Bill Belichick Clarifies Troy Brown’s New Coaching Role With Patriots
Troy Brown’s new job with the New England Patriots, on the surface, looks a little odd.
Brown made the Patriots Hall of Fame for his contributions as a slot receiver and punt returner. So, why is he coaching running backs — where he’ll work alongside Ivan Fears — and kick returners?
It turns out, that’s not all he’ll be doing with the Patriots this season.
“Troy spent the year with us last year. Of course, he has a tremendous amount of experience here. He’ll continue to work with other positions, as well, the returners and slot receivers,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Friday on a video conference call. “But I think just given the conversations I’ve had with Troy, he’s very eager. He has a very good football — he’s a very instinctive football player and coach. I think he was always great with the ball in his hands as a runner. He was obviously a great receiver. That’s a big part of every running back’s job. Again, he was a strong player in the kicking game, as well. It was an opportunity for him to be involved with a little bit of a different group.
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“We moved a couple coaches around this year that I think just expanding their coaching of different positions, coaching different players, it helps them become better overall coaches. Cole (Popovich) was with the running backs last year and this year he’ll work with the offensive line. Stephen (Belichick) was with the safeties and now will be with the outside linebackers. There’s a lot of benefit of that. Josh (McDaniels), Matt Patricia, we can go on and on about all of the coaches that have switched spots around here. I think Troy has done a great job with them and he’ll certainly be involved in other things besides just the running backs.”
Brown assisted Patriots wide receivers coach Joe Judge, who is now the New York Giants’ head coach, last season in an NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship position.
He caught 557 passes for 6,366 yards with 31 touchdowns, carried the ball 29 times for 178 yards, returned 252 punts for 2,625 yards with three touchdowns and 87 kicks for 1,862 yards in his career with the Patriots which spanned from 1993 to 2007. He also registered 22 tackles and three interceptions as a part-time defensive back.
Mick Lombardi will be the Patriots’ wide receivers coach this season. He was assistant quarterbacks coach in 2019. New hire Jedd Fisch will take over as quarterbacks coach in 2020.
More Patriots: Bill Belichick Reacts To Player Opt-Outs
Bill Belichick ‘Totally’ Supports Patriots Players Opting Out, Unsure If More Will
The six New England Patriots players who decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season did so with the full support of their head coach.
Speaking Friday in a video conference with reporters, Bill Belichick said he respects the choices that Dont’a Hightower, Patrick Chung, Marcus Cannon, Brandon Bolden, Danny Vitale and Najee Toran made to prioritize their health and families over football amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I respect all of them,” Belichick said. “I respect all the players on our team. We all have to make decisions. I talked to those guys, and they explained their situation. They had to make the decision that was best for them, and I totally respect and support it, 100 percent.”
Hightower, Chung, Cannon and Bolden all have played important roles on multiple Super Bowl-winning Patriots teams and are well-respected figures in New England’s locker room. Vitale was projected to start at fullback this season after signing as a free agent in March.
Belichick said he’s unsure whether any additional Patriots players will opt out. The deadline for opt-outs has not been finalized but will be no earlier than Aug. 7.
“Again, I think everybody’s got to make their own individual decisions on that, and they have to weigh their own situation,” Belichick said. “Each one of us is unique and we all have different lives, situations, families, environments, and so forth and so on. There’s no two situations that are the same. Everybody will have to make their own decision on that.
“My crystal ball is kind of cloudy right now, so I have no idea of what will happen along those lines. I think everybody in the league, every team in the league, every player, every coach, everybody in the league is involved in that to some degree. So we’ll just have to see how it turns out.”
Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater reportedly considered opting out before ultimately deciding to play. More teammates might have followed suit had the longtime locker room leader chosen to sit out, according to a report from NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.
Chung, who said Belichick “totally understood” his decision, told “CBS This Morning” on Wednesday that other Patriots players were contemplating whether or not to play this season.
“I know a lot of guys are thinking — it is; it’s a scary situation,” the veteran safety said. “And whatever they decide, then that’s on them. I can’t really speak for them. Like I said, everyone has different situations. Some people don’t have people at high risk in their household or around them, so it’s a little different. Hopefully, whatever they do, they make the right decision that’s going to keep their family healthy, keep them healthy and be safe.”
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Kemba Walker Explains Celtics’ Mindset Heading Into Contest Vs. Bucks
The Boston Celtics will get back on the floor Friday for a real game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Celtics point guard Kemba Walker expressed how the team is looking forward to the challenge the Eastern Conference’s top seed brings every time they step on the floor.
“We’re looking forward to the matchup,” Walker told reporters Thursday, per team reporter Marc D’Amico. “We’re looking forward to the competitiveness. Because we know for a fact they’re going to bring it, as they do each and every night, each and every game. It’s going to be fun.”
Walker himself will be on a minutes restriction as he continues to recover from a knee injury. Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, who said Walker’s knee is “strongest its been” since September, noted Thursday he will play between 14-20 minutes.
The Celtics are the No. 3 seed in the East, while their eight seeding games potentially could help them advance to the No. 2 seed.
That chance will begin starting Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET against the Bucks.
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Bill Belichick Did His Research On Patriots’ Cam Newton, Liked What He Found
The decision to sign Cam Newton was not a rash one for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
The way Belichick tells it, the Patriots spent a while talking to Newton and people close to the quarterback before electing to sign the 2015 NFL MVP.
“Things worked out,” Belichick said Friday in a video conference call with the media. “We spent quite a bit of time with Cam. He spent quite a bit of time with us. I think there was some mutual interest. We spent quite a bit of — a number of different people and a number of different conversations. Just trying to see how the fit would be. It was very positive on our end. I’m glad it worked out.”
Belichick isn’t ready to name Newton the Patriots’ QB1 to start the season, however. The Patriots also have Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham and rookie Brian Lewerke on their quarterback depth chart. Stidham and Hoyer also could battle for the top role this summer in training camp, which officially kicks off Aug. 12, though Patriots players will report to the facility this weekend.
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“That spot’s the same as all of the other spots on the team,” Belichick said. “We’ve got a long way to go and we’ll see how things turn out. I can’t control how players perform. That’s up to them. We’ll give everyone an opportunity and see what happens. I don’t know.”
The Patriots elected to sign Newton in late June. That was after the NFL’s offseason workout program, when organized team activities and minicamp usually are held. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, players only took part in virtual meetings. The Patriots didn’t get to see how Stidham had progressed over the spring. Belichick said that didn’t play a role in the decision to sign Newton.
“Yeah, I don’t know. It wasn’t that way, so I don’t know if it had been different if it would have happened differently,” Belichick said. “I don’t know. I don’t see why it would have, but I’m not sure.”
It’s been assumed that the Patriots will have to restructure their offensive system if Newton wins the job because of his mobility and different skill set than Stidham, Hoyer or former starter Tom Brady. Belichick said that decision will come at a later date and would be dictated by all position groups. The Patriots will be focusing on fundamentals and the basics early in training camp.
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Bill Belichick Has Interesting Perspective On Patriots’ Lack Of Preseason Games
In a way, the New England Patriots will be going back to school as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
COVID-19 concerns resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 preseason, giving Bill Belichick and his Patriots coaching staff just a handful of practices to evaluate their roster and prepare their players for Week 1.
The lack of exhibition games will make those evaluations more difficult and likely will result in some sloppy September football. Belichick, though, struck an optimistic tone Friday when discussing the new summer schedule during his first conversation with reporters since late April.
College football teams, the longtime Patriots head coach noted, do not play in preseason games.
“We’ll just have to take advantage of our practice opportunities and create as much combination of competition to evaluate the players and also situations to get our players ready to play in regular-season games, and combine those things as we go forward,” Belichick said in a video call with media members.
“So it’ll be a little bit different setup, but that’s what college teams do every year. I think ever since the beginning of college football back in — well, I don’t know about all the way back when Rutgers started in the 1870s — but that’s the way it’s been. You go to camp for three weeks, and then you start the season. There are no preseason games. You evaluate your team, and you get ready to play. That’s what all college football teams do. So I don’t think it’s anything that’s revolutionary here.”
The Patriots already trimmed their roster from 90 players to 80 before holding their first training camp practice. That won’t take place until Aug. 12, with the first full-contact session currently set for Aug. 17. Teams will be limited to 14 padded practices, during which roster hopefuls will look to prove they deserve a spot in the final 53.
“We haven’t done it that way in the National Football League for a while, and I certainly haven’t done it that way — I haven’t coached in college,” Belichick, whose father was a longtime coach and scout at Navy, said of the lack of preseason games. “But as a college player and growing up around college programs, I can remember those periods of time leading up to the start of the season. Teams had their scrimmages or whatever you want to call them and ways to prepare their team and at the same time evaluate the players.
“It’s a process that certainly goes into the early part of the season. This is just football, that’s all. I don’t really see it any differently.”
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Red Sox Vs. Yankees Lineups: Andrew Benintendi Sits; Kevin Pillar Leads Off
The Red Sox look to keep their momentum going when Boston takes on the Yankees in Game 1 of a three-game set in New York.
Boston has won its last two, while the Yankees look to make it four straight.
Ron Roenicke will roll out a bit of a different lineup Friday night with Kevin Pillar leading off while Andrew Benintendi will begin the game on the bench. Jose Peraza will bat ninth after hitting from the leadoff spot in Thursday’s win over the Mets, while J.D. Martinez moves back up to the second.
Ryan Weber will toe the rubber opposite Jordan Montgomery.
Here are the lineups for both teams:
BOSTON RED SOX (3-4)
Kevin Pillar, RF
J.D. Martinez, DH
Rafael Devers, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Christian Vazquez, C
Alex Verdugo, LF
Michael Chavis, 1B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Jose Peraza, 2B
Ryan Weber, RHP
NEW YORK YANKEES (4-1)
DJ LeMahieu 2B
Aaron Judge, RF
Gleyber Torres, SS
Giancarlo Stanton, DH
Aaron Hicks, CF
Luke Voit, 1B
Gio Urshela, 3B
Brett Gardner, LF
Kyle Higashioka, C
Jordan Montgomery, LHP
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Gunner Olszewski Likens Julian Edelman To ‘A Christmas Ham’ On Instagram
You can compare Julian Edelman to a lot of things, but a Christmas ham probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
Well, except for the mind of Gunner Olszewski.
A handful of Patriots receivers — Edelman and Olszewski included — got together for a throwing session, which Edelman shared a few photos of Friday morning on Instagram.
In the group photo, Edelman has his shirt pulled up, which prompted an interesting response from Olszewski.
Gunner Olszewski Instagram/@gunnerolszewski
To answer Olszewski’s question literally, Edelman is 34.
More Patriots: Top Six Roster Battles To Watch In Training Camp
Transfer News: Bayern Confirms Thiago Wants To Leave For ‘Something New’
Thiago Alcantara’s employer is resigned to his departure.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed Friday the star midfielder wants to leave the club. Alcantara revealed his wish to Bayern earlier this year, as the club sought to extend his contract.
“In fact, the talks (Bayern sporting director) Hasan (Salihamidzic) had with him have always been very productive,” Rummenigge told Sky Germany, per The Mail. “And at some point it actually seemed that it (a new contract) was done. But then Thiago informed Hasan that he would like to do something new. We have to accept that.
Thiago’s contract with Bayern will expire after next season, and any interested club will have to meet Bayern’s asking price — reportedly in the €30 million (£27 million/$35 million) to €40 million (£36 million/$47 million) range — if it is to sign the 29-year-old before summer 2021.
“We have a contract with Thiago that is still valid for one year and if he reaches an agreement with any club then that club should pay a transfer fee of a certain amount” Rummenigge continued. “I do not want to make any public comment about the fee that we have in mind. As I have already said, we’ll not have a summer sale at Bayern. There will always have to be a certain amount that will make us sell a player.”
Thiago has been a key figure for Bayern over the last seven seasons, and the German giant won’t begrudge him for wanting to take his talents elsewhere.
“I’m not angry at all, I like him,” Rummenigge said. “I think he’s a great footballer and he has a good character too. And you shouldn’t forget either that at 29, he is at an age where, if he wants to do something new, he has to do it now.”
Whether “now” comes in 2020 or next year likely will come down to finances.
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Antonio Brown Suspended For First Eight Games Of 2020 NFL Regular Season
Any team that takes a chance on Antonio Brown will do so knowing he likely won’t contribute until at least midway through the upcoming season.
The NFL announced Friday that Brown has been suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of 2020, a result of multiple violations of the league’s personal conduct policy.
Brown, a free agent since being released by the New England Patriots last September, also was directed to continue his program of counseling and treatment.
The 32-year-old wide receiver had been the subject of an NFL investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape.
Any team can sign Brown, who appeared in only one game last season (Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins as a member of the Patriots), and he would be eligible to participate in all of that team’s preseason activities. His suspension would go into effect as of the final roster cutdown on Sept. 5, and he’d be eligible to return after his team’s eighth game of the 2020 campaign.
Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, spent his first nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, cementing himself as one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. The Steelers traded Brown to the Oakland Raiders before the 2019 season, but he never appeared in a game with the silver and black and wound up with the Patriots, who released him after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.
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Grizzlies Vs. Trail Blazers Live Stream: Watch NBA Game Online
After a star-studded first night, the NBA’s playoff race takes center stage Friday as the league’s return to play rolls on.
The Memphis Grizzlies entered the bubble with a hold of the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and they’ll begin their restart Friday afternoon against one of the teams chasing them: the Portland Trail Blazers.
Here’s how to watch Friday afternoon’s Grizzlies-Blazers game.
When: Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. ET
TV: NBA TV
Live stream: FuboTV — free trial
Cam Newton, Five Patriots Wideouts Gather For Workout Ahead Of Training Camp
With New England’s first training camp practice delayed until mid-August, quarterback Cam Newton and five Patriots receivers congregated for a throwing session at a local field.
The group consisted of Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski and Damiere Byrd, according to photos posted Friday on Edelman’s Instagram account.
Meyers and Olszewski are vying for roster spots after making the team as undrafted rookies a year ago. Byrd, a veteran free agent signee who previously played with Newton in Carolina, is doing the same. Edelman and Harry, New England’s top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, are roster locks.
Newton is seeking a career resurgence after ending each of the last two seasons on injured reserve. He’ll battle second-year pro Jarrett Stidham and journeyman Brian Hoyer for Tom Brady’s old starting job in training camp.
In a typical year, the Patriots would have held their first training camp practice Thursday. But with the COVID-19 pandemic wiping out all spring practices and workouts, teams instead will begin training camp with an extended strength and conditioning period.
New England’s first on-field practice is scheduled for Aug. 12, with the first full-contact session set to follow Aug. 17.
Patriots players have spent this week undergoing coronavirus testing. Those who return three negative tests will be granted entrance into Gillette Stadium this weekend.
Newton posted a photo Friday of himself arriving at the team facility.
More Patriots: Top Six Roster Battles To Watch In Training Camp
Kevin Garnett Was Traded To Celtics 13 Years Ago Friday, New ‘Big Three’ Was Born
It seems like only yesterday the Boston Celtics decided to go “Big.”
The Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 31, 2007 in a blockbuster trade that changed not only Boston’s fortunes but also impacted the NBA for years to come. Just 33 days after they acquired Ray Allen in a trade with the then-Seattle Supersonics, the Celtics dealt Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff and two first-round draft picks to Minnesota in exchange for “the Big Ticket,” who had spent his first 12 NBA seasons with the Timberwolves but had grown frustrated by their inability or unwillingness to commit to winning. With Paul Pierce and Allen already in tow, a new “Big Three” era was born when Garnett arrived in Boston.
The Celtics stormed to a 66-16 record in the 2007-08 NBA regular season and outlasted the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference bracket of the NBA Playoffs. The Celtics then faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals, which Boston won in six games. Garnett’s epic scream of “anything’s possible” became part of Celtics and NBA lore in June 2008.
Garnett spent six largely successful seasons in Boston and he credits his time with the Celtics as key to securing his status as a Basketball Hall of Famer. In fact, he wishes he had joined the Celtics earlier in the career because he believes he would have won more than only one NBA championship.
Just as it looked like the Celtics might endure another period of mediocrity, or worse, Garnett arrived and changed everything. And for that it’s worth celebrating perhaps the greatest move Danny Ainge ever has made as Celtics president of basketball operations.
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NASCAR Rumors: Bubba Wallace To Kyle Larson’s Old Car? Idea Has ‘Emerged’
Now, this would be interesting.
Darrell Wallace Jr., who is due to be a NASCAR free agent at the end of the season, has emerged as a “possibility” to join Chip Ganassi Racing for 2021, according to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern.
If that’s the case, it would effectively put Wallace into equipment vacated by Kyle Larson, who was indefinitely suspended when he uttered a racial slur during a NASCAR-sanctioned iRacing event earlier this season. Wallace, the only African-American driver in NASCAR’s top series and its first full-time Black driver since Wendell Scott in the 1970s, has become more prominent in recent months for his advocacy of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi also floated the idea of Wallace switching to CGR or even Hendrick Motorsports, although he termed either move “unlikely.”
Despite detractors pointing to Wallace’s seemingly poor 20th-place average finish and zero career Cup wins, the Mobile, Ala., native is well-regarded for his ability to outperform his equipment and, most importantly for a single-car team like Richard Petty Motorsports, to generally keep his car from sustaining heavy damage. He seldom contends for wins, but RPM’s cars aren’t really capable of it, anyway.
That would change at CGR. Matt Kenseth’s middling performance as Larson’s replacement has shown that the team’s cars are at least good enough for driver skill to make a difference, and Kurt Busch is a weekly top-10 contender in CGR’s other car.
Would moving to CGR give Wallace a better chance to be competitive? Absolutely. But it would also increase the pressure to do more than just keep his car clean.
More NASCAR: Watch Bubba Wallace Go Undercover Online To Answer NASCAR Fan Questions
Brad Marchand Injury: Status Update, And Why Bruins Could Take It Slow
The Boston Bruins’ march to the Stanley Cup got off to an inauspicious start Thursday night and not just because of how their exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets played out.
The Bruins looked like the far rustier team, especially early in their 4-1 loss to Columbus. A flat effort in a meaningless game can easily be dismissed, but the troubling development was an apparent injury to star first-line winger Brad Marchand late in the game.
Marchand appeared to suffer some sort of lower-body injury in the third period and didn’t step back on the ice for the final 11 minutes and 40 seconds. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said Marchand appeared to avoid any sort of serious injury, and it didn’t sound like the forward would miss a huge chunk of time.
Cassidy also indicated Marchand would be reevaluated Friday morning, and B’s president Cam Neely said Friday the team still was waiting to learn more.
Obviously, the Bruins can ill afford an injury to one of their best players. A year ago, David Pastrnak clearly wasn’t right for the entirety of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it was revealed after the fact that Patrice Bergeron played through a groin injury in the Stanley Cup Final. The Bruins’ best chance of winning the Cup depends on having that first line — arguably the best in hockey — healthy and producing at its highest possible level.
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That’s why, if Marchand’s injury is even lingering in the slightest when the round-robin games begin Sunday, the Bruins should take a very cautious approach with him. The Bruins play three round-robin games for seeding between Sunday and Aug. 9. The first round presumably begins a couple of days later. Basically, if needed, the Bruins could go about two weeks without Marchand playing and not jeopardize their season at all.
The Bruins also have the depth and a strong contingent of reserves with them in Toronto. It appears Jack Studnicka has the second-line right wing spot locked up to begin the round-robin games, which leaves Anders Bjork and Karson Kuhlman battling for a third-line winger spot. Both flashed at times Thursday versus Columbus, and it’s not unrealistic to think they both could draw into the lineup should Marchand need some time off. In fact, Bjork showed some chemistry with Pastrnak that led to a scoring chance Thursday night.
If Marchand was held out for the rest of the game simply as a precautionary measure, that makes sense, too. And if he’s only a little dinged up, Cassidy and the Bruins will have to balance attempts to keep Marchand (and others) healthy while also staying sharp before the first round.
“Obviously, health is very important to the club, and I think we have enough bodies here, but we want to have the lineup that we feel is gonna give us the best chance to win,” Neely said Friday morning on a Zoom call with reporters. “We want to try to practice with that lineup, obviously, and we want to make sure we’re continuing to improve every day.
“It will be a delicate balance for Butch and his staff to figure out do some guys need a little bit more time maybe to rest and recover based on the fact this is getting ramped up pretty quick. The guys want to play. They’ve been off a long time.”
Be that as it may, if Marchand is dealing with a soft-tissue injury — especially one like a groin which could be reaggravated easily — it’s probably in their best interest to bring him along slowly.
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MLB Rumors: Marlins’ Plan For COVID-19 Players Sounds Like Nightmare
A new COVID-19 issue is facing Major League Baseball, as Friday’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers has been postponed in wake of two Cards players testing positive for the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the league’s biggest outbreak thus far continues to pose problems, as another Miami Marlins player reportedly tested positive for the virus Friday, bringing the club’s infected total to 20 (18 players, two coaches).
The Marlins have been quarantined in Philadelphia since their initial wave of positive tests came to light after a three-game series against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park last weekend. It now appears the Fish are making moves.
ESPN.com’s Jesse Rogers reported Friday the Marlins are getting sleeper busses to take infected members of the team back to Miami. Meanwhile, those not infected reportedly will stay in Philadelphia, before then continuing on with the season.
News out of Philadelphia where the Marlins have been holed up for over a week: Team is getting sleeper buses to take the infected players/personnel back to Miami. That's a long ride
Rest will stay, then head to Baltimore, NY and Buffalo for what will be a really long road trip
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 31, 2020
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The Marlins haven’t played a game since Sunday, and their games for this weekend already have been postponed.
They’re scheduled to face the Phillies for three games in Miami starting Tuesday, so that series presumably could shift to Philadelphia, after which the Marlins would travel to face the New York Mets at Citi Field and the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Field, a Triple-A ballpark in Buffalo.
Under those circumstances, the Marlins wouldn’t play their first home game until Aug. 14 against the Atlanta Braves. Although as ESPN.com points out, Miami-Dade County currently requires a 14-day quarantine for people coming into the area from New York — which the Marlins would be — so that’s another potential hurdle.
All of this really is a nightmare situation that keeps getting worse. And it’s obviously most troublesome for the players/personnel infected by the virus. According to Craig Mish, they’ll report to a single isolated quarantine location upon returning to Miami from Philadelphia — which, by the way, is about an 18-hour nonstop bus ride.
As @JesseRogersESPN reported the Marlins have plans to bus players who tested positive back to Miami. However, none of them are going home. I can report they are going to a single isolated quarantine location.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 31, 2020
Imagine being the bus driver(s). Yikes.
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Christian Vazquez Looks Like One Of MLB’s Top Catchers As He Saves Red Sox
In adding to the wild ride that is 2020, we ask you this: Where would the Boston Red Sox be without Christian Vazquez?
Two regular-season baseball games typically don’t mean much, but in a 60-game campaign, the 1-4 Red Sox were in desperate need of help. They got that from Vazquez, who put the club on his back this week against the New York Mets and, for now, has provided hope in a season that looked bleak after just five games — or nearly 10 percent of the campaign.
Vazquez was the best player on the field Thursday night, hitting two home runs, throwing out a base runner and masterfully handling a scotch-tape pitching staff, as the Red Sox held on to beat the Mets, “sweeping” a two-game set at Citi Field.
From the “take this very much for what it’s worth” department, Vazquez is second only to San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski in Fangraphs’ wins above replacement among hitters with at least 20 plate appearances this season. Vazquez’s four home runs are tied with Toronto’s Teoscar Hernandez for most in baseball (despite having 11 fewer plate appearances), and his 315 wRC+ is second to only Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
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In a very limited sample size, Vazquez has been one of the best players in baseball, while further solidifying himself as one of the four or five best catchers in the sport. So far this season, he has looked like the best.
Vazquez won’t sustain his pace of a dinger every five at-bats, but this offensive explosion isn’t out of nowhere, either.
After hitting just 10 home runs with a paltry .632 OPS over his first four seasons, Vazquez was fed up. He had an offensive renaissance of sorts last season, hitting a career-high 23 home runs while driving in 66 runs for Boston.
“I was tired of hitting ninth,” Vazquez said Thursday night of his power-up.
And while his numbers might not have been as good as, say, Gary Sanchez or Mitch Garver, his defense is far better than those catching contemporaries.
He showed that Thursday night, throwing out Michael Conforto — from his knees.
From the knees? Cannon. pic.twitter.com/vxjQ67mLXn
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2020
All in all, Vazquez’s evolution is evident right before our eyes.
“I think my work in the offseason is paying (off) now,” he said. “It paid last year, it’s paying this year. I need to continue to be consistent with my hitting and my catching. I know my defense is there always, but my offense needs to, I need to try to do my best to help the team win.”
So far, so good, and it’s come at a time when Vazquez’s best is exactly what the team needs to win.
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Patriots’ Go Time? How Cam Newton Marked His Gillette Stadium Arrival
Time to punch in.
Cam Newton arrived at Gillette Stadium on Friday as the New England Patriots prepare for an unconventional training camp amid the coronavirus pandemic. The veteran quarterback marked the occasion by posting a photo of himself rolling up in Foxboro.
Take a look:
₩HÄT’Š PÖPP1NG🌤 pic.twitter.com/2AwUHQQFEA
— Cameron 1 Newton (@CameronNewton) July 31, 2020
Newton’s tweet comes three days after Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski insisted it was “go time” ahead of their first training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So, one could say this is Newton’s way of indicating that it’s also “go time” in New England, where the Patriots will be looking to silence their doubters in 2020.
Newton, who agreed to join the Patriots last month after being released earlier in the offseason by the Carolina Panthers, figures to compete with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer for New England’s starting quarterback job.
More Patriots: How New England’s Training Camp Will Differ From Past Seasons
Bruins Roster Projection 4.0: Predicting Boston’s Lineup For Round-Robin Opener
The training camp practices are done, as is Thursday’s exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Next for the Boston Bruins? The Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday in the first game of the Eastern Conference round-robin tournament.
Every week since the start of training camp, we’ve predicted what the Bruins roster will be when the puck drops Sunday. And while it’s mostly come into focus, a few things remain unclear just two days out from the opening contest.
But alas, it’s our job/duty/obligation to take a stab at it. So away we go.
First Line
Brad Marchand–Patrice Bergeron–David Pastrnak
Take a deep breath, Pastrnak is in Toronto, so the Bruins’ top line will stay as it has.
Second Line
Jake DeBrusk–David Krejci–Jack Studnicka
Hands up if you predicted Jack Studnicka on the second line right wing three weeks ago. He seems like the frontrunner for that spot right now, but probably is the last forward in.
Third Line
Nick Ritchie–Charlie Coyle–Anders Bjork
Ritchie hasn’t been a regular participant in practice in a week, and he just returned to skating Thursday morning. If he’s in game shape our guess is this is how things will shake out, but we also wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up a healthy scratch against Philly so that he has a few more days to get his legs under him.
Fourth Line
Joakim Nordstrom–Sean Kuraly–Chris Wagner
If Ritchie doesn’t play, then Kuraly goes up to the third line left wing, where he spent most of camp, and Par Lindholm centers this unit. If not, the trio that spent much of this season together and was one of the league’s better fourth lines gets back together.
David Pastrnak’s Back; Qualifying Round Preview | NESN Bruins Podcast Ep. 75
Forward Healthy Scratches
Par Lindholm, Karson Kuhlman
It’s probably more likely that Lindholm sees game action before Kuhlman, but who knows.
Forward Reserves
Trent Frederic, Zach Senyshyn, Ondrej Kase
Kase only makes this list because we have no clue where he is. Frederic and Senyshyn have yet to really mix in with the top four lines, so it’s safe to consider them simply depth options.
First defensive pairing
Zdeno Chara–Charlie McAvoy
No surprise.
Second defensive pairing
Torey Krug–Brandon Carlo
Still not surprising.
Third defensive pairing
Matt Grzelcyk–Jeremy Lauzon
Lauzon has earned this spot, and short of an injury or a big step back, he’s going to keep it.
Defense Scratches
John Moore, Connor Clifton
Both have been outplayed by Lauzon this season, but if we’re taking guesses here, Moore is the seventh defenseman and Clifton is the eighth.
Defense Extras
Urho Vaakanainen, Jakub Zboril
The Bruins have so much defensive depth that something will have gone incredibly wrong if either get into a game right now.
Starting Goalie
Tuukka Rask
Remember last season in the Eastern Conference Final when the Hurricanes kept going back and forth between Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney, then before Game 3 Bruce Cassidy joked “Our (goalie) is gonna be Rask).” Good times. He should do that again Sunday.
Backup Goalie
Jaroslav Halak
Boston’s goalie is gonna be Rask. Thus, Halak will remain the backup.
Extra Goalies
Maxime Lagace, Dan Vladar
Depth options, obviously.
NHL Eastern Conference Round-Robin Primer: What To Know About All Four Teams
Patriots Mailbag: What Should Pats Do With Abundance Of Salary Cap Space?
The number of players left on the Patriots’ roster from all three of their recent Super Bowl wins is dwindling quickly.
Only running back James White, wide receivers Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater and safety Devin McCourty remain from 2014 and beyond with Tom Brady, Marcus Cannon, Dont’a Hightower, Patrick Chung, Nate Ebner, Duron Harmon, James Develin and Stephen Gostkowski all off of the current 80-man roster either via opt-out, trade or free agency this offseason. That’s it — four players.
This is going to be a new-look Patriots team in 2020. Hope you’re ready.
Let’s get into this week’s mailbag. Watch above and read below.
@pereira_report:
Expectations for Chase Winovich? #maildoug
If he’s not a starter in 2020, then it’s a disappointment. That’s where expectations are set after the Patriots lost Hightower to opt-out and Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts to free agency this offseason.
Winovich impressed as a rookie in limited opportunities with 5.5 sacks in just 28.9 percent of defensive snaps. He likely will be one of the Patriots’ starting outside linebackers/edge defenders in 2020 if all goes according to plan this offseason. He’ll be competing for one of those two roles with John Simon and rookies Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche, among others.
I believe Winovich will be ready. He might not be as versatile as Hightower, Van Noy or Collins, but he’s a great pass rusher who should have the athleticism to drop into coverage in certain situations and the strength to set the edge.
@BingBong818:
Based on the decrease of cap space next year, what do you see the patriots doing with their now abundance of cap this year?
Rolling most of it over to next season. As you said, BingBong818, the salary cap will be lowered next season to offset the loss of attendance in 2020. The Patriots are set to have an excess of cap space next season, but now the contracts of all six players who opted out — Hightower, running back Brandon Bolden, Chung, Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale and guard Najee Toran — will toll. That means that players like Hightower, Bolden, Vitale and Toran, who were set to be free agents after this season, will now be under contract in 2021. So, the Patriots must account for their cap hits next season unless they plan to cut or trade them, which is still a possibility.
Even taking that into consideration, the Patriots will have plenty of cap space to play around with next offseason.
Still, I can’t see the Patriots signing a high-priced free agent like Jadeveon Clowney. I do expect them to fill out their 80-man roster by signing four more players. But they’ll likely be minimum-priced rookies or low-cost veterans. They already started by signing quarterback Brian Lewerke on Thursday.
@jbobbo05:
The Patriots have $24.7 million in cap space right now. If Bill decides to not use any of it, what happens to all that money going into next offseason? They already have one of the highest salary caps going into the 2021 season . #MailDoug
They’ll get to take it with them to the 2021 offseason. The Patriots will have much more spending space than the majority of NFL teams next offseason, which is certainly an advantage. They could have around $80 million in cap space if they carry over the full $24.7 million, which is unlikely.
Some teams will have to make massive cuts to get under the proposed $175 million salary cap. The Patriots should be well under that $175 million figure.
@mosh_0:
what UDFA do you think benefits the most from the player opt outs
I’d say running back J.J. Taylor. The Patriots have just five running backs on their 80-man roster with Bolden opting out. Taylor is an injury away from essentially ensuring a roster spot. And he could earn a fifth spot on the running back depth chart if the Patriots like him enough. The Patriots kept five running backs in 2020.
Outside of Taylor, then I think tight end Jake Burt could prove himself as a fullback or Myles Bryant could carve out a role as a versatile defensive back.
If we’re including late-round picks, then I’d say offensive linemen Michael Onwenu, Justin Herron and Dustin Woodard and linebacker Cassh Maluia now have much better shots at roster spots after this week’s opt-outs.
@offroadtjnh
#MailDoug How do we fill this hole in the middle of the defense? I read about these rookies- come on? BB isn’t going to rely on rookie (s) to fill Hightowers spot, is he?
You might scoff at the idea of rookies playing significant roles this season, but what are the other options? The Patriots didn’t know so many players were going to opt out days before training camp began back when they were adding veterans in free agency. And it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. They had no cap space at the time.
If it’s not rookies, you’re talking about Ja’Whaun Bentley and Brandon Copeland at inside linebacker, Simon and Winovich at outside linebacker and Adrian Phillips or Terrence Brooks at strong safety. That could be good enough with Bill Belichick pulling the strings. The Patriots certainly would rather hit on some rookies like Kyle Dugger or Josh Uche this season, however.
More Patriots: Five Young Players Who Could Replace Opt-Outs
Let’s go rapid fire:
@KubaKazula:
Why do you think Patriots didn’t fill those 5 roster spots yet? Chaos with the opt-outs? Trying something with that cap space? Seemed like bringing back UDFAs (or Gant) would be expected
I just don’t think they’re in a rush with actual practices beginning in two weeks. They’ll fill the spots, and I’m sure you’ll see more of those young players who were cut Sunday come back.
@Boss765_YT:
What do you think Bill does with the remaining cap space? #MailDoug
You think a full NFL Season happens?
What would you do with the cap space?
Who do you think Bill starts at QB?
Who would you start at QB?
Projected Pats record?
— Rolls most of it over.
— I wouldn’t be surprised if things got pushed back or if a week or two of the season was lost. I’m trying to stay optimistic.
— Roll most of it over.
— Cam Newton.
— Cam Newton.
— 10-6 if all 16 games are played.
@gschofield22:
Why aren’t we bringing in my boy Chris Hogan? He’s a FA and knows the system.
I think the Patriots are pretty comfortable with who they have at wide receiver after signing Damiere Byrd and Marqise Lee as free agents and adding a couple of undrafted rookies with potential.
@ZoddaZone:
Why no competition at kicker where we’ve normally seen Belichick have a veteran compete with a rookie?
It is a little bit odd. There’s still time to add another kicker before training camp begins, but for now, Justin Rohrwasser is the only one on the roster. Maybe the Patriots are waiting to see how he looks before they decide whether or not to make another move for competition.
@Miller91_:
Am I going to be busy on sundays Doug?
I hope so.
@zacklehan:
how do you like your eggs #maildoug
Over medium.
@smorassutti:
Will the McCourty twins play this year?! #MailDoug
It’s looking that way so far.
@D_West_03:
If a player opts out, will they be able to rejoin the team later in the season if they change their mind?
It is “generally irrevocable.”
Hungo Bungo:
What’s your favorite movie?
I really like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “That Thing You Do” and “Home Alone.”
I liked “Palm Springs” a lot too. Everyone should check that out.
@thespiritshopp1:
Doug do you personally afree eith any of this? Why is there even still talk of a season? It’s truly shameful that the need for profit is standing above safety and responsibility
I don’t think we know yet. It all depends on how seriously NFL players and coaches, their families, and the rest of the United States population take the virus.
@thisryanjackson:
sup?
Just getting back into the swing of things with work after taking all of my vacation time in one chunk before training camp. It’s going to be a different season, but we’re definitely staying busy so far.
More Patriots: What Will Training Camp Look Like This Summer?
Breaking Down Patriots’ Top Six Roster Battles In New-Look Training Camp
In a normal year, the New England Patriots would have held their first training camp practice on Thursday. But 2020, of course, is no normal year.
Under the NFL’s new training camp format implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Patriots’ first camp practice won’t be until Aug. 12. Their first session in full pads will take place five days later, on Aug. 17.
In the meantime, Patriots players will undergo coronavirus testing — they must test negative three times before entering Gillette Stadium — attend virtual meetings and complete several days of conditioning, weight training and walkthroughs.
As we count down the days before these new-look Patriots hit the field for the first time, here’s a look at six of the most intriguing roster battles we’ll be watching this summer:
QUARTERBACK
Who replaces Tom Brady: Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham? COVID-related issues notwithstanding, that’s the biggest question of Patriots training camp.
Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, should be the guy if healthy, but that’s no guarantee after he ended each of the last two seasons on injured reserve. There’s still a chance Stidham could simply outplay Newton (who signed for the veteran minimum and can make up to $7.5 million this season) and earn the starting nod, but the ceiling for New England’s offense would be higher with the former Panthers star at the controls.
Brian Hoyer, who has more significantly more experience in said offense than either Newton or Stidham, has a good chance of sticking around as a safety-net QB3. The Patriots also re-signed undrafted rookie Brian Lewerke this week.
WIDE RECEIVER
Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry and Matthew Slater are safe. Mohamed Sanu should be, too. But what about Damiere Byrd, Jakobi Meyers, Marqise Lee, Gunner Olszewski, Jeff Thomas and Will Hastings? All six have realistic chances of earning roster spots, but it’s likely only two will make the cut, three tops.
Meyers and Olszewski made the team as UDFAs last season and impressed in spurts. Byrd and Lee are veteran free agent additions. Thomas and Hastings are undrafted rookies with intriguing traits — speed and big-play potential for the former, elite quickness and a strong connection with Stidham for the latter.
Two members of last year’s practice squad, Quincy Adeboyejo and Devin Ross, round out this position group.
LINEBACKER
With Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts now in Miami, Jamie Collins in Detroit and Dont’a Hightower opting out of the season, the Patriots are without four of their top ‘backers from last season, including their three best pass rushers in Hightower, Van Noy and Collins.
Replacing those three versatile defenders will require contributions from an array of players, many of whom either lack substantial NFL experience or are new to New England’s system. Ja’Whaun Bentley, John Simon, Chase Winovich, Day 2 draft picks Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings and veteran newcomer Brandon Copeland all look like roster locks, but it remains to be seen how they’ll be positioned on the depth chart.
The bubble battle at inside linebacker (sixth-round rookie Cassh Maluia vs. UDFA De’Jon Harris vs. 2019 practice squadder Terez Hall) is one we’ll be closely monitoring. Also: Will this be the end of the road for edge rusher Derek Rivers, who’s played in just six games in his three pro seasons?
More Patriots: Five Under-The-Radar Players Who Could Play Key Roles
RIGHT TACKLE
Marcus Cannon’s replacement might not even be on the Patriots’ roster yet. The veteran starter’s decision to opt out left New England extremely thin at tackle with only Korey Cunningham, Yodny Cajuste and Justin Herron behind starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn.
Cajuste, a 2019 third-round pick who missed his entire rookie season, has the most potential of those three. The Patriots also could experiment with standout left guard Joe Thuney at right tackle. Thuney played tackle in college and took reps there last spring and summer, though those came on the left side.
Expect the Patriots to use at least one of their open roster spots — they had four as of Wednesday afternoon — on an experienced tackle. Cordy Glenn and Demar Dotson are the most notable available free agents. Former Patriots LaAdrian Waddle, Marshall Newhouse and Jared Veldheer also are unsigned.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Keep an eye on Bill Murray and Nick Coe here. With plenty of uncertainty up front behind standout Lawrence Guy and pass-rush specialist Adam Butler, the two undrafted rookies could make strong pushes for roster spots. Murray, who dominated on defense and special teams at the FCS level, received the second-most guaranteed money of any 2020 Patriots UDFA ($125,000), and the versatile Coe was considered a potential first-round prospect as recently as last summer.
The rookie duo will compete with fourth-year pro Deatrich Wise, 2019 fifth-round pick Byron Cowart and returning practice squadders Nick Thurman and Tashawn Bower. Wise is the longest-tenured player in that bunch, but he remains an awkward fit for the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme. He also finished tied for the team lead in penalties committed last season with seven, six of which resulted in first downs.
Beau Allen should be safe as Danny Shelton’s replacement, but he played sparingly in Tampa Bay last year, and the Patriots have cut plenty of freshly signed veterans before (Mike Pennel, Terrance Knighton, etc.).
TIGHT END
Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene are locked into roster spots as third-round draft picks. They’ll be tasked with returning this group to its former glory after it nosedived last season without Rob Gronkowski. But with just a handful of preseason practices, will either of the rookies be ready to contribute in Week 1? Or will the Patriots need to rely on Matt LaCosse or Ryan Izzo (holdovers who likely are fighting for one roster spot) to open the season?
And then there’s the fullback question. With Danny Vitale opting out and Jakob Johnson still largely unproven, a tight end like Keene or UDFA Jake Burt could see reps at fullback in camp. The two position groups officially will fall under the same umbrella this season, with Nick Caley serving as New England’s tight ends/fullbacks coach.
More Patriots: How Opt-Outs Change 53-Man Roster Projection
CT Sun Wrap: DeWanna Bonner’s Brilliance Not Enough In Loss To Sparks
Three games in to the Connecticut Sun’s season, and it’s clear that DeWanna Bonner has integrated quite well to her new team.
The Sun fell 81-76 to the Los Angeles Sparks, but Bonner lit it up dropping a game-high 34 points, 14 rebounds and five assists for the Sun on Thursday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Her performance set a new WNBA record for points through the first three games of a season from a player on a new team (78).
https://t.co/b6X1OqEvrv pic.twitter.com/CnoY9FlRB0
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
Unfortunately, though, her efforts weren’t enough to make up for Connecticut’s freezing cold shooting performance in the fourth, or for how long it took Ashley Thomas to get going. She had one first-half point, finishing the game with 10 total, but was unable to get her shots to fall consistently until the third as the Sun battled through lead changes with the Sparks. She did, however, record an impressive 18 boards with eight assists.
Jasmine Thomas had 11 points, three rebounds and three steals in the loss. Meanwhile, Sparks guard Chelsea Gray and forward Nneka Ogwumike led a balanced offense with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Candace Parker added 10 points and 11 rebounds.
With that, the Sun fall to 0-3 on their season while the Sparks improve to 2-1.
Here’s how it all went down:
STARTING FIVE
PG: Jasmine Thomas
SG: Bria Holmes
PF: Alyssa Thomas
SF: DeWanna Bonner
C: Brionna Jones
SUN’S OPENING RUN SHORT LIVED
The Sun got out to a hot start, opening the game on a 6-0 run led by Bonner, who had nine first-quarter points shooting 3-for-4 from the field, including one 3-pointer.
Clocking in early!#SUNState pic.twitter.com/wKgf8xx1v1
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
In her third game with the Sun, Bonner passed WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes to become the 23rd All-Time scorer in the league.
She did it! DeWanna Bonner passes Sheryl Swoopes to become 23rd All-Time in @WNBA points scored.#SUNState pic.twitter.com/uDmrWOGuA2
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
And it didn’t take long for Jasmine Thomas to join her on the scoring, adding five points in the first.
Steal, dish, pull up. Easy enough. #SUNState pic.twitter.com/5CyUBkd51l
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
Jasmin3 Thomas#SUNState pic.twitter.com/JctYVNiYox
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
But the lead was short lived thanks to play after play from Gray and Ogwumike, who each put up six first-quarter points. Seimone Augustus tied it up for Los Angeles at 16 apiece inside of two minutes and a Parker free throw gave them a lead they’d keep through the rest of the frame.
.@Nnemkadi30 gets us started for the night 💪#GoSparks | #LeadThrCharge pic.twitter.com/xk27PCPWt8
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 31, 2020
We repeat that @cgray209 is the best passer in the @WNBA 😤#GoSparks | #LeadTheCharge pic.twitter.com/3V9o9RaYWs
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 31, 2020
The Sparks finished the opening quarter with a 19-18 lead.
BACK AND FORTH
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis came off the bench in the second and hit a 25-foot jumper to give Connecticut it’s lead back, and Bonner extended it with a catch-and-shoot jumper with five minutes left in the half.
Splashhhh🌊#SUNState pic.twitter.com/D7IAdMXBmj
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
But it was back and forth from there, with Ashley Thomas locked down through most of the first half. By halftime, she’d only put up one point (0-for-8 from the field) but managed 10 boards and four assists.
The quarter saw five lead changes, but ultimately ended with the Sparks up 41-36. Bonner led scoring with 17 first-half points while Gray had a team-high 10 points in Los Angeles’ balanced offense.
WELCOME TO THE BONNER SHOW
Bonner assisted Alyssa Thomas to take an early lead in the third, Gray stole the lead back with a 24-point trey, and then Alyssa Thomas returned the favor on the other end setting up Bonner on an ally oop layup to tie it up at 24 points each.
Oh, you thought AT wasn't going to start scoring? Interesting. #SUNState pic.twitter.com/cXWQ5kn9nm
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
Every hour is scary hour. https://t.co/hFGivpRpCe
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
The Sun needed Alyssa Thomas to get more involved in the offense if they were going to pull away, and she did. But it was Bonner who ensured the Sun kept the lead through most of the third.
DB with 24 points so far…sheesh🔥#SUNState pic.twitter.com/dPm03uxYD5
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
Augustus hit a jumper to tie things up with 3:02 on the clock, and the Sparks went on a mini run led by Brittney Sykes as missed layups and free throws plagued the Sun’s attempt to create separation.
Silky Smooth Seimone 😤@seimoneaugustus | #GoSparks pic.twitter.com/qyGvzUgytg
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 31, 2020
By the end of the third, Bonner had scored 26 points, but was the only Sun player to reach double figures. The Sparks led 63-57 heading into the fourth quarter, tied for the largest lead of the game.
SPARKS CREATE SEPARATION
To start the final frame, Los Angeles went on a small run that gave them a 10-point lead after a Parker basket. And from there, the Sparks had all the energy and momentum in their favor.
Super speed🚀#SUNState pic.twitter.com/GLNZyL925g
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
NO QUIT 😤😤😤
@Nnemkadi30 | #GoSparks pic.twitter.com/sLeChIPint
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 31, 2020
Hoopin'🤩#SUNState pic.twitter.com/x8dozSXyFa
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) July 31, 2020
The Sun picked it up towards the end of the stanza, outscoring the Sparks 19-18, but the effort was too little, too late.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Chelsea Gray is a hooper, no question about it. This footwork, though?
Ooh wee that step back 🥶@cgray209 | #GoSparks pic.twitter.com/qV8bqSBJbv
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 31, 2020
UP NEXT
The Sun take the court again Saturday against Minnesota, where they’ll hope to avenge their opening game loss to the Lynx. Tip-off is at 4 p.m. ET.