After Felix Rosenqvist won the Indy 500 on Sunday in a photo finish, pundits are wondering what more the rising star is capable of.

Rosenqvist has always been impressive, as evidenced by his recent performances during the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500.

Rosentqvist remained competitive throughout the weekend, again proving why he has become one of the most consistent drivers in the IndyCar Series this season. The Swedish driver battled near the front of the field, demonstrating strong pace in both qualifying and race conditions.

Entering the weekend with momentum after several solid finishes earlier this year, Rosenqvist’s speed on oval tracks stood out. He is always a contender at the biggest motorsports events each year.
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Throughout practice, Rosenqvist posted some of the fastest laps in the field. His comfort driving at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has allowed Meyer Shank Racing to remain competitive against powerhouse organizations.

Fans also praise Rosenqvist for his calm personality and professionalism on and off the track. He remains one of the most respected competitors in IndyCar.

As the IndyCar season continues, Rosenqvist appears poised to win again and remain a serious contender in the biggest races.
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The Colombian national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, led by veteran midfielder James Rodríguez and winger Luis Díaz as the team prepares for the tournament in North America after successfully securing qualification in September 2025.

There was great anticipation among the Colombian fanbase worldwide for the announcement by coach Nestor Lorenzo. It was speculated on who would make it into the final 26-man squad. National team captain James Rodriguez, who has not been in the best form lately, has been working hard to make the final list and come in strong this tournament.

The roster includes a mix of experienced international players and in-form club performers from across Europe and South America. Alongside Rodríguez and Díaz, the squad features key regulars such as Jefferson Lerma, Davinson Sánchez, and goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, all of whom played important roles during qualification.

One of the notable inclusions is forward Juan Camilo Hernandez, who is seen as a talent long overlooked despite multiple standout years in Spain’s La Liga. This year, “El Cucho” Hernandez was Real Betis’ top scorer in La Liga and secured them their first Champions League qualification in 20 years.

Midfielder Gustavo Puerta, who secured promotion to La Liga from La Liga 2 for Racing Santander, also earned a place in the squad, reflecting the coaching staff’s emphasis on integrating younger players into the tournament setup. Lorenzo also seems to be rewarding players for having successful seasons at their respective clubs.

The squad also includes creative options such as Juan Fernando Quintero, providing depth in attacking midfield positions. Quintero has been seen as a faithful servant to the Colombian national team, showing up in big moments during substitute appearances. He is also known as a legend at Argentinian clubs like River Plate, where he currently plays. Similar to Rodriguez, this is likely Quintero’s last World Cup.

Several notable omissions were also part of the final selection, with competition for places forcing difficult decisions ahead of the tournament. One of these omissions was Wilmar Barrios, who plays for Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia. Barrios recently secured the league title for Zenit. Rafael Santos Borré also did not make the final list. The Colombian forward has a long history with the national team, but hasn’t always been consistently strong or performed well. In his place is Juan Camilo Hernandez. The final group reflects a balance between established veterans and emerging talent as Colombia looks to make a deep run in the expanded 2026 World Cup format.

As preparations begin, attention will now turn to training camps and final tactical adjustments before the team opens its World Cup campaign. Colombia’s opening game will be against Uzbekistan on June 17, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST in Mexico. Many players will be having their last dance at the World Cup, while others will be making their debut on the biggest stage in world football.

Controversy surrounded the NBA playoffs after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, as both fans and players expressed frustration over foul calls involving MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder beat the Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 series lead, but most of the postgame discussion focused on the referees—including Tony Brothers—and the number of free throws awarded to Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander once again excelled offensively, attacking the paint aggressively against the Spurs’ defense. However, Spurs players, coaches and fans repeatedly expressed frustration, believing the Oklahoma City guard received favorable whistles.

Social media erupted during and after the game as clips circulated showing multiple foul calls involving Gilgeous-Alexander driving to the basket. Many fans argued that the Thunder star is getting special treatment from officials.

Despite the controversy, Gilgeous-Alexander has been playing efficient basketball. The All-NBA guard controls the pace offensively, especially when Oklahoma City pulls away late in the fourth quarter. One of his more underrated skills is drawing fouls and getting to the line.

Critics who say he “foul baits” likely aren’t watching closely—many players in today’s game do the same, and most calls are correct in the moment.

One instance in Game 5 where I disagreed with the officials was late in the fourth quarter, when Luke Kornet had a clear layup erased by Cason Wallace and no foul was called. Later, the ball went off Holmgren’s shoe, but officials called it out on Wembanyama.

Aside from that, Spurs guard Stephon Castle plays too aggressively at times and picks up inexcusable fouls.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. is back in the news, this time for a legal battle outside the boxing ring. The former champion is suing a man who allegedly damaged Mayweather’s reputation through social media posts.

The boxer has faced multiple court cases in recent weeks, including the IRS seeking $7 million in back taxes.

Mayweather recently filed a lawsuit against the man who spread false information about his personal life. The suit seeks financial damages and the removal of numerous social media posts related to the allegations.

Mayweather, who retired with a perfect 50-0 record, is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He earned hundreds of millions through boxing, though not all his decisions outside the ring have been as successful.

Court documents claim the man published false information to harm Mayweather’s image and personal relationships. Attorneys for Mayweather argue the accusations caused significant reputational damage and created confusion across multiple online platforms.

The lawsuit adds to a long history of legal disputes involving Mayweather during and after his boxing career. He generated billions in pay-per-view revenue over the years and has frequently been involved in lawsuits and personal disputes.

Mayweather has said that protecting his name and brand remains extremely important because of what he has built throughout his career. The former champion frequently uses social media, posting about his luxurious lifestyle, private jets and expensive jewelry.

Legal experts say lawsuits involving celebrities have increased as public figures continue to combat misinformation. High-profile athletes, especially those like Mayweather, attract rapid attention and engagement on digital platforms.

Mayweather now has to wait, as the man named in the lawsuit has not been publicly identified or responded to the allegations.
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The New York Knicks dominated the Eastern Conference finals, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games to advance to their first NBA Finals since 1999.

Since New York came back in Game 1 after being down 20 points in the fourth quarter, the Knicks have not let up all series. In each game, New York’s offense shot at a high level while the defense repeatedly overwhelmed the Cavaliers.
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Jalen Brunson started at point guard and delivered another strong performance, earning Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors.

With this postseason run, the Knicks have now won eight in a row and will play the winner of the Thunder-Spurs series in the NBA Finals on June 3.

This New York team may be under the radar compared to those in the Western Conference, but their effort and defensive intensity stand out. Veteran players like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart can cause havoc and force turnovers. When the Knicks are hitting shots, they’re tough to beat.

Head coach Mike Brown, hired from Sacramento after being let go, also defeated his former team and coached LeBron James back in the early 2000s. That has to be a good feeling for him.

Since 2020, the Knicks have built this roster by acquiring Brunson from the Dallas Mavericks, trading for Josh Hart from the New Orleans Pelicans, adding Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and getting OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors.

They’ve also built depth, with Landry Shamet shooting 92 percent from 3-point range this series and Deuce McBride consistently knocking down threes off the bench. Now, the Knicks will wait to see who they’ll play in the NBA Finals—and what would be the better matchup: Victor Wembanyama or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The reported departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City could signal the beginning of a significant transition period for one of Europe’s most successful football clubs in recent years.

Guardiola helped establish Manchester City as a dominant force in both English and European football during his tenure with the club. Under his leadership, the team won multiple domestic league titles and consistently competed for major trophies, while developing a playing style that became closely associated with the club’s identity. His influence extended beyond match tactics, shaping recruitment decisions and the organization’s long-term direction.

His departure could create uncertainty surrounding the future of several star players currently at the club. High-profile players often consider managerial stability and long-term project direction when making contract or transfer decisions, particularly at clubs competing for championships every season. Reports have also suggested that representatives for Joško Gvardiol have explored potential opportunities elsewhere, with clubs such as Real Madrid linked as possible destinations following Guardiola’s expected exit. While such reports remain unconfirmed, they highlight the level of uncertainty that can follow a managerial change of this scale.

Manchester City may also face new challenges in attracting top transfer targets in the coming seasons. Guardiola’s reputation and success have long been viewed as major factors in the club’s ability to recruit elite players from around the world.

For many players, the opportunity to work under Guardiola represented both a competitive and a developmental advantage, given his success at Manchester City and his legendary past with his former clubs. The Spanish manager was seen as the face of Manchester City’s long-term tactical project. Without him, the club could face stronger competition from other European powers pursuing the same transfer targets.

Despite the uncertainty, Manchester City is still expected to remain one of the strongest financial and competitive forces in world football. The club possesses significant resources, a deep roster, and an established infrastructure that could help ease the transition into a new era. However, replacing a manager with Guardiola’s level of influence and sustained success will likely be viewed as one of the most important decisions in the club’s modern history.

As the organization prepares for its next phase, attention will likely focus on how quickly the club adapts to leadership changes both on and off the field. It is projected that former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca is the frontrunner to take the reins at Manchester City next season. The coming seasons could determine whether Manchester City can maintain its position among Europe’s elite following the end of Guardiola’s tenure.

The controversial Enhanced Games, which allow athletes to use steroids, kicked off in Las Vegas this weekend.

Backed by several high-profile investors, including Donald Trump Jr., the Enhanced Games seeks to break records in ways never seen before. Organizers aim to push human performance to new levels by removing substance bans enforced by organizations such as the International Olympic Committee.

The event has drawn criticism across social media, with athletes, medical experts and sports officials around the world warning how dangerous it is for athletes’ health and for prioritizing winning over long-term safety.

The Enhanced Games featured swimming, track and field, weightlifting and other Olympic-style sports. Organizers offer large prize pools and financial incentives for athletes willing to participate.

The controversy intensified after a world record was broken at the Las Vegas event. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev was the sole competitor for the seven-figure jackpot, producing a record-breaking swim in the men’s 50-meter freestyle.

Gkolomeev, reportedly using performance enhancers, clocked 20.81 seconds to break the previous world record of 20.88 set by Cameron McEvoy.

The result sparked renewed debate about fairness and the future of professional sports, as questions continue over whether fans will embrace an open competition with performance-enhancing drugs.


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Daniel Suarez honored the late Kylie Busch after winning the Coca-Cola 600.

While Suarez was struggling to make a name in auto racing, he would often get calls from Busch, who always offered encouragement and motivation to keep working toward his dream.

It was an emotional day in the racing world as Suarez became the first Mexican-born driver to win the Coke 600. It was his third Cup Series win and his first since 2024.
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Suarez was a non-factor most of the race, but he gambled and took two tires during a late pit stop, then held off Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin to win.

The race came just three days after Busch’s sudden and unexpected death sent shockwaves through the motorsports world and beyond. The 41-year-old died of pneumonia, which progressed to sepsis and led to rapid, overwhelming complications, according to a statement from his family.

Busch’s family attended the race, and NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell told them they would always be part of the NASCAR community, saying, “We got you.”

Busch also regularly appeared on The Pat McAfee Show as a special guest and was a major part of the show when McAfee was still broadcasting from his basement.

The San Antonio Spurs earned a major win Sunday, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals to even the series at 2-2 and shift it back to Oklahoma City.

The Spurs dropped Game 3 at home to the Thunder, largely due to Oklahoma City’s depth. Players like Jared McCain and Jaylen Williams had solid outings, hitting several 3-pointers. Despite leading 15-0 in that game, the Spurs struggled with consistency.

One of the main takeaways from that game was Victor Wembanyama’s inconsistency in getting to his spots. He took several contested shots and 3-pointers.

In Game 4, Wembanyama was back to form, especially on the defensive end as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, blocking shots and anchoring the paint. He finished with 33 points and was much more aggressive throughout the game.

The Thunder struggled to regain momentum after their Game 3 victory. With all starters in, Oklahoma City shot just 5-for-32 before pulling them from the game—an unusual occurrence for OKC. Jaylen Williams (known as J-Dub) and Ajay Mitchell were both out due to injury.

Wembanyama was the key factor in the win, a must-have for the Spurs after falling behind 2-1 in the series following Game 3.

Now, the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 with the series tied 2-2. The Thunder have home-court advantage for Game 5—and, if it goes to seven games, for Game 7 as well.

We’ll see if the Spurs can maintain their momentum from Game 4 or if Oklahoma City will regroup at home.

New York Knicks’ Mikal Bridges delivered another standout performance in Game 3 on Friday night.

The Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 in the Eastern Conference finals.

With the win, New York now leads the series 3-0.

Bridges once again played a major role on both ends of the floor for the Knicks, knocking down jump shots, defending, and forcing turnovers.

Throughout his career, Bridges has been known for his durability as an elite perimeter defender. He helped disrupt Cleveland’s offense while also scoring at key moments.

When the Knicks needed a bucket, Josh Hart started hitting 3-pointers as New York went on a 14-0 run in the third quarter.

Bridges helped maintain offensive production, keeping a 15- to 20-point lead. His defensive intensity is critical, especially when guarding stars like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

Bridges’ ability to dominate without the ball has been a big factor in the Knicks’ postseason success. He contributes to both offense and defense.

He played a similar role in Phoenix in 2021, hitting corner 3s and serving as a great defender as the Suns made the NBA Finals, nearly winning the championship before losing Game 6 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Floyd Mayweather Jr., 49, is making headlines outside the boxing ring for all the wrong reasons.

The former boxer was hit with a ruling in a paternity case brought by a dancer from one of his Las Vegas strip clubs.

Mayweather has now been ordered to pay $1 million in back child support in addition to monthly payments of $33,000 for his 4-year-old daughter, Price Moorehead.

Mayweather was declared the father of Price in March 2026.

The ruling comes just weeks after the IRS had threatened to take his passport due to $7 million in unpaid tax debt.

Mayweather is widely considered one of the greatest boxers ever, spending years in the spotlight, both positive and negative.

Mayweather Jr., who often shares moments with his family on social media, retired from boxing after his final official fight against Conor McGregor in 2017.



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The Western Conference finals are now tied 1-1 after the Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 2 at home.

But the story of the night was Dylan Harper. The San Antonio Spurs’ rookie point guard suffered an injury in the second quarter.

​Harper, a rookie out of Rutgers, played a major role in San Antonio’s Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime.

But in the second quarter of Game 2, he grabbed a rebound and landed awkwardly. Harper immediately reached for his leg, walked to the sideline, and then limped to the locker room. He did not return to the floor.

​This is significant for the Spurs because starting point guard De’Aaron Fox is already out, and Harper has been the team’s main playmaker, getting to the basket against the Thunder. Without Harper down the stretch, San Antonio struggled to get to the rim and create offense when it mattered most. The Spurs cut the deficit to five points late but lacked a go-to scorer to finish the game.

​Harper’s injury is a major concern for San Antonio and could force him to miss significant time. Since entering the league, Harper has developed into one of the NBA’s most promising young guards. His chemistry with superstar Victor Wembanyama has fueled the Spurs’ playoff run this postseason.

​Another major storyline is Jalen Williams of the Thunder, who suffered a hamstring issue. Now, both Oklahoma City and San Antonio will head into Game 3 dealing with key injuries.

Even at the start of his NBA career, Harper has already become a critical piece of San Antonio’s future. Any injury is a serious concern for the Spurs as this series continues.

Trevor Bauer avoided disaster on Wednesday when his McLaren was heavily damaged after being T-boned in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The former Cy Young Award winner was driving his black McLaren in Scottsdale when another vehicle struck the driver’s side of Bauer’s sports car.

A now-viral video showed Bauer getting out of the car. The vehicle was badly damaged, with debris scattered across the roadway, and Bauer appeared visibly shaken.

Despite the severity of the crash, neither Bauer nor the other driver suffered major injuries.

Reports indicate Bauer was not speeding and was not considered at fault for the accident.

The incident comes during a critical period in Bauer’s career. He is 35 and attempting a comeback in Major League Baseball.

Bauer currently pitches for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League after stints in Japan and Mexico.

Bauer has not appeared in a Major League Baseball game since 2021 due to sexual assault allegations that led to his suspension. Bauer was never criminally charged and was found not liable in court, but no MLB team has signed him since the suspension ended.

Bauer remains prominent on YouTube. In 2021, before the allegations, he received thousands of views by uploading vlogs about game days while pitching for the Dodgers.

He is still popular in the baseball YouTube space, sharing his game-day routine, life, and the antics he celebrates after nearly every strikeout.

This is not Bauer’s first bizarre incident. In 2019, one of his previous McLarens was totaled after a semi truck crashed through a dealership window and landed on the vehicle.

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Matthew Stafford is getting paid.

The Los Angeles Rams officially agreed to a new contract extension with Stafford amid a busy offseason in Los Angeles. The Rams also selected first-round quarterback Ty Simpson out of Alabama, but Stafford will be the starter this season.

According to multiple reports, Stafford signed a one-year, $55 million deal that could increase to $60 million with incentives.

Stafford, of course, is the NFL’s reigning MVP.

This extension represents Stafford’s commitment to head coach Sean McVay, especially after the team told him they planned to draft Simpson in the first round.

First-round quarterback Simpson is a highly accurate pocket passer who led Alabama past Oklahoma, 34-24, in a playoff game before falling to national champion Indiana, 38-3. Many were surprised Simpson went in the first round, but McVay got his quarterback of the future.

But the Rams have doubled down on Stafford and have unfinished business. The 38-year-old threw 46 touchdown passes in 2025 with Los Angeles.

The Rams were the No. 5 seed and finished with a 12-5 record. They nearly upset the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Key plays hurt the Rams in that game, including Xavier Smith’s fumbled punt return and DeMarcus Lawrence accidentally covering Kyren Williams on a crucial fourth down in the fourth quarter.

Stafford has been in Los Angeles since 2021. In his first year as the Rams’ quarterback, he led the Rams to a Super Bowl title, defeating the Bengals 23-20.

Los Angeles has remained a contender in recent years, and the message is clear for the Rams and their fans: Even as Stafford nears 40, the Rams believe their veteran quarterback can still compete for another Super Bowl.

LeBron James, 41, remains the biggest topic of any NBA offseason storyline.

Questions are swirling around his future contract situation with the Los Angeles Lakers. What he decides in the coming months continues to dominate conversation on shows like First Take and across the basketball world.

​After completing another strong season—his 23rd NBA campaign—James now faces a major decision in the next stage of his career.

Of course, everyone knows James: a four-time NBA champion, the league’s highest-paid player, and the face of basketball for a generation.

​Some continue to speculate whether James could pursue a shorter contract or accept a pay cut with the Lakers, allowing them to improve the roster on a one-year deal before he retires.

James has several options: He could retire, return to the Cleveland Cavaliers to help their young squad—the Cavs are currently in the Eastern Conference finals—or return to the Lakers on a pay cut to help build around young star Luka Dončić.

​The salary discussion comes at a crucial time, following the Lakers’ second-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Los Angeles is expected to be aggressive and pursue roster upgrades around Dončić. The Lakers need to make a significant move to compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs for years to come—whether that means trading Austin Reaves for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, or making another bold move. The Lakers need a spark to return to championship contention.

Rory McIlroy found himself involved in a heated exchange with a fan during the final round of the PGA Championship after a disruptive “USA” chant from the gallery drew his attention during play.

McIlroy previously endured abuse from American fans at the Ryder Cup last November.

The incident occurred during a key moment of the round, when crowd noise from a spectator appeared to interrupt the atmosphere as McIlroy prepared for his shot. He reacted by turning to the gallery and addressing the fan, and the exchange quickly drew attention from those in attendance. Play continued shortly after, but the interaction became a focal point of discussion as the round progressed.

McIlroy remained in contention throughout the round, navigating and playing through a competitive field while dealing with the pressure of a major championship setting.

The incident occurred at a moment when the pro golfer’s composure and concentration were critical. This added another layer of difficulty in an already high-stakes situation. He continued performing as the tournament unfolded, with the incident serving as a notable moment during the final round.

The exchange also renewed discussion of fan behavior in golf, a hot topic historically. Crowd etiquette in golf is traditionally much more restrained than in other sports. Whenever there are loud crowds or disruptive behavior, it is frowned upon in the sport, and such behavior has become more common as of late. This has led to debate on how players and officials should react to such incidents.

As the tournament concluded, the moment remained a talking point among fans and analysts, highlighting the balance between crowd engagement and player concentration.

Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Nolan Smith was arrested May 15 after allegedly driving 135 mph in a 70 mph zone in Twiggs County, Georgia.

​He was later released on bond, but the arrest came at a critical time for Smith and the Eagles.

Philadelphia exercised its fifth-year option this year, signaling the organization’s confidence in the former first-round pick as a major part of the team’s future.

>SLIDESHOW: 50 MOST-INFAMOUS ATHLETE MUGSHOTS & THE STORIES BEHIND THEM!

​Smith is a Super Bowl champion and has steadily developed into a key defensive contributor for the Eagles after being selected 30th overall in 2023.

He stood out at the combine and has helped the Eagles during recent playoff runs, becoming known for his speed, energy, and pass-rush ability on third downs.

​However, this is not Smith’s first driving-related incident. He previously faced a misdemeanor traffic charge while at Georgia in 2022—the year the Bulldogs won the national title—for speeding and driving on a suspended license.

Several Georgia football players have been arrested for speeding in recent years. Teammate Jalen Carter, a first-round pick in 2023, was involved in a high-profile incident after the national title win over TCU, fleeing the scene of a crash that resulted in a fatality. That was just three years ago, but situations like this simply cannot happen.

​The Eagles have not publicly commented on the arrest, but the situation quickly became one of the bigger NFL offseason storylines.

Organized team activities are expected to begin soon for every NFL team, putting even more attention on Smith and the controversy surrounding his return to the practice field.

​It remains to be seen whether the NFL will discipline Smith, but he now faces additional pressure to prove he can avoid distractions off the field.

He was expected to be one of Philadelphia’s defensive leaders. This is a setback for the team this offseason.









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George Kittle is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, but people often forget he graduated from high school in Norman, Oklahoma. Kittle faced criticism Monday when he was courtside at Game 1 of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs series.

​Fans questioned why he supports the Oklahoma City Thunder and whether he is a bandwagon fan. Kittle moved to Norman, Oklahoma, after his father, Bruce Kittle, joined the University of Oklahoma football coaching staff under Bob Stoops.

The move also helped Kittle develop his knowledge of college football culture early in life. At Norman High School, Kittle played multiple positions, including tight end, wide receiver and defensive back. As a senior, he recorded 26 receptions for more than 300 yards and six touchdowns and made key contributions in the secondary. He earned All-State and all-district honors before graduating from Norman High.

Despite his NFL fame, Kittle continues to embrace Oklahoma as his home. His high school coaches still celebrate his success as one of their most accomplished football alumni. Kittle’s story began in Norman before he committed to Iowa, where he played college football for four years before being drafted in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. He has since played in two Super Bowls, is a multiple-time Pro Bowler, and is considered by his peers to be one of the best tight ends in NFL history.

​People shouldn’t be quick to judge someone based on where they grew up or what team they root for. Kittle knows the value of loyalty, especially having played for the 49ers since 2017.

Alex Caruso had an insane performance in game one of the Western Conference finals versus the San Antonio Spurs. Even though the Spurs won 122-115 in double overtime. Caruso was Oklahoma City’s best player on the floor.

Caruso came off the bench for the Thunder, and he’s known primarily for his defense, his hustle and consistent three-point ability. He scored a career high 31 points while knocking down eight three-pointers versus the Spurs. He went 8-for-14 from three, and his performance helped. Keep the Thunder competitive, and what is now definitely a playoff classic.

The Thunder even relied heavily on Caruso to guard Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, even though Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 rebounds. Caruso had a couple of players where he got the best of Wembanyama by fronting him on the post and stealing a couple of passes. OKC does that throughout the series; they have a good chance of being competitive.

OKC is at its best when they’re in transition, scoring off turnovers and especially if Caruso is hitting the three-ball. Caruso’s masterpiece also cemented his place in NBA playoff history. He became the second player to ever score 30 points and make eight or more three-pointers off the bench in an NBA postseason game, which is wild.

And honestly, I am not shocked that Caruso can do this at a very high level. In 2020, he was a key part of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ championship run. He has built a reputation for guarding the league’s top top, best players, and since arriving from Oklahoma City, his veteran leadership has been second to none, which is why the Thunder are looking to go back-to-back.

Can I have your attention, please—will the real Dylan Harper please stand up?

Harper announced himself on the national stage Monday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, helping the San Antonio Spurs defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder.

​The rookie guard had one of the biggest performances of his NBA career. He was poised and confident in a wild playoff environment in Oklahoma City. The Spurs were without De’Aaron Fox in Game 1 and will be without their starting point guard again tonight. Harper controlled the pace offensively for most of the game and delivered several key plays late, helping San Antonio steal a game in Oklahoma City.

​Harper’s confidence really stood out. The former highly touted prospect consistently pressured Oklahoma City’s defense—whether attacking Alex Caruso, using his Euro step to get to the paint or hitting his jumper. He looked comfortable operating and facilitating against one of the NBA’s best defensive teams.

​Late in the fourth quarter and overtime, Harper delivered some of the game’s biggest moments, knocking down clutch shots. It’s impressive considering he was the No. 2 pick out of Rutgers, right behind Cooper Flagg. That raises questions—regardless of whether the Spurs win the championship or lose the series—about Fox’s future, because Harper’s game has already progressed to the point where the team may not need Fox.

​Harper emerged as another dangerous weapon on a team already led by Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs now have Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Harper, making them one of the NBA’s most promising young teams.

​Harper is just getting started and could be one of the defining young stars of this postseason—and for years to come.