohen Private Ventures.
TGL San Francisco: a group led by Avenue Sports Fund with Marc Lasry, the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry; and limited partners Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson. Iguodala, by the way, was just named executive director of the NBA Players Association.

Look for a “Western Division” in either Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona or Frisco, Texas to pop-up in a year or two, allowing Tour players based in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas (among other locales) to play at a venue closer to their home base.

Does a Texas Friscos franchise sound alluring for Jordan Spieth’s participation in 2025 or beyond? Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones’ or Mavericks franchise guru Mark Cuban’s money awaits.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: The Fifth Set, a tennis apparel company that provides patented “SweatRoute” technology to keep tennis players dry, comfortable, and at the top of their game, is making its product(s) available to the mass audiences. Serving-up its inaugural collection with men’s shorts, the product is now available exclusively on www.thefifthset.com and retails for $72.00. Shorts are available in three colors and four different sizes. The full product launch is coming off the heels of a successful Kickstarter campaign where the start-up crowdsourced more than $9,000 through pre-orders of the tennis shorts.

“The Fifth Set is a labor of love that solves a real problem that plagued my game for nearly 30 years — wet tennis balls from sweat-drenched pockets, causing a ‘sweat tsunami’ whenever I served,” said Yoni Malchi, The Fifth Set’s CEO and founder, as well as a lifelong tennis player. “After discovering a void in the market for tennis shorts with waterproof, breathable, and accessible pockets, I received a patent on my own design, which is a game-changer for tennis players at every level.”

The Fifth Set’s patented shorts offer three key differentiators:

Sweatproof: Pocket liners are constructed with a waterproof layer and heat-sealed seam. Combined with a water-resistant outer body, the shorts redirect moisture to keep tennis balls fully protected.

Breathable: The body and pocket liners are breathable to promote comfort, as well as quick and agile movement. The pocket liner’s microporous, waterproof layer protects from sweat while keeping the player cool.

Accessible: Pocket openings are unsealed, but stay closed, preventing sweat from seeping in and allowing quick accessibility for frequent use.

“During the pandemic, one of the biggest retail trends that evolved was that consumers have become more demanding for unique, top-quality products that are also function-specific,” said Danielle Malchi, co-founder of The Fifth Set. “With more people focused on fitness than ever before, consumers are seeking truly innovative products to help them reach their personal goals and needs, and we are here to support them in this endeavor.”

The company is based in Parkland, Florida.

TIDBITS: This week, thee NBA staged its (seemingly annual) Mexico Game regular season game, an exciting 120-119 Atlanta Hawks victory over the Orlando Magic in front of 19,986 fans in Mexico City just as the NFL was in between a pair of regular season games in Frankfurt, Germany. (Bet, the New England Patriots’ season ticket holders were happy to dish off a home game).

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, the NHL is staging their Global series this week in Sweden.

For the NHL, its an unprecedented event with four NHL Clubs traveling to one European City (Stockholm) to play four regular season games between Nov. 16-19th. The Toronto Maple Leafs will become the 26th NHL franchise to play an international game while the round-robin of games will be the second time that both the Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild have traveled abroad to play regular-season games. It’ll be the third such trip for the Ottawa Senators.

NHL Global Series Results (Credit: NHL Morning Skate)

HOME SALE: Former Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdan headed to Portland (along with the injured Robert Williams) in the trade that brought guard Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics. In the home transaction, Brogdan gained a slim $125,000 ($4,440,000 to $4,525,000) in the off-market deal which took only a week to close.

PODCAST ANYONE? – Give this a try, if you dare:

BIG EAST: From November 6 to November 10th, the eleven member teams of BIG EAST played 15 games and won all but one of them. DePaul was the lone loser, dropping its opener vs Purdue Fort Wayne, 82-74. All 14 of the others went into the Conference “win column,” including Butler, Marquette, Villanova and Xavier all startings with a 2-0 record.

The annual Gavitt Games begin this week, pitting BIG EAST teams against those of the BIG TEN. The series of contests pitting two of the great college basketball conferences in the land are conducted in memory of the late Dave Gavitt, Basketball Hall of Fame administrator and contributor to the game and the first Commissioner of the Big East Conference.

BILL HANCOCK: Air Force Superintendent Lieutenant General Richard M. Clark will replace the legendary college athletics and Olympic administrator Bill Hancock as the new executive director of the College Football Playoff. Mississippi State President/CFP Board of Managers Chair Mark Keenumnoted, “General Clark’s experience leading the U.S Air Force Academy as a three-star General and also being a four-year letter winner with the U.S Air Force Football team gives him a strong background to excel in this crucial leadership role. I would add that we will surely miss Bill Hancock, but I want to note that Bill has graciously offered to stay on board through January 2025 to help General Clark get ready. Bill will remain at the helm throughout this season, while 2024 will mark a year of transition. Bill has been an outstanding leader for CFP’s first 10 years. Everyone in college football owes Bill a debt of gratitude.”

Patri_ts Lose to Colts in Germany

November 12, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

Colts 10, Patri_ts 6

FRANKFURT – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Gardner Minshew passed for 194 yards, Jonathan Taylor scored the game’s only touchdown, and Indianapolis defeated sinking New England in Germany.

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The Colts (5-5) won their second straight game and enter their bye week at .500, while ensuring the Patriots (2-8) remained with the AFC’s worst record.

Minshew completed 18 of 28 passes and threw one interception. Taylor rushed 23 times for 69 yards, and Michael Pittman had a game-high eight catches for 84 yards for Indianapolis. The Colts intercepted Patriots quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe on consecutive possessions late in the fourth quarter.

Belichick Takes It One Trip at a Time

November 10, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

FRANKFURT (Germany) – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Not to be confused with Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning, NFL fans in Germany will be treated to another matchup of popular NFL teams when the sub-.500 New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts play Sunday in Frankfurt.

After the NFL came to Germany for the first time last season, Frankfurt received a turn with games in consecutive weeks. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 21-14 there last week.

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The Patriots (2-7), the designated home team, have international marketing rights in Germany and are a fan favorite there because of their German-born former offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer — not to mention their six Super Bowl victories from 2001 to 2018.

“It’s a unique opportunity,” said coach Bill Belichick, whose Patriots teams are 3-0 in international games all-time. “When it gets there, we’ll look forward to it.”

Owners of the worst record in the AFC, the Patriots are not at all playing like the dynasty of the past two decades, and while it may have been unthinkable a few years ago, the proverbial seat is getting hotter for Belichick as New England continues to lose.

A 20-17 defeat to the Washington Commanders was the Patriots’ fifth loss in six weeks. They’ll have their bye week upon returning from Germany.

Mac Jones steadied to some degree after a dismal early October. He threw for 220 yards and one touchdown against Washington and didn’t take a sack, but he was intercepted on the last drive of the game as the Patriots scored just three points after halftime.

“Just being consistent and trying to work together,” Jones said of the offense’s struggles. “We have some young guys playing, and just making sure we’re all on the same page and out there executing each week. Like I say, each week’s different and it’s important to understand what we need to do this week.”

This week’s task involves getting past an opportunistic defense. Kenny Moore of the Colts (4-5) scored two pick-6s in a 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers last week. That ended a three-game losing streak that saw the Colts allow 37, 39 and 38 points.

Jones is tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

As for the Colts’ offense, Gardner Minshew has been under center since rookie Anthony Richardson’s season-ending shoulder injury. But the Colts are a run-first team, and while Jonathan Taylor is the household name, Zack Moss ranks second in the NFL with 615 rushing yards this season.

“We know this stretch, this back-half stretch, is where teams have to bolster up,” Taylor said. “You’re either gonna go up or you’re gonna go down, so (the game will) do a lot in order to make sure that we can continue to trend upwards.”

Both the Colts and Patriots are practicing at home through Thursday and taking a flight overseas Thursday night, landing Friday morning Frankfurt time.

“We’re going over there on a business trip to go win a football game,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “That’s the message — it’s just a long road trip. Stay focused.”

One player not making that trip is Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson, who reportedly is being disciplined for reporting late to the team hotel last Saturday.

Jackson did not practice Wednesday and was ruled out along with left tackle Trent Brown (personal/ankle) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (concussion) as the Patriots departed for Germany on Thursday.

Defensive lineman Christian Barmore (knee), linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (hamstring) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (knee) made the trip but were limited in practice.

On Thursday, the Colts ruled out tight end Andrew Ogletree (foot) and cornerback Julius Brents (quadriceps).

–Field Level Media

NBA Round-Up; Celtics Fall

November 7, 2023 by Terry Lyons

MINNEAPOLIS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Boston Celtics were the last team to fall from the ranks of the undefeated and James Harden made his debut with the LA Clippers on a busy Monday night in the NBA.

Timberwolves 114, Celtics 109 (OT)

Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 38 points in as Minnesota prevailed in overtime to hand Boston its first loss of the season.

Edwards, who also had nine rebounds and seven assists, came through in OT by making jump shots on three consecutive possessions. Jaden McDaniels had a 20-point performance for the Timberwolves, who received 14 points and 12 rebounds from Rudy Gobert.

Jayson Tatum scored a team-high 32 points for the Celtics, who got 26 points from Jaylen Brown and 20 from Kristaps Porzingis.

Knicks 111, Clippers 97

RJ Barrett, returning from a two-game absence caused by a sore left knee, scored 11 points during a fourth-quarter surge as the host New York Knicks broke open a tie game and cruised to a 111-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

The Knicks outscored the Clippers 35-21 in the fourth quarter and 69-51 in the second half, spoiling the debut of new Los Angeles acquisition James Harden.

Barrett finished with 26 points while Julius Randle posted a season-high 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who won at home for the first time in three tries this season. Mitchell Robinson (13 points, 15 rebounds) also had a double-double for New York.

Kawhi Leonard scored 18 points while Harden finished with 17 points in 31-plus minutes in his first action since the Philadelphia 76ers dealt him to the Clippers on Oct. 31.

Nuggets 134, Pelicans 116

Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, rookie Julian Strawther scored a career-best 21 points and host Denver rallied from a 20-point deficit to rout New Orleans.

It was Jokic’s 108th career triple-double, fourth most on the all-time list. Rookie Jordan Hawkins scored a career-high 31 points and Brandon Ingram added 22 for the Pelicans.

New Orleans guard CJ McCollum was out after an MRI on Sunday revealed he had a collapsed lung and would likely miss multiple games. The Nuggets were missing guard Jamal Murray, who will be out for an extended period of time due to a hamstring injury.

Warriors 120, Pistons 109

Stephen Curry had 34 points and visiting Golden State defeated slumping Detroit.

Chris Paul finished with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench, and Klay Thompson had 17 points. Dario Saric added 12 points, while Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney chipped in 10 apiece.

Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes each had 21 points and combined for 12 assists for Detroit, which has lost five straight games. Isaiah Stewart contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Ausar Thompson had 16 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Pacers 152, Spurs 111

Tyrese Haliburton scored 23 points, 20 of them in a dominating first half, and Myles Turner added 15 points and 11 rebounds as Indiana rolled past San Antonio in Indianapolis.

Indiana has won two of the first three games on its current homestand and ran the Spurs and rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama out of the building while forging a 25-point lead by halftime and a 39-point advantage late in the third quarter. Indiana finished with its highest-scoring game of the season.

Doug McDermott led San Antonio with 17 points off the bench. Keldon Johnson added 16, Zach Collins had 14, Wembanyama produced 13 points and 10 rebounds and Charles Bassey scored 10 points for the Spurs, who were playing the second game of a home-road back-to-back.

Mavericks 117, Magic 102

Luka Doncic poured in 29 points and Kyrie Irving scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half as Dallas improved to 6-1 with a big comeback win over host Orlando.

Tim Hardaway Jr. added 21 points for Dallas, which trailed by as many as 15 points in the second quarter before outscoring Orlando 64-36 in the second half.

Paolo Banchero scored 22 points to lead Orlando. Moe Wagner and Cole Anthony had 19 points apiece off the bench for the Magic, who missed their first 13 3-point attempts in the second half.

76ers 146, Wizards 128

Joel Embiid had 48 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to lift host Philadelphia over Washington.

Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and a career-high 11 assists, Tobias Harris contributed 18 points and De’Anthony Melton had 14 for the Sixers, who won their fifth game in a row after a season-opening loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kyle Kuzma led the struggling Wizards with 28 points, while Jordan Poole added 23 and Deni Avdija followed with 16.

Heat 108, Lakers 107

Bam Adebayo recorded a triple-double of 22 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 28 points and Miami survived a late-game surge to beat visiting Los Angeles.

Tyler Herro finished with 22 points despite going just 2-for-10 from 3-point range on a night when the Heat collectively went just 12-for-37 from beyond the arc. The Miami defense forced Los Angeles into an even worse shooting performance from deep, however, limiting the Lakers to 8 of 26 from long range.

LeBron James scored seven of his game-high 30 points in a 1:19 stretch late in the fourth quarter, helping trim a 10-point Miami lead to one. His last points of the burst, a three-point play with 2:39 remaining, capped the game’s scoring.

Bucks 129, Nets 125

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points and hit the tiebreaking basket with 71 seconds remaining as Milwaukee outlasted Brooklyn in New York.

Antetokounmpo shot 15 of 27 from the field and scored nine points in the final six-plus minutes to help the Bucks get their second straight win. Damian Lillard added 21 points and seven assists for Milwaukee.

Cam Thomas led all scorers with 45 points and Mikal Bridges added 31 in the loss. Ben Simmons grabbed 15 rebounds for the Nets.

Bulls 130, Jazz 113

Zach LaVine scored 24 points and DeMar DeRozan added 21 as Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over visiting Utah.

Coby White hit 7 of 9 shots to finish with 18 points and had seven assists for the Bulls, who had eight players score in double figures as they successfully opened a three-game homestand with their top offensive output of the season.

Lauri Markkanen had a game-high 29 points, including five 3-pointers, but the Jazz posted a third consecutive loss.

Rockets 122, Kings 97

Jalen Green scored a game-high 23 points while Alperen Sengun posted a double-double as Houston dismantled visiting Sacramento for the second time in three days.

Green needed only nine shot attempts to pace the Rockets in scoring, doing most of his damage at the free-throw line, where he finished 10 of 12. Sengun, meanwhile, was the offensive linchpin, pairing a career-high 12 assists with 17 points to help Houston to its third consecutive victory.

The Kings, playing their third straight game without guard De’Aaron Fox (ankle), lost for the third straight time. They fell 107-89 at Houston on Saturday.

Thunder 126, Hawks 117

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points to lead Oklahoma City past visiting Atlanta, ending the Thunder’s two-game skid while also ending the Hawks’ four-game winning streak.

Gilgeous-Alexander missed Friday’s loss to Golden State with a sprained left knee. Trailing by 19 entering the fourth quarter, the Hawks didn’t go away quietly and steadily cut into the Thunder’s lead, eventually getting it down to six with a minute remaining.

But rookie center Chet Holmgren grabbed a rebound of Gilgeous-Alexander’s miss and laid it in, then was fouled by Onyeka Okongwu and made the free throw to finally put the game away.

–Field Level Media

Jayson Tatum Sets Cs Milestone

November 4, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

BROOKLYN – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Jayson Tatum scored 32 points on Saturday night as the Boston Celtics pulled away midway through the fourth quarter to remain unbeaten with a 124-114 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in New York.\

The Celtics did not lead by more than 14 and appeared sluggish at times before improving to 5-0 for the first time since starting the 2009-10 campaign with six straight victories.

Tatum reached the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season and also reached 10,000 career points by converting a three-point play in the second quarter. At 25 years, 246 days old, Tatum became the youngest player in Celtics history to reach the 10K milestone.

Tatum made 10 of 20 shots, hit six of Boston’s 15 3-pointers and collected 11 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 23 points while Kristaps Porzingis had his way inside against Brooklyn’s smaller lineup and contributed 22 to help the Celtics get 52 points in the paint.

Jrue Holiday added 18 points and 10 assists as the Celtics shot 47.8 percent and improved to 11-1 in the past 12 meetings with the Nets, including playoffs.

Playing the second night of their first back-to-back, the Nets shot 43 percent and saw a three-game winning streak end. Brooklyn also shot 32.7 percent (17 of 52) from 3-point range.

Cam Thomas led the Nets with 27 points while Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges added 19 apiece. The Nets played without Nic Claxton (ankle) and also rested Ben Simmons for the first time.

Brooklyn briefly moved ahead in the second, but the Celtics scored the last eight points of the quarter and took a 70-58 halftime lead on Tatum’s trey at the horn.

Dinwiddie scored 12 points in the third quarter as Brooklyn erased nearly all of its halftime deficit and rallied from an eight-point hole to get within 91-88 going into the fourth quarter.

Boston let the lead slip to 96-95 when Dennis Smith Jr. hit a 3-pointer with 7:47 remaining, but Tatum hit two threes in a 14-4 spurt that extended the lead to 110-99 with about five minutes left to effectively seal the victory.

–Field Level Media

Rory, Keegan Join Boston Common Golf

November 3, 2023 by PGA Tour Brunch

FENWAY – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – Boston Common Golf, the new tech-forward golf team representing Boston and New England, named four world-class PGA TOUR golfers to its new team, including Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, and Tyrrell Hatton.

“These four remarkable golfers have achieved an extraordinary list of accolades as individuals, and together as a group, they convey an unmistakable sense of exceptionalism that not only commands respect but also instills a profound sense of awe, especially among their competitors,” said Fenway Sports Group principal team owner John Henry.

“Rory, Tyrrell, Keegan, and Adam stand at the very heart of our team’s potential for success in this groundbreaking venture and we extend our gratitude to each of them for embarking on this journey with us.

“As a co-founder of this visionary league, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Rory and for the partnership we have with Sean O’Flaherty of Symphony Ventures who has been indispensable in helping us build Boston Common Golf. The Symphony team have placed their trust in Fenway Sports Group, and it is an honor and a privilege to share this path with them.”

McIlroy currently ranks as World No. 2 and has spent more than 100 weeks as World No. 1 during his career. Along with Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, he is one of only three players to win four majors by the age of 25. McIlroy turned professional in 2007 and has since recorded 24 PGA Tour victories, nine international victories, and three FedEx Cup championships. His most recent victory came at the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open in June. McIlroy grew up in Holywood, Northern Ireland, and in 2022 became the first player from outside the United States to serve on the PGA TOUR Policy Board. He is a co-founder of TMRW Sports, the parent company of TGL.

“I’m thrilled to join Boston Common Golf and to be representing Boston and New England’s rich sports culture,” said McIlroy. “TGL brings a unique dimension to the game, and I can’t wait to stand with Adam, Keegan, and Tyrrell as my teammates. It’s a fantastic opportunity that will offer us all a chance to build lasting connections and to foster regional pride that you don’t often see in the game of golf.”

Bradley currently ranks as World No. 17 and has ranked as high as World No. 10. Bradley has recorded six PGA TOUR wins, including the 2011 PGA championship, and has made two Ryder Cup appearances for the U.S. team (2012, 2014). His most recent victory came at the 2023 Travelers Championship in June. Originally from Woodstock, Vermont, Bradley currently splits his time between Jupiter, Florida and Newburyport, MA.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of Boston Common Golf, especially as a kid from New England,” said Bradley. “This region has a rich golfing history, and to have the opportunity to represent it is a dream come true. I come from a family deeply connected to the sport, and to represent that heritage while also contributing to a team backed by Fenway Sports Group is a unique honor.”

Scott currently ranks as World No. 45 and has ranked as high as World No. 1, most recently in 2014. Since turning professional in 2000, Adam has recorded 14 PGA Tour victories and 14 international victories. His most recent victory came at the 2020 Genesis Invitational. Scott has been selected for the Presidents Cup 10 times (first being selected in 2003 and most recently selected in 2022) and the World Cup four times (2001, ’02, ’13, ’16). Born in Adelaide, Australia, Scott currently resides in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. He became the first Australian to win the Masters when he beat Angel Cabrera in a playoff at the 2013 tournament at Augusta National.

“My first win on the PGA TOUR was in 2003 at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Massachusetts which makes being part of the New England team especially meaningful,” said Scott. “Australia may be a world away from New England, but the golfing spirit is universal. Joining Boston Common Golf feels like a unique opportunity to be part of a team deeply connected to the heart of the game and to represent a region with such a rich golfing tradition.”

Hatton currently ranks as World No. 12 and has ranked as high as World No. 5, most recently in 2021. He has one PGA Tour victory (2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational) and six international victories. His most recent success came at the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Since turning professional in 2011, Hatton has been selected for three Ryder Cup teams (2018, ’20, ’23), the World Cup (2018), and the Eurasia Cup (2018). Hatton grew up in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England and now splits his time between Marlow, England and Orlando, Florida.

“Being a part of the Fenway Sports Group family through Boston Common Golf is truly surreal,” said Hatton. “As a lifelong Liverpool F.C. fan, it’s a dream come true to be part of the same ownership group. This is an incredible opportunity to represent the spirit of excellence and winning that Fenway Sports Group embodies, and to play with some of the golfers I have admired throughout my career.”

TGL (presented by SoFi) is a new golf league offering a fresh approach to the sport with a focus on technology, innovation, and fan engagement. The new league will feature the world’s top players in a two-hour, team golf competition that merges physical and virtual golf airing in primetime and beginning January 9, 2024 on ESPN. The Boston Common Golf team will play in five regular season matches against the other TGL teams, followed by a four-team postseason, with a semi-final and finals series. SoFi Center, a custom-built venue in Palm Beach, Florida, will combine a data-rich virtual course with a state-of-the-art short game complex creating a unique experience for fans in the stands as well as those watching around the world.

Patriots Re-Sign QB Cunningham

October 27, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

FOXBOROUGH – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The New England Patriots re-signed quarterback Malik Cunningham and returned him to their practice squad Thursday while also signing wide receiver Jalen Reagor from the practice squad onto the 53-man roster.

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Cunningham, who joined New England as an un-drafted free agent out of Louisville, was signed to a three-year deal before the Patriots’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders two weeks ago. But the team released him on Tuesday, and he cleared waivers.

Cunningham, 25, played six snaps against the Raiders, four at wide receiver and two at quarterback. He took one sack in the 21-17 loss. He was a healthy scratch for this past Sunday’s 29-25 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Reagor, 24, has appeared in the past two games for the Patriots, catching one pass for 11 yards against Buffalo.

Reagor was a first-round draft pick (No. 21 overall) in 2020 by the Philadelphia Eagles and spent two seasons as a starter for them. He appeared in all 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and has 73 career receptions for 810 yards and four touchdowns.

Porzingis Leads Celtics Over Knicks

October 25, 2023 by Digital Sports Desk

NEW YORK – (Staff and Wire service Report) – Boston’s newly acquired center Kristaps Porzingis scored nine of his 30 points in the final 2:34 on Wednesday night for the visiting Celtics as they overcame a late six-point deficit to beat the New York Knicks, 108-104, in the season opener for both teams.

Porzingis drained all six of his free throws down the stretch and hit a key three-pointer with 1:29 left that put Boston ahead for good at 104-101. His perfect performance from the foul line highlighted a fourth quarter in which the Celtics made 14 of 15 free throws. They finished the game 22-for-26 from the line.

Porzingis’ 30 points are the most ever by a Celtics player in his first game for the team. The 7-foot-3 center, who spent the first three seasons of his career with the Knicks, was acquired from the Washington Wizards on June 23.

Boston all-star Jayson Tatum (34 points, 11 rebounds) had a double-double for the Celtics, who led by as many as 12 in the third quarter and opened the fourth with a nine-point lead before the Knicks stormed back, rocking Madison Square Garden as though it was 1969-70.

New York’s RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley each had 24 points for the Knicks, who were 18 of 41 from 3-point land but just 14 of 26 from the free-throw line, including 5 of 9 in the fourth quarter.

Knicks’ center Julius Randle (14 points. 11 rebounds) had a double-double while point guard Jalen Brunson scored 15 points but shot just 6-for-21 from the field. NY’s Quentin Grimes added 11 points.

Barrett scored the first seven points of the fourth to begin a 13-2 run for the Knicks, who took their first lead at 86-84 on Josh Hart’s 3-pointer with 8:56 left. New York twice opened up a six-point lead, the last time at 101-95 on Brunson’s floater with 3:39 left, before Jrue Holiday’s layup began the Celtics’ game-ending run.

The Knicks missed their next six shots from the field, a span in which Porzingis scored nine unanswered points. Isaiah Hartenstein converted a putback with 18 seconds left to cut the Celtics’ lead to 106-104, but Payton Pritchard hit a pair of free throws and Brunson missed two 3-point attempts in the waning seconds.

Boston led 51-46 at the break behind 19 points from Tatum. Barrett paced New York with 14.