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Jalen Brunson, Knicks Ripped by NBA Twitter for Blowing Late Lead vs. Bulls

Dec 24, 2022
Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan, third from right,, reacts after hitting the winning basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan, third from right,, reacts after hitting the winning basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

The New York Knicks were tied with or leading the Chicago Bulls for all but four-tenths of a second in the second half Friday.

However, that's all the Bulls needed as DeMar DeRozan knocked down the game-winning jumper in the final second to lead his team to a 118-117 road win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

It was a devastating loss for the Knicks, who wasted a season-high 44 points from RJ Barrett and a 29-point, 12-rebound outing from Julius Randle. The Knicks have dropped to 18-15 with their second consecutive loss after an eight-game winning streak.

This was a tough offensive night for Jalen Brunson, who shot 5-of-15 en route to 12 points. He dished out nine assists but also missed three of his four free throws, including a pair with 6.1 seconds remaining while the Knicks were up 117-116. DeRozan played some mind games with the 89.1 percent free-throw shooter beforehand.

Regardless of whether that had an effect on Brunson, the Knicks didn't make enough stops or shots down the stretch to win.

Quentin Grimes also missed a pair of free throws when the Knicks were up 115-112 a minute earlier. He shot just 3-of-11 from the field and served as the primary defender on DeRozan on the last shot after a switch. Guarding DeRozan in the mid-range is tough for anyone, though, and the longtime NBA veteran got the job done.

Brunson and Grimes have both played pivotal roles in helping the Knicks turn their season around after a sluggish 10-13 start, with the former arguably serving as the team's MVP this year after signing as a free agent from the Dallas Mavericks.

Still, this was a tough loss to stomach. NBA Twitter took notice, with some fans lamenting the loss and Brunson's late-game performance and others looking at the bigger picture.

https://twitter.com/KnickyFrmHarlem/status/1606488867317714945

The Knicks will stay home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day at noon ET.

Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin Passes Gordie Howe for 2nd on NHL All-Time Goals List

Dec 24, 2022
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in Washington. This was Ovechkin's 801st NHL goal. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in Washington. This was Ovechkin's 801st NHL goal. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Alexander Ovechkin has put together one of the most distinguished careers in NHL history, and he added another milestone to his collection Friday.

The 37-year-old scored his 801st and 802nd career goals during the Washington Capitals' 4-1 home win against the Winnipeg Jets at Capital One Arena, tying and then passing the legendary Gordie Howe for second on the NHL's all-time scoring list.

Ovechkin gave the Caps a 1-0 lead with a snap shot at the top of the right faceoff circle in the first period before adding an empty-netter late in the third to grab second place by himself and cap the evening's scoring.

Ovechkin now trails only Wayne Gretzky, who scored 894 goals in his career. Gretzky is also the all-time leader in assists with 1,963, over 700 more than the next-closest player in the category, Ron Francis (1,249).

Ovechkin won't be getting anywhere near either player in that category, with just 649 in his career.

As for whether he might catch Gretzky in goals, it's still a possibility. He's under contract with the Capitals through the 2025-26 season and has scored 46 or more goals in a campaign 12 times in his career, including 50 last year and 20 through 35 games this season heading into Friday.

It isn't out of the question that Ovechkin might catch Gretzky during his current contract. Granted, at some point, the Russian is going to slow down. And he may simply choose to retire before mounting a serious push for the all-time goals record.

One thing is for certain: If he does catch the Great One, that will be all she wrote for Ovechkin's career.

"You're probably never going to see me on the ice again," he joked during an ESPN interview in 2019 when asked what he would do if he surpassed Gretzky's record (h/t NHL.com). "Right away. See ya."

Craig Kimbrel, Phillies Reportedly Agree to 1-Year, $10M Contract

Dec 24, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10:   Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Minnesota Twins in the ninthinning at Dodger Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Minnesota Twins in the ninthinning at Dodger Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Phillies have shored up their bullpen by signing right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a one-year, $10 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Kimbrel will be reuniting with former Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski in Philadelphia. Dombrowski worked for the Red Sox from 2015 to '19, and Kimbrel spent three seasons in Boston from 2016 to '18.

Dombrowski took over as president of baseball operations for the Phillies in 2021.

The 34-year-old Kimbrel has been on the move quite a bit in recent years, spending last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his sixth different organization since 2014.

After signing a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs in 2019, Kimbrel was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2021 before being flipped to the Dodgers last offseason in exchange for outfielder AJ Pollock.

He became a big part of Los Angeles' success in 2022, recording a 3.75 ERA, 22 saves and 72 strikeouts in 60 innings. The squad posted the best record in the majors during the regular season before falling to the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.

Consistency has been a problem for the veteran, however, which was especially seen in 2021. After producing a 0.49 ERA across 39 appearances with the Cubs, he had a 5.09 ERA in 24 games with the White Sox.

The eight-time All-Star was one of the top closers in baseball during his prime, posting a 1.43 ERA across five seasons with the Atlanta Braves, adding 14.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

With his past success and lengthy experience, Kimbrel could be a valuable addition for his new team.

The only question is whether his up-and-down play makes him a trustworthy option in high-leverage situations.

Mat Ishbia No Longer Pursuing Purchase of Commanders After Suns Agreement

Dec 23, 2022
FILE -Former Michigan State player Mat Ishbia laughs as he are introduced along with Michigan State's 2000 national championship NCAA college basketball team during halftime of the Michigan State-Florida game in East Lansing, Mich. Mortgage executive Mat Ishbia has agreed in principle to buy the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury from the embattled owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
FILE -Former Michigan State player Mat Ishbia laughs as he are introduced along with Michigan State's 2000 national championship NCAA college basketball team during halftime of the Michigan State-Florida game in East Lansing, Mich. Mortgage executive Mat Ishbia has agreed in principle to buy the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury from the embattled owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)

UWM Holdings Corporation Chairman and CEO Mat Ishbia is "no longer pursuing" a purchase of the Washington Commanders.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post relayed the news Friday from a spokesperson representing Ishbia, who recently agreed to buy controlling interest in the Phoenix Suns and Mercury for $4 billion.

Ishbia told the Post's Maske and Nicki Jhabvala in early November that he was "interested in exploring this opportunity [to buy the Commanders] further in the very near future."

That was after team owners Dan and Tanya Snyder announced Nov. 2 that they retained the services of Bank of America to "consider potential transactions" for the franchise.

Per the Post, Ishbia was among the bidders for ownership of the Denver Broncos, but a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton ended up buying the team.

Ishbia's purchase of the Suns and Mercury marks the most expensive sale of an NBA team all-time, breaking Joe Tsai's previous record of $3.3 billion for the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.

As far as the Commanders go, the Post reported this month that "a full sale is the most likely outcome."

The team is worth an estimated $5.6 billion, but bids have come in "well north" of $7 billion, per Michael Ozanian of Forbes. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is also expected to make a bid for the team.

Jets WR Coach Miles Austin Suspended 1 Year for Violating NFL's Gambling Policy

Dec 23, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receivers coach Miles Austin of the New York Jets talks with Garrett Wilson #17 during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receivers coach Miles Austin of the New York Jets talks with Garrett Wilson #17 during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

The NFL suspended New York Jets wide receivers coach Miles Austin for violating the league's gambling policy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Rich Cimini. Schefter added the suspension was for at least one year.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that there's no confirmation Austin bet on NFL games and that he might have wagered on other sporting events, which is also prohibited.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston shared a statement from Austin's lawyer, Bill Deni, who said his client "[wagered] from a legal mobile account on table games and non-NFL professional sports." Austin is appealing the punishment:

This is the second notable suspension within the last year for a gambling-related offense. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was banned through at least the 2022 season after he bet on games during the 2021 campaign.

Austin joined New York's staff in 2021 after the team hired Robert Saleh as head coach. He and Saleh had worked together in 2019 when Austin was an offensive quality control coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

As receivers coach, the 38-year-old has been tasked with helping to develop a group that includes 2021 second-round draft pick Elijah Moore and 2022 first-rounder Garrett Wilson.

Moore's future with the team has remained murky after he requested a trade in October. Wilson, on the other hand, looks like a long-term piece of the passing game and is leading the team in the three major receiving categories (71 receptions, 996 yards and four touchdowns).

Before entering the coaching ranks, Austin spent 10 seasons in the NFL as a player. In 129 appearances, he caught 361 passes for 5,273 yards and 37 touchdowns, and he was named a Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys in 2009 and 2010.

Report: Daulton Varsho Traded to Blue Jays from Diamondbacks for Gabriel Moreno, More

Dec 23, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Daulton Varsho (12) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the MLB game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 21, 2022 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Daulton Varsho (12) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the MLB game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 21, 2022 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Arizona Diamondbacks are trading outfielder Daulton Varsho to the Toronto Blue Jays for top prospect Gabriel Moreno and more, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Arizona will also receive outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the deal, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Varsho, 26, spent the first three seasons of his MLB career in Arizona.

During the 2022 campaign, Varsho spent much of his time playing in center and right field. However, he's pretty versatile and can also play catcher. In 151 games, he slashed .235/.302/.443 with 27 home runs, 74 RBI and 16 stolen bases.

The Blue Jays were in need of some outfield help this offseason, especially after trading Teoscar Hernández to the Seattle Mariners.

Gurriel was Toronto's starting left fielder, but now that he's off to Arizona, Varsho will likely take over that position with Kevin Kiermaier in center field and George Springer in right field.

Varsho is under contract through 2026, and he figures to be a key piece for the Blue Jays moving forward.

Gurriel had spent the first five years of his career in Toronto. In 2022, he hit .291/.343/.400 with five home runs and 52 RBI in 121 games. While he's been a solid player for much of his career, he's not the reason the Diamondbacks decided to give up Varsho.

Arizona parted with Varsho to receive one of the best prospects in baseball in Moreno, who was listed as Toronto's top prospect by Baseball America.

The catcher spent much of his time with Triple-A Buffalo in 2022, hitting .315/.386/.420 with three home runs and 39 RBI in 62 games. The Venezuelan also appeared in 25 games for the Blue Jays in 2022, slashing .319/.356/.377 with one home run and seven RBI.

At just 22 years old, Moreno could emerge as one of the best catchers in baseball by the time he hits his prime.

WWE Rumors: Latest on The Rock's Status for Royal Rumble and WrestleMania vs. Reigns

Dec 23, 2022
Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, enters the ring to talk smack about his upcoming opponent John Cena during the WWE Raw event at Rose Garden arena in Portland, Ore., Monday February 27th, 2012. (Photo by Chris Ryan/Corbis via Getty Images)
Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, enters the ring to talk smack about his upcoming opponent John Cena during the WWE Raw event at Rose Garden arena in Portland, Ore., Monday February 27th, 2012. (Photo by Chris Ryan/Corbis via Getty Images)

With The Rock not having to worry about making any Black Adam movies in the near-future, he may have time to do a long-talked-about match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

Per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Dakota Cohen of Wrestling Inc.), WWE is still discussing the possibility of a Rock-Reigns match at the upcoming event from SoFi Stadium.

The report does note WWE would likely need a decision from The Rock before the Royal Rumble, as his return would potentially impact how the men's Rumble match gets booked.

The Rock did include a potential easter egg in a recent episode of Young Rock with a scene showing his trophy case that included the universal championship in the background.

Meltzer previously reported WWE's "pie-in-the-sky" hope would be for the Great One to be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, win the match and challenge Reigns for the undisputed WWE universal championship in the main event of WrestleMania 39.

Any of these scenarios coming to fruition depends on The Rock's schedule and if he can make the dates work.

There has certainly been enough smoke around this possible match happening over the past year that there would be some level of disappointment from the WWE Universe if it doesn't take place.

But there are certainly plenty of alternative options WWE could look to for a main-event match with Reigns. Cody Rhodes could make his return in the Rumble and challenge the Tribal Chief for the undisputed title.

Many of the questions will likely be answered at the Royal Rumble on Jan. 28.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: profanity).

MLB Rumors: Johnny Cueto Linked to Padres, Marlins in Free Agency

Dec 23, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 14: Johnny Cueto #47 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on July 14, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 14: Johnny Cueto #47 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on July 14, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The San Diego Padres are showing interest in veteran starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, according to FanSided's Robert Murray and the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the Miami Marlins have weighed a move for Cueto as well and posited the 36-year-old could be a replacement for Pablo López if the 26-year-old gets traded.

Cueto posted his highest WAR (2.4) since 2016 last season, per FanGraphs. He went 8-10 with a 3.35 ERA and a 3.79 FIP in 25 appearances. Although his 5.80 strikeouts per nine innings were a career low, he had his second-lowest walk rate (1.88).

The two-time All-Star could be a good stopgap on a playoff contender or perhaps serve as a trade asset to flip ahead of the 2023 deadline.

The Padres fit firmly in the former category after reaching the National League Championship Series in 2022. They fortified their ranks by signing Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million contract.

The rotation remains a bit of a question mark, though, considering San Diego is projected to lean on two pitchers, Nick Martinez and the newly signed Seth Lugo, who operated primarily as relievers this past year. Only 38 of Lugo's 275 career appearances have come in a starting capacity.

Whether it's Cueto or another solution, signing a veteran starter makes sense for the Padres.

As Morosi speculated, Miami's interest might hinge on another player going out. The Marlins return their entire starting rotation, a group headlined by National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.

The franchise doesn't have a pressing need for pitching help at the moment, but the situation could change between now and Opening Day.