NBA 101

Lexi Thompson believes WTGL will help grow the game of golf

The future is here.

WTGL kicked off on Sunday, Los Angeles Golf Club defeated New York, and it is already back in action. Tuesday will see L.A. take on Motor City Golf Club, Lexi Thompson’s team.

Women’s golf has grown so much over the last 20 years and that time span just about directly coincides with Lexi’s professional career. Everyone remembers her making her U.S. Open debut in 2007 at the age of 12, and in the time since she has piled up the wins, titles, and now has a spot in the startup league… while pregnant to boot.

Lexi was kind enough to take some time to join me for a conversation about WTGL on Monday. You can watch it in its entirety below.

As noted I find Lexi to be such an important figure in the world of golf at large. She has been such a trailblazer in the game, and she continues to be with WTGL in general, but that she is taking it on while carrying a child is an entirely different level of impressiveness.

Lexi and her fellow WTGL players have all talked about what an opportunity the league represents for them and the next generation. In Lexi’s case she is quite literally carrying that generation to and through her WTGL experience.

This year may mark the first literal season of WTGL, but it has been in the works for a long time if you really think about it. What the Lexi Thompsons of the world have done, many of whom share the WTGL experience with her, over the course of their careers has helped to open the door of possibility for all involved.

Here’s to seeing what they and those they continue to inspire can do next.

Tuesday’s match between Motor City Golf Club and Los Angeles Golf Club can be seen on Ion at 7pm CT.

Am I wrong? Talking Boston, Trae Young, Wolves, Knicks and more with Nekias Duncan

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show

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Kevin O’Connor shares his latest NBA hot takes with Nekias Duncan. Paul George’s fit with Jayson Tatum gets a close look and the pair asks if he’s better with Tatum than Jaylen Brown ever was. They also dive deep on the continuation of the Trae Young experience in Washington—is his massive extension already a disaster?

The duo also reacts to Minnesota’s surprising strength without Anthony Edwards, the end of the Knicks’ slow start drama, Portland’s real playoff ceiling and more.

(1:48) Paul George a better fit with Tatum than Jaylen Brown

(7:29) Trae Young extension a disaster

(13:39) Wolves don’t need to make any trades

(19:04) New York panic over?

(23:26) Portland destined for first round exit?

(33:01) Sacramento trading Nique Clifford a mistake?

(39:04) Bottom 5 West teams are stuck there

(46:54) Should Warriors deal Porzingis?

(53:20) Pelle Larsson should start for Miami

(57:18) Giannis reacts to Doc Rivers’ comments

Kevin Kolczynski

🖥️ Watch this full episode on the Yahoo Sports NBA YouTube channel

Check out all episodes of The Kevin O’Connor Show and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Jaylen Brown Eyed Nets, Didn’t List Sixers As Preferred Or Avoid Destination

Jaylen Brown never requested a trade from the Boston Celtics, but he did submit lists of preferred destinations and teams he wanted to avoid once he learned he was being discussed in trade talks. The Philadelphia 76ers, who were his eventual trade destination, appeared on neither list.

Brown was interested in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn management was wary because of his past support of Kyrie Irving, who was suspended during his Nets tenure for sharing social media posts containing antisemitic tropes.

The front office believed the Brown-Jayson Tatum pairing had become too similar and predictable late in games to win another championship.

Brown’s All-NBA season made him eligible for a two-year, $142 million extension. Paying both stars would have tied roughly 70% of the salary cap to two players in their 30s.

Brown and Tatum’s final encounter as teammates came at an afterparty in Paris on the eve of the trade. Brown chose to sit with Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony rather than join Tatum.

“I thought [Brown] felt awkward about something going on,” said Anthony. “He didn’t know what was going on at the time. I know JT was on the other side. I know Jaylen [wanted to speak with Jayson] but he didn’t know what to do. I just told him, ‘Why don’t you just go over there to JT?’

“He was like, ‘Man I don’t know where we are at. Do you mind if I just stay here?’ I was like, ‘Of course.'”

The Celtics did not keep Tatum informed during trade talks, consistent with the organization’s philosophy. Boston landed Paul George and two first-round picks in the deal.

Brown faces the Celtics for the first time Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Braden Mann unleashes an 86-yard punt for Eagles

Sunday’s game against the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles has been something of a defensive struggle. So when Nick Sirianni sent Braden Mann and the rest of the Philadelphia punt team into the game with under 30 seconds left in the first half, leading 8-6 but deep in their own territory, Sirianni probably just wanted to try and get his defense into better field position.

He likely did not expect Mann to pin the Giants inside New York’s own 10-yard line.

But that is exactly what happened, as Mann unleashed a booming 86-yard punt that rolled out of bounds at the Giants’ 6-yard line:

BRADEN MANN WHAT A PUNT

NYGvsPHI on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/0knmQEiDKM

— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2026

The massive punt sent FOX Sports announced Joe Davis into a state of delirium, as he declared that the kick had to be “close to the longest punt in NFL history.’

Interestingly enough, however, it does not even crack the top ten!

According to Pro Football Reference, the longest punt in NFL history remains this booming 98-yard punt from Steve O’Neal of the New York Jets, back in 1969. A 92-yard punt from Shawn McCarthy of the New England Patriots comes in second, while the legendary kick from Randall Cunningham of the 1989 Eagles, which covered 91 yards, comes in third.

Mann joins the all-time list at No. 10 with his 86-yard punt, tying Larry Barnes of the 1957 San Francisco 49ers and Bob Waterfield of the 1947 Rams.

You can see that full list here.

J.J. McCarthy injury: Giants QB shaken up after hit vs. Eagles

It has been a tough day at the office for New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy was rocked on a hit in the first half, as he tried to spin away from pressure but turned right into the path of pass rusher Jonathan Grennard:

GREENARD SAYS HELLO pic.twitter.com/hu7sgk9qSZ

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 8, 2026

While McCarthy returned to the game after that brutal hit, he was not as lucky after a play early in the second half. He took this vicious blow to the side on a running play, and was down on the turf for an extended period:

JJ McCarthy has checked out of the game and into the blue tent after taking this hit to his throwing shoulder pic.twitter.com/UusCnXfBos

— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) November 8, 2026

McCarthy tried to got through a throwing routine on the sideline after exiting the game, but “fell to the ground in pain as he attempted to throw the ball on the sideline” per Jordan Raanan:

J.J. McCarthy just fell to the ground in pain as he attempted to throw the ball on the sideline. Now he’s in the blue tent.

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 8, 2026

Here is that moment:

J.J. McCarthy is in pain after an apparent injury.

📺: FOX/FOX One pic.twitter.com/qP3JfP2PUn

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 8, 2026

McCarthy was then taken to the blue medical tent, and eventually the locker room.

He has been replaced by Jameis Winston.

Update: New York listed him as questionable to return with a hip injury.

Note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

JJ Redick was pleased with ‘awesome’ season debut from Adou Thiero

One of the standouts of the early stages of the preseason was Adou Thiero, who looked to have built on a strong Summer League and was ready to be part of the Lakers’ rotation.

However, an ill-timed injury halted Thiero’s progress and kept him out of the opening weeks of the regular season. After some patience to allow swelling in his knee to go down, Thiero finally made his season debut in Friday’s win over the Blazers and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat from the preseason.

In only six minutes, Thiero’s impact was felt as he tallied four points, four rebounds and two assists. After the game, head coach JJ Redick was asked about his performance and got rave reviews.

“I thought his first two defensive possessions, he made mistakes and then after that he was awesome,” Redick said. “He literally did everything we asked him to do. He was great on the offensive glass. Even sometimes when we didn’t necessarily get the possession, he was tapping the ball and crashing.

“I thought the read he made out of the short roll, I think they blitzed three times in the first half and two of those were against him. He makes the short roll and he gets the lob. I thought he played a great game and, defensively, he was really good in the second half.”

Thiero came in late in the first quarter in the role previously held by Jarred Vanderbilt and immediately made an impact. Given his leaping ability, Thiero being the ball screener and roll man felt like an obvious fit.

The Blazers immediately tested him as they blitzed Luka Dončić, forcing Thiero to not just be in the right spot in the short roll, but then make a decision. He nailed both aspects, setting up Ziaire Williams for a dunk.

Adou Thiero roll draws two tags (Mamu and Ziaire’s men). Thiero finds Ziaire for the lob. https://t.co/eAxPLWNKy7pic.twitter.com/0FIBwwHwBV

— Connor Moreno (@cmorenoNBA) November 7, 2026

Shortly after, the Blazers opted for a more traditional pick-and-roll coverage. This time, Thiero rolled hard to the rim and caught the lob for an athletic finish.

LUKA TO ADOU pic.twitter.com/NuoLMrAlcN

— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) November 7, 2026

“He did great,” Walker Kessler said of Thiero. “Obviously, we value Adou a lot. He’s a very physical player. Really talented, athletic player. I mean, that lob he caught is very, very impressive. He had a really good debut for the season.”

Thiero’s athleticism is unparalleled on the roster — and among the elites of the elite in the league as a whole — and offers the Lakers a different dynamic. Thiero as a screener and roller won’t always work as it did on Friday, but his athleticism and activity level will continue to jump off the screen.

The Lakers’ hope now is that he can stay healthy and start to stack positive performances in the regular season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying results

Mercedes has a chance to clinch the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship if results go their way in Sunday’s São Paulo Grand Prix.

However, with wet weather in the forecast, fans could be in for a chaotic race once the lights go out tomorrow.

Kimi Antonelli was fastest in FP2 on Friday, and was just 0.082 seconds off the pace set by McLaren’s Lando Norris during the first hour of practice, as Mercedes again showed strong one-lap pace over the first two practice sessions. That could bode well for the Silver Arrows during today’s qualifying session, as qualifying simulations show Mercedes is indeed the team to beat for pole position, with Red Bull and Ferrari just behind them.

Race pace is a much different story, as F1’s simulations indicate that while Mercedes is still in the lead, Red Bull is just 0.03 seconds off their pace, with McLaren 0.07 seconds off the pace, and Ferrari 0.10 seconds off the pace.

Adding more intrigue is a double dose of grid drops and weather. George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen are all taking grid penalties for new engine components, with Verstappen set to start the São Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid while Russell takes a five-place penalty.

And with Sunday’s forecast calling for rain, anything can happen when the lights go out … as is often the case at Interlagos.

So who will take pole position? Find out with us as qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix gets rolling at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday!

São Paulo GP provisional grid

Here is the provisional grid for the São Paulo Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the hour.

Row	Position	Driver	Team	Position	Driver	Team
Row 1	1			2
Row 2	3			4
Row 3	5			6
Row 4	7			8
Row 5	9			10
Row 6	11			12
Row 7	13			14
Row 8	15			16	Max Verstappen	Red Bull
Row 9	17	Franco Colapinto	Alpine	18	Pierre Gasly	Alpine
Row 10	19	Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	20	Valtteri Bottas	Cadillac
Row 11	21	Sergio Pérez	Cadillac	22	Gabriel Bortoleto	Audi

Note: These are the provisional results. Several drivers — including Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen — will take a grid drop tomorrow due to power unit changes.

São Paulo GP qualifying

Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.

Q2

2:59: Some drivers are making the switch to Inters. Russell, Lawson, Hadjar, Alonso, Câmara, and Bearman so far.

2:57: Halfway through Q2 and Câmara, Lindblad, Sainz, Bearman, Albon, and Verstappen are the six in the drop zone. Lindblad has parked up, reporting a problem, and is stopped at Turn 5.

2:52: Russell reports that the conditions could be ripe for intermediates, but the full wet tires are performing “quote ok.”

2:49: Looks like Max is done, he’s out of the car. Makes sense given that he is facing a grid drop, no sense taking any risks with these conditions.

2:48: Replays showing Câmara’s big spin in Q1, but he somehow is able to continue.

2:45: Norris, Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton, Hülkenberg, Hadjar, Lawson, Alonso, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lindblad, Câmara, Sainz, Bearman, and Albon are the 16 through to Q2, in that order.

Q1

2:44: Colapinto, Gasly, Stroll, Bottas, Pérez, and Bortoleto are the six eliminated at the end of Q1. Câmara gets through on debut in P13.

2:43: Bottas cannot get through, he’s in P18 at the checkered flag.

2:41: Bortoleto is out after that incident. Pérez, Sainz, Stroll, Bottas, and Colapinto also in the drop zone as the clock approaches zero.

2:39: Camara gets to P12, Alonso in P4. This is going to be chaos at the end of Q1.

2:38: Bearman goes P1 with 4:30 left.

2:37: Five minutes left in Q1 and the drivers in the drop zone are: Stroll, Colapinto, Bearman, Antonelli, Bortoleto, and Camara.

2:35: Bottas is back up to P5.

2:35: Bortoleto finds the barrier, but he keeps the car moving so he is not out just yet.

2:34: Bottas jumps back to P7. Track is drying ever so slightly.

2:33: Alonso goes P1 for the moment with a 1:36.930. Stunning to do that in that absolute tractor of a car, even in the wet.

2:31: Verstappen goes P1 with a 1:37.932.

2:31: So much for that Hülkenberg goes P1 with a 1:40.512.

2:30: Bottas goes P1 with a 1:42.314. Pérez then nips him with a 1:40.881. Cadillac on the front row nobody move.

2:28: “A lot of aquaplaning” is the report from Gasly. “Aquaplaning everywhere,” says Alonso.

2:27: Green light, Bottas leads them out.

2:26: However … rain is picking up. “It’s pretty heavy out there,” reports Piastri from pit lane.

2:24: After a very long delay, the session is about to resume. Cars are lining up on the full wet tires.

1:31: Safety Car now heading out.

1:31: This does not sound encouraging:

1:22: Medical Car on the track assessing conditions.

1:18: Bearman has been given a formal reprimand by the stewards.

1:17: Bearman under investigation for reversing in the pit lane.

1:12: It’s wet everywhere, apparently:

1:08: Audi tells Hülkenberg that they expect the rain to last for around ten minutes.

1:03: Red flag. Session stopped.

1:02: “I’m already aquaplaning,” says Antonelli.

1:01: Green light in Interlagos, but a few drivers have pulled over in pit lane, perhaps to make the change to the full wet tires.

12:59: Whole lotta inters on the cars as the drivers queue up for the start of Q1.

12:57: Rain has returned, Red Bull tells Hadjar “rain is coming” and that early in Q1 could be the “best part of the session.”

12:53: James Hinchcliffe’s prediction for quali? “Chaos.”

Chris Medland goes with Antonelli to take pole.

12:41: Great segment with Lindblad on the pre-qualifying show, including a discussion of his special Diwali-themed helmet for the weekend.

12:30: If you’re looking to chat during qualifying, we have our game thread up and running on the SB Nation app as well as the F1 community on SBNation.com.

12:29: Confirmation that Hamilton will be at the back of the grid after a power unit change:

Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks. After completing our analysis, we have decided to replace the entire power unit. Lewis will take part in qualifying but will have to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid. pic.twitter.com/PjV22uOCvD

— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 7, 2026

12:28: Rain has ended but the track is soaked right now.

Predicting every 2026 NWSL Playoffs quarterfinal matchup

The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs begin Friday, Nov. 6. The eight best teams from the regular season earned a postseason berth and look to make a run to glory before the calendar ticks over to December.

Who advances? We predict all four quarterfinals.

San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals

The Wave comes into the playoffs as the clear favorite after taking their game to another level this season. San Diego is defensively strong thriving with the ball at their feet. Their passing as well is excellent. If an opponent presents a low block, they can break it down and also attack in quick transitions.

Moreover, after seeing the teams’ availability for this matchup, San Diego has a healthier roster giving a slight edge over the Royals.

In the case of Utah, they tend to press aggressively and can be dangerous on set pieces. The Royals can also be a very frustrating team to play against because they’re capable of defending compactly.

The problem for Utah is that the Wave have the necessary tools to break them down. Added to the fact that many of their pivotal players, Cece Delzer, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka, are questionable for the quarterfinals.

San Diego’s ability to control possession without becoming vulnerable defensively will be the difference maker.

Prediction: San Diego advances

Kansas City Current vs. Angel City

This is maybe the most anticipated matchup in the quarterfinals.

In one corner, there’s the dangerous attack of Kansas City Current. Given their strength in transition, and their undefeated record at home, the No. 4 seed is favored coming into the game.

On the other side, Angel City is full of confidence after a 10-match unbeaten streak. Their aggressive pressing and improved midfield organization gives them belief that they can stop Temwa Chawinga and company.

If Angel City loses, it’ll come down to their vulnerability on quick counters when there’s too much space to exploit or because they’re playing risky passes that can lead to dangerous turnovers. If they managed to escape CPKC Stadium unscathed, it could be because they disrupted the home team with effective pressure in the midfield.

Both teams have the weapons to hurt one another, although Kansas has the upper hand. However, this game has the potential to produce an upset.

Prediction: Angel City advances

Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign

This quarterfinal has all the makings of a lopsided result.

Gotham boasts a strong defensive record, squad depth, strong home record and home advantage. Not to mention, the 2026 NWSL Shield winners beat Seattle twice this year already.

Seattle is certainly comfortable defending deep and can make games difficult and low-scoring. Despite losing both regular season matchups, the Reign scored twice in one which should give the team belief in a playoff atmosphere.

However, Seattle won’t be able to count on Maddie Dahlien for this difficult game. Jess Fishlock, who, in her 14 seasons with Seattle, has carried her team many times and made the impossible happen. In what potentially could be her last dance, she will give everything she has and more to take the Reign to the semifinals. The question is whether that will be enough.

Prediction: Gotham advances

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns

Washington might be the better side on paper, but their late-season form has been inconsistent. They’ve also had to deal with departures and injuries, with Hal Hershfelt the latest.

On the pitch, they can struggle to progress the ball through central areas. However, the Spirit still have great players who can decide games in an instant. Among them are Leicy Santos, who’s back after almost two months out, and, of course, Trinity Rodman. The team’s defensive structure is also better than Portland’s.

What about the Thorns? Their weakest area is in defense. They have also shown limited pressing and counter-pressing, plus a reduction in midfield creativity since Olivia Moultrie got injured.

Yet, they have Sophia Wilson, who can decide matches herself. Additionally, they have several attacking pieces that can score from long range, such as Kaiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver or Marie Müller. Another strength is Jessie Fleming in the midfield, who has partnered up pretty well with Nina Nijstad.

Prediction: Portland advances

Giannis Antetokounmpo Skips Media After Heat Loss To Warriors

Giannis Antetokounmpo skipped his media availability after the Miami Heat’s loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. The defeat followed a rough trip, as plane issues kept the Heat from reaching their hotel until around 3 a.m., league sources told The Athletic.

The game was the second of a back-to-back following an overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State entered the game with two days of rest.

Stephen Curry scored 29 points for the Warriors, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 17 points and six assists.

Antetokounmpo’s rare decision to avoid reporters comes amid mounting frustration for the 3-6 Heat. Defense has been the biggest problem for the Heat, which was expected to be a strong part of their team.

Despite a roster featuring Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins, Miami ranks 26th in defensive rating at 117.5 points allowed per 100 possessions.

That would be the worst mark of Erik Spoelstra’s tenure, which began in 2008. His previous low came in 2014-15, when Miami ranked 21st. The Heat have finished in the top 10 in eight of his 18 seasons, including five top-five finishes.

Spoelstra addressed the defensive struggles before the game.

“Everybody has been saying the right things, and everybody wants it to look right,” said Spoelstra. “There was nothing coming out of training camp or preseason that would have shown this (kind of) start. We thought we were building all the right habits, and the reality is this league can be humbling. And I throw myself in there as well.

“We have a lot of guys with resumes, but resumes and a piece of paper don’t defend. It has to be actions. It has to be five people working together where you’re really putting your effort out there and on the same page. Being on the (same) page is just as important as the efforts.”