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USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Indiana Fever assistant led Caitlin Clark through uncharted injury waters
Caitlin Clark's second WNBA season with the Indiana Fever has gotten off to a frustrating start due to separate injury stints that have sidelined the star guard for a combined 10 games. Prior to the left quadriceps and left groin injuries that sidelined Clark this season, Clark had played in 185 straight games across college and the start of her WNBA career. Given her run of good health and relative unfamiliarity navigating back from inury, Clark has needed someone to lean on. Fever assistant coach Briann January has been key in that regard. January, who had several injuries plague her throughout her phenomenal 15-year career that included stops in Indiana (2009-17), Phoenix (2018-19), Connecticut (2020-21), and Seattle (2022). January tore her ACL in June 2011, forcing her to miss most of the Fever season. She then tore her right meniscus during Game 5 of the 2015 WNBA Finals, and she played through the injury and had surgery following the season. January suffered a torn meniscus again in the same knee in 2017, missing the final weeks of the Fever's season. On top of all this, she also dealt with minor foot injuries throughout the 2019 season with the Phoenix Mercury. With a laundry list of injuries from her playing career, January was still able to collect several accolades, including being a 2015 WNBA champion with the Fever, a 2014 WNBA All-Star selection, a five-time WNBA All-Defensive First Team selection, and a two-time WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. With Clark still in the early stages of what will eventually be a legendary WNBA career, there is nobody better to guide her through the difficulties of recovery than January. 'Coach Bri, she's been through injuries herself, and she's always kind of just been there,' Clark said before Indiana's game against Golden State on Wednesday. 'Even if I'm in the weight room extra after practice, like she'll come in there and and talk to me and just help me work through the extra lifting that I have to do, because she's experienced those type of things as a player, and she kind of knows how it goes, and knows that those days can get long. So I really appreciate her.' Being an injured athlete, regardless of the severity, can evoke a range of emotions, from frustration over what caused the injury to feeling left out while attending team activities. For Clark, January has provided a calming influence as the second-year WNBA phenom deals with the emotions of her recovery and snapping a six-year streak of never missing a game due to injury, which dates back to her high school years. "It's been challenging mentally, just, you know, staying in it," Clark said Tuesday. "You're way more busy when you're hurt than (when you're playing). You're coming in and all you do is, you know, scout, film and come out here and walk through things. I've been here for hours and hours on hours trying to get my body right and do everything I can to put myself in a position to be available the rest of the year.' Regarding January, the former Fever icon and current assistant coach wants to make sure Clark takes her time in recovery, absorbs knowledge from the staff on both the sidelines and in coaching meetings, and observes the game from a different perspective. 'It's not just lace them up and hoop. Can't do that anymore, right?' January said. 'Like, the season is long, 44-game sprint. Taking care of your body is a real big priority. And I'm really proud of the way she's kind of been attacking this.' 'We [January and the 2015 Indiana coaching staff] were able to talk basketball and really dissect the game, and that helped me as a point guard come back. I came back from my ACL injury after being able to sit in those coaches meetings in 2012, and I played the best basketball I had up until that point. We won a championship. And so that sitting out really helped me. And so, just from my experience, trying to help Caitlin in that same regard, like talk through the game, help her see it in a different perspective.' As Clark and the Fever continue through the 2025 season, hopefully, the wisdom and guidance of January will allow the Hawkeyes legend to prosper in an already impressive career. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
FACT
03-07-2025
- Sport
- FACT
Tickets are now on sale for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025
The exciting event is taking place at Etihad Arena. Do you know your backboard from your brick? Well, get ready to dribble your way over to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025. We are buzzing with excitement as the teams have been unveiled. Returning for the fourth time to the capital, the event will take place on 2 and 4 October 2025, and will feature the New York Knicks competing against the Philadelphia 76ers. The New York Knicks currently boast a powerhouse lineup that includes two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team honoree Mikal Bridges. Both Bridges and Brunson took to the court in Abu Dhabi with the USA Basketball Men's National Team ahead of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while Towns made his appearance at The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 representing the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Philadelphia 76ers are headlined by 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid, nine-time All-Star Paul George, and 2024 All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid made his Abu Dhabi debut with the USA Basketball Men's National Team ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. So far, we know that the event will feature big names from the world of basketball, past and present. Taking place at Etihad Arena, the event will also feature fan experiences, including a custom Nike shoe studio and behind-the-scenes tours. Last year's event featured the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, drawing big names from the sports world, including Derek Fisher, Muggsy Bogues, and Shaquille O'Neal. Rapper 2 Chainz also made an appearance. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 is the brainchild of an incredible partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, and they've pulled out all the stops to make this event an absolute slam dunk. From jaw-dropping performances on the court to mind-blowing interactive experiences off the court, this collaborative effort is all about providing fans with the ultimate basketball experience of a lifetime. Tickets are now available via Ticket Master and are priced from AED 500 for general tickets to AED 21,995 for courtside seats. For those seeking a premium experience, special ticket packages—including VIP access, hospitality perks, and local hotel accommodations—will be available at GO: Visit for tickets and more information.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Golden State Warriors move fast in free agency and target Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for help
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors aren't wasting any time fixing what broke them last season. After a playoff exit that exposed their lack of wing depth and defense, they've locked onto two names—Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. One brings elite perimeter defense, the other sharpshooting and versatility. With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler still in win-now mode, the front office is pushing hard to reload before the window closes. Golden State Warriors target Herb Jones for his All-Defensive First Team impact and elite wing defense Herb Jones, who was named to the 2024 All-Defensive First Team, put up averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals over just 20 games with the New Orleans Pelicans before his season was cut short by knee surgery. Jones offers top-notch perimeter defense and athletic versatility qualities that were notably absent when Stephen Curry got injured in Game 1 against the Lakers during the Western Conference semifinals. The Pelicans might consider a trade due to their roster requirements and salary cap situation, but Golden State would probably have to include some young players, possibly even Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy One, Get One Free, Up To 50% Discount, Expiring Soon Original Adidas Get Offer Undo Standing at six-foot-five, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a two-way guard who put up an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with a shooting percentage of 43.8% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc during his last season with Minnesota. Now an unrestricted free agent, he's attracting attention from teams like Detroit and Atlanta. His skills in perimeter defense and off-ball shooting fit seamlessly into the Warriors' game plan, providing Curry and Butler with essential spacing and depth in the guard position. There are reports indicating he might be able to secure a deal worth more than the mid-level exception — but Golden State has the financial flexibility and roster space to make it happen. Golden State ended the last regular season with a 48–34 record and exited in the second round, which pointed out their need for more size, athleticism, and perimeter defense. Despite bringing in Jimmy Butler and going on a 23–7 run to make the playoffs, injuries to Curry and depth issues caused problems down the line. The front office is now making a strong effort to address these weaknesses—especially on the wings, where they faced the most matchup challenges. Provides top-notch defense but needs resources and a trading partner ready to take on contracts. It's easier and faster—he's a free agent without restrictions. Golden State can make a solid mid-level offer. While Detroit and Atlanta are potential buyers, the Warriors stand out as an attractive destination for contenders. Also Read: James Harden declines player option and intends to sign $81.5M Los Angeles Clippers deal The way Golden State is reshaping their wings combines a fierce approach with sensible choices. Targeting Herb Jones might lock in a strong defense, assuming the trade isn't overly expensive, while bringing in Nickeil Alexander-Walker would provide quick shooting and adaptability on both offense and defense. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston's Ime Udoka finishes third for 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year
One year ago, the Houston Rockets were 41-41 and No. 11 in the Western Conference standings. In the 2024-25 season, they finished at 52-30 while securing the No. 2 seed. That type of year-on-year improvement drew attention around the league, and it made Ime Udoka one of three finalists for the NBA's 2024-25 Coach of the Year Award. Other finalists are Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson and Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff. Advertisement Alas, it's Atkinson — after guiding the Cavaliers from 48-34 in 2023-24 to a 64-18 and the best record in the Eastern Conferece this season — who was the ultimate winner. Like Udoka and the Rockets, Cleveland didn't have significant roster turnover in the preceding offseason, which would seemingly make the year-on-year growth a greater reflection of coaching and development. Out of 100 voters, Udoka finished in third place with seven first-place votes, 13 second-place votes, and 39 third-place votes (113 total points). Atkinson had 59 first-place votes, 33- second-place votes, and seven third-place votes (401 total points). Atkinson and the Cavaliers are still playing in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, while Udoka and the Rockets were recently eliminated after a tough first-round series in the West against the Golden State Warriors. However, because votes were taken after the regular season, playoff results were not factored in. Advertisement Bickerstaff finished just ahead of Udoka in second place, while those immediately behind Udoka included Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder; Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers; and JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers. For Udoka and the Rockets, it's an honor to be listed among those elite coaches, and it reflects the significant progress made during year two of his stint leading the Rockets. 'He should definitely be Coach of the Year,' veteran guard Fred VanVleet said recently of Udoka. 'I don't know how many people are talking about that, but to take this group from where we were two years ago to where we are today... one thousand percent, he should be Coach of the Year.' In the 2022-23 season immediately preceding Udoka's April 2023 hiring, the Rockets were 22-60 and finished in last place in the West. VanVleet and fellow veterans Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green then signed with Houston that offseason. Advertisement Much of the success for Udoka's Rockets is due to their top-five defense, and second-year guard/forward Amen Thompson appears likely to earn All-Defensive First Team honors in the coming weeks. All of the league's annual awards are voted on by a diverse media panel representing in-market, national, and international voices who follow and cover the NBA. While the macro of the 2024-25 season for the Rockets was clearly positive, considering their performance relative to expectations and recent seasons, the micro ended with a bitter playoff loss to a rival. Udoka said after Sunday's Game 7 loss that he wants everyone in the organization to use that as fuel for 2025-26, including the coaching staff. 'We said no moral victories, or whatever,' Udoka concluded. 'We had our chances in this series. It's going to sting now, but use it as motivation. The growth that you've showed and learned this year, let's all come back better, coaches included.' 'That was the message: 'Don't be satisfied.' The experience is out of the way. Everybody will take it, look internally, and see how we can all improve. Come back better, not settle for making the playoffs, and advance.' Advertisement More: 'Head of the snake': Jalen Green credits Ime Udoka for building Houston's culture This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston's Ime Udoka finishes third for 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Warriors Address Draymond Green's Complaints By Acquiring Celtics Center In Mock Trade Idea
The Golden State Warriors may finally be answering Draymond Green's loudest call, getting him some help in the frontcourt. In a new mock trade idea proposed by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes, the Warriors address their glaring need for size, spacing, and interior defense by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics. Golden State Warriors Receive: Kristaps Porzingis Boston Celtics Receive: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos The proposed trade would send Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Gui Santos to Boston, giving the Celtics four valuable rotation pieces, while the Warriors land the stretch big man they desperately need. Advertisement This deal would mark a significant shift for a franchise that has leaned heavily on 'small ball' since the peak of the Splash Brothers era. Even Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy acknowledged this offseason that the small-ball identity is no longer sustainable in its purest form. With Draymond Green and newly acquired Jimmy Butler forming a gritty, defense-first frontcourt, the team now needs someone who can stretch the floor vertically and horizontally. That's exactly what Porzingis brings. Standing at 7-foot-3, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last season with the Celtics, shooting a blistering 51.6% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. He's one of the few bigs in the league who can protect the rim, pop out for threes, and serve as a legitimate post-up threat, a skill set the Warriors have never had at center. With Stephen Curry still operating at a high level, imagine the pick-and-pop or high screen actions between him and KP; it would force defenses into impossible decisions. Advertisement This trade would also finally relieve Draymond Green from the physical toll of guarding behemoths every night. After starting most of the season at center, Green himself admitted on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, that playing the five is 'hard' and 'takes a toll.' Even though he earned All-Defensive First Team honors again this year, at age 35, Green knows he can't keep battling 260-pound centers nightly. From Boston's perspective, the trade may be rooted in finances. With Jaylen Brown's and Jayson Tatum's supermax extensions and a ballooning luxury tax, the Celtics are looking to shed long-term salary. Porzingis is owed over $60 million in the next two years. In return, they get promising young talent in Jackson-Davis and Moody, as well as the sharpshooting Hield, who could replace some of the spacing KP offered. Advertisement The Warriors would need to navigate the cap implications of Porzingis' contract, but with their win-now window closing around Curry, Butler, and Green, this could be their best chance to contend again. Trading youth for veteran talent is risky, but so is wasting what's left of your dynasty's core. And if the trade goes through, Green may finally rest his bruised body a little easier. Related: 9 Best Centers Golden State Warriors Could Realistically Acquire: One Blockbuster Trade Could Shock NBA World
