2025 Gold Cup stadiums, locations and host cities

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets most of the spotlight for the Oklahoma City Thunder, rookie Cason Wallace is quietly making a defensive impact that’s putting him in rare playoff company. His standout performances are a big reason why the Thunder are on the brink of an NBA title, proving their roster depth goes beyond just their star players.

Editor’s Note: Wallace’s rise isn’t just a fun underdog story—it highlights how crucial role players are in championship runs. For Thunder fans, it’s a sign that their team’s future is bright, whether they win it all this year or not. For the league, it’s a reminder that defense still wins games, even in an era obsessed with scoring.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighed in on the long-standing debate about ESPN and TNT's basketball coverage styles, suggesting ESPN leans more toward hardcore analysis while TNT's Inside the NBA offers a looser, entertainment-driven approach. The comment comes amid industry chatter about shifting broadcast dynamics, especially with ESPN personalities like Stephen A. Smith occasionally crossing over to TNT’s fan-favorite show.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about rival networks—it’s a peek into how basketball’s biggest voices shape the way fans experience the game. Silver’s observation hints at the balancing act between deep-dive analysis (ESPN) and charismatic, meme-worthy moments (TNT). With rights deals and personalities in flux, the future of NBA broadcasting might hinge on which style resonates more with audiences.

The Phillies finally got their bats working after a rough stretch, with Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm leading the charge in a 7-2 win over the Cubs. Schwarber launched a homer, Bohm added a solo shot and drove in four runs, and pitcher Jesús Luzardo dominated with 10 strikeouts over six innings. After a dismal 1-5 road trip and losing nine of their last ten games, this series win at home gives Philly fans something to cheer about.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another midseason win—it’s a much-needed spark for a Phillies team that’s been struggling hard. If their offense keeps waking up like this, it could turn their slump around just as the playoff race heats up. For Cubs fans, it’s another reminder that their pitching still has some holes to patch.

The Baltimore Orioles are having a rough season, and most expect them to offload players at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. But some insiders are suggesting a twist—why not be both a buyer and a seller? It’s a tricky balancing act, but the idea is to trade away veterans while also picking up pieces that could help in the future.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about waving the white flag—it’s a strategy that could shape the Orioles’ next few seasons. If they pull it off, they might speed up their rebuild without fully sacrificing the present. For fans, it’s a sign the front office is thinking creatively, even in a tough year.

Even though the Chicago Sky lost to the New York Liberty, there's a silver lining—Angel Reese’s teammate had her back in a way that caught Giannis Antetokounmpo’s attention. The Sky are struggling this season, especially with Courtney Vandersloot injured, but this moment of camaraderie (and a shoutout from an NBA superstar) adds a bright spot to their tough stretch.

Editor’s Note: Team chemistry matters, especially when things aren’t going well. Reese’s teammate standing up for her—and Giannis noticing—shows how small moments can resonate beyond the game. For the Sky, it’s a reminder that even in a slump, solidarity can turn heads and maybe spark a turnaround.