Austin Reaves gives short-handed Lakers another reason to rely on him with buzzer-beater vs. Wolves
Austin Reaves rose up for a floater from 12 feet out and swished the winner for the Los Angeles Lakers right before the buzzer for a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Reaves has taken on a heavy responsibility for the Lakers while stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James are injured and four other players are unavailable. Reaves had 28 points and matched his career high with 16 assists. He became the first Lakers player since Kobe Bryant 20 years ago to start a season with five consecutive games of 25-plus points.
Matas Buzelis scores 27 and Bulls move to 4-0 with 126-113 win over Kings
The Chicago Bulls have defeated the Sacramento Kings 126-113 to remain unbeaten. Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 27 points, while Josh Giddey added 20 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds. The Bulls improved to 4-0. That’s their best start since the 2021-2022 season. Sacramento’s Zach LaVine scored 30 points in his return to Chicago, where he played until last season. The Kings shot 53.1% from the field but made just 25% of their 3-pointers. The Bulls outscored the Kings 64-49 in the second half.
Rozier and Billups will not receive NBA salaries while on leave in gambling cases, AP sources say
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier will not receive his salary while on leave due to his arrest on federal gambling charges. Nor will Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who has also been placed on leave by the league after his arrest on gambling-related charges last week. That’s according to two people with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because details were not released publicly. Both of their salaries are being withheld while the cases play out. Additionally, Rozier’s attorney says that a federal lien filed with regard to the player’s tax bill in 2021 was satisfied.
What NFL fans think about the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, according to a new poll
Many NFL teams have lost star players to season-ending injuries this season, or played without them for significant stretches — but a new poll finds that most football fans want more games, even if it means more risk. A new Quinnipiac poll found about half of NFL fans say the league is doing enough to protect players from serious injuries. Most fans, 60%, support expanding the season, including many who say the move for players — which would include a salary increase — is worth the increased risk of injury. The NFL is nearing the midpoint of a season marked by high-profile injuries that have knocked several key players out of action the rest of the way. The poll suggests that for the most part, blame isn’t landing on the league.
Better than gold? $100,000 for US athletes who make the Winter Olympics and Paralympics
NEW YORK (AP) — The stakes for all these U.S. skiers, skaters, snowboarders and sliders over the next 100 days could not be more clear. A chance for Olympic glory. A chance to compete for a gold medal. And this year, for the first time, a chance to make $100,000. Thanks to a recent record $100 million donation to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, athletes who make the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic teams starting next year in Milan-Cortina will be eligible to receive a $100,000 grant when they retire.
Lions sign star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to contract extension through 2030
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a contract extension through the 2030 season. Hutchinson was the No. 2 overall pick out of Michigan in 2022. He has 34 1/2 sacks in 46 career games. He also has 78 quarterback hits, 36 tackles for loss, 11 pass defenses, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions. Hutchinson made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and had 7 1/2 sacks in five games last year before he broke his leg. He has six sacks in seven games this season for the Lions.
Twins hire former coach and ex-Pirates skipper Derek Shelton as manager, AP source says
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have picked former bench coach Derek Shelton as their new manager, a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed Wednesday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the hire. Major League Baseball encourages clubs to avoid spotlighting big moves during the World Series. Shelton served as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates for five-plus years before he was fired just 40 games into this season. The 55-year-old was the bench coach for the Twins in 2018 and 2019 under two different managers, Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli.