SPORTS
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025
Atlanta Smoke win title
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
After getting over the jetlag in their opening loss by one run, the Atlanta Smoke bounced back and pulled off two consecutive abbreviated blowout victories over the Orlando Monarchs.
Shaking off their 4-3- loss in Thursday’s opener on the same day they arrived in The Bahamas, the Smoke blanked the Monarchs 10-0 in game two on Friday and their 9-1 win on Saturday sealed the deal.
The Smoke were crowned the initial champions of the Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment’s Queens of Paradise Women’s Professional Softball Tournament at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
The three-day event was held in conjunction with the B4Real Sports and was sanctioned by the Bahamas Softball Federation and supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
It was a memorable weekend for the Smoke, who also hosted a free softball clinic on Friday
for a number of local high school softball players and those who are interested in learning the game.
But Smoke’s head coach Cat Tarvin, who also serves as the head coach of the Hampton University Pirates women’s softball team, was just thrilled to capture it all.
By Jonathan Burrows
THE annual Bahamas Aquatics swimming championships, held from June 18-22 at the Betty Kelly Kenny Aquatic Centre, was an action-packed fourday competition, not only showcasing outstanding athleticism, team spirit and personal growth but also celebrating its 53rd anniversary.
With over 150 swimmers ages eight to 20 from Nassau, Grand Bahama and the United States participating, the event was packed with excitement, surprises and memorable performances from Thursday to Sunday.
JONQUEL OUT FOUR TO SIX WEEKS WITH SPRAINED ANKLE – PAGE 5
“After the first game, we turned this around. Our bats were on fire and our pitchers held it down,” Tarvin said. “We came back rested and ready to go.”
As for the trip here, Tarvin said she has a friend from The Bahamas and she always tells her about how nice it is here.
“It was “everything and more that she told me,” Tarvin said. “I definitely love it and I hope to be back.”
Catcher Jada Cody stole the show when she was named the most valuable player of the tournament. But she credited her achievement to her Smoke team-mates.
“Big shout-out to my team-mates and I’m glad to have this opportunity to be out here,” Cody said.
“It was great and the energy was great out here in the stadium and being out here in The Bahamas was amazing. I’m just blessed to be here.”
Also excited to be in The Bahamas was third sacker Charla Echols. She said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and winning the title was the icing on the cake. “I’ve been working out in preparation for this season, so it was nice to get two home runs backto-back,” said Echols of her pair of homers in Saturday’s clincher.
“We just showed how good this team could be. We put it all together and
we performed very well, especially after losing the first game of the series.”
For the Monarchs, head coach Megan Wiggins said they performed as best as they could.
“This is our first game for the season, but obviously it wasn’t easy travelling out of the country and playing here,” Wiggins said.
“The Smoke are a good team, but we did our best.
“We’re still figuring out all of the bases. But they’re a really good team and we competed against them. We have a younger team and we’re still trying to get our feet under us, but we will work through it.”
Chisholm Jr rallies Yankees to 4-2 win as New York takes 2 of 3 from Orioles
NEW YORK (AP) —
Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr hit a go-ahead, two-run double off the right-centre field wall in a three-run eighth inning, leading the New York Yankees over the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 yesterday.
New York won its second straight after losing seven of its previous eight games.
A day after the Orioles were held hitless for seven innings by Clarke Schmidt, Jackson Holliday singled on Will Warren’s first pitch, setting up a two-run first that included Ryan O’Hearn’s run-scoring single and Colton Cowser’s RBI double.
Orioles backup catcher Maverick Handley left after being knocked over in the second during a collision at the plate with Chisholm Jr (See story on E7), who scored on DJ LeMahieu’s single against Dean Kremer.
Ben Rice singled off Bryan Baker (3-2) leading off the eighth and Giancarlo Stanton’s single put runners at the corners. Chisholm Jr doubled and is hitting .350 (21 for
with
Despite their loss, infielder Katherine Rodriquez, making her debut for Orlando, said it was just awesome to be here playing in The Bahamas.
“We came out here knowing that these were our first games for the season, opening up in The Bahamas was an amazing experience,” Rodriguez said.
“Everybody really helped us, they went out their way to make us comfortable and the field was fantastic and the fans were great. This was an amazing
Mako Aquatics Club emerged as the reigning champion of the 2025 Bahamas Aquatics Swimming Championships, finishing with a whopping 3,109 points followed by Alpha Aquatics in second with 1,381 points, and Barracuda Swim Club rounded out the top three with 1,330 points.
The meet opened with high energy on day one as swimmers took to the pool for 50-metre races and relays.
Kai Bastian, of Mako Aquatics Club, set the tone early, breaking the record for the boys’ 11-12 50-metre backstroke with a time of 30.53.
Team morale was high for the Mako Aquatics club, leaving day one of the meet with a whopping total of 26 gold medals and an early lead in the meet.
Day two featured intense competition in the backstroke and butterfly events.
Kai Bastian stole the spotlight once again with an electrifying time of 2:13.65 in the 11-12 boys’ 200-metre
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
THE visiting Jamaican men’s rugby team welcomed the Bahamas men’s national team back to international play with a huge 52-15 decision on Saturday at the Winton Rugby Pitch. The Jamaicans dominated on both the defensive end and at scrum to pull off the
who came in from London, Manchester, Briston, the United States and Jamaica. To score 52 points is
Marvin Henfield Basketball Summer Basketball Camp is scheduled to run from June 23 to July 11 for players aged 6-17 years old. The camp will be held in the gym in the back of the old CocaCola headquarters, now Love 97, on Thompson
Boulevard. There is limited space. To register, persons can visit www/ marvinjhenfield.com or contact Henfield at 828-2353.
BASKETBALL
BOWLES ELITE SKILLS CAMP THE International Basketball Association is set to hold the 12th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball
SEE PAGE E2
Charlton sisters, Page 8
BRAGGING RIGHTS: the Atlanta Smoke were crowned the initial champions of the Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment’s Queens of Paradise Women’s Professional Softball Tournament at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
53RD ANNUAL BAHAMAS AQUATICS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
ON THE REPLAY: Swimmers compete and the
MAKO AQUATICS EMERGES AS THE CHAMPIONS OF SWIM NATIONALS
FROM PAGE E1
freestyle, shaving 6.36 seconds from his personal best.
“My focus in the future is to bring home a gold for The Bahamas in the Olympics,” said Mako Aquatics club standout Kai Bastian on his future in swimming for The Bahamas beyond this meet. One of the most surprising moments came during the boy’s 15 and over 50 metres fly when triathlete Launy Duncombe placed a disappointing 7th in this much-anticipated race with a time of 29.13. Attributing a faulty dive board to his slow start, he
maintained confidence and completed the day, finishing strong in all other events.
The 200-metre events and relays on day three tested swimmers’ endurance as they pushed athletes to their limits.
Isabella Cuccurullo delivered a gutsy performance, holding a steady pace to
secure gold in the girls’ 13-14 200-metre fly with a time of 2:37.37, cutting 2.25 from her previous prelim time.
The final day featured sprints, individual medleys, and the highly anticipated closing relays. With a dominant showing across both individual and relay events,
SPORTS CALENDAR FROM PAGE E1
Camp at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium from June 23 to July 18. The camp, held under the theme “Developing Champions on all levels,” is designed for boys and girls between the ages of four and 18 and will be held from 8am to 2pm. Interested persons can call 466-0049 for more details.
BASEBALL
NPBA ACTION
THE New Providence
Baseball Association is all set to resume its regular season this week with the following games on tap at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium:
Tonight
8pm - Sharks vs Outlawz
Wednesday
8pm - Reapers vs Community League
Friday
6:45pm - Blue Power vs Sharks
9pm - Community vs Outlawz
Sunday
3pm - Blue Power vs Reapers
5:15pm - Community vs Sharks
FITNESS
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
CAMP
Dr Kent Bazard will host Mark Henry, Olympic powerlifter and the world’s strongest man and WWE Hall of Famer in the World’s Strongest Kids Strength & Conditioning Camp.
The camp, opened to boys and girls from ages eight to 18 years, will take place 5pm Friday, June 27 at the Empire Fitness Center in the Seagrapes
Bastian won runner-up for best swimmer in the boys’ 11-12 category.
“He should be even more dominant next year,” said Mako Aquatics Club head coach Travano McPhee on the future of Kai Bastian in next year’s meet. Overall, the fourday swim meet was a
Plaza on Prince Charles Drive. Henry will provide tips for speed, conditioning, strength training, stretching, agility drills and technique. Interested persons are urged to email bahabash2.eventbrite.com or call 242-364-2001 for more information.
WRESTLING
BAHA BASH 2
THE All Caribbean Wrestling presents the Baha Bash 2 Gabe Sapolsky Seminar & Scouting Tryout. The event is slated to take place 11am Saturday, June 28 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Persons are asked to RSVP at Allcaribbeanwrestling@gmail.com
VOLLEYBALL
SUMMER FEST
TOURNEY THE Crusaders/ Warhawks Volleyball Club, in conjunction with the Bahamas Volleyball Federation, is scheduled to host its inaugural Summer Fest Beach Volleyball Tournament from July 10-13 in Rolleville, Exuma. The tournament, sponsored by Fidelity and Rubis, will feature a men’s 2-on-2 and women’s 3-on-3 format. Cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded for the winners and $500 for the runners-up in both divisions. Interested teams are urged to call 422-4550 or 801-3131 for more details.
PEACE ON DA STREET
FAMILY NIGHT
PLANS are underway for the staging of the Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classics’ Road to 30 years of existence.
The event, being organised by the Hope Center under the theme “Shooting hoops instead of guns,” is slated to be held from
resounding success not only for the Mako Aquatics Club but for all other clubs, filled with inspiring performances, broken records, and unforgettable moments. It was a testament to months of training, dedication and the love of the sport.
July 14-19 at the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Basketball Center.
The highlight of the event will be the Family Night, scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium when the finals in all of the divisions will take place, starting at 3pm. There will also be the Mr Ship It Three-point shootout and the Joe’s Slam Dunk Contest.
The night will conclude with the exciting Clergy versus Politicians match-up. BOXING FUNDRAISER
THE Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is planning to host a souse out as a fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the National Boxing Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex.
The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm with chicken pig feet and sheep tongue with Johnnycake or rolls on the menu for a donation of $15. Soft drinks, potato, coconut and zucchini breads will also be on sale. This is part of our effort to meet our goal of $60,000, according to federation president Vincent Strachan. “We are seeking your support by purchasing tickets and additional donations of food items, if possible,” Strachan said.
The 15 members are expected to participate in The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from August 1-3.
The team is expected to depart July 31 and would remain there for a training camp with the St Lucia national boxing team. They would depart for Georgetown, Guyana from August 14-18 for the school boys and girls championship and seniors.
spectators cheer
during the first day of the 53rd annual Bahamas Aquatics swimming championships at Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatic Centre. Photos: Jonathan Burrows
I tri uin Colo ado D
Bypassing Colorado s precision passer could lead to deep regrets among talent evaluators, suggested longtime ESPN dra analyst Mel Kiper Jr Sanders overcame a substandard ground game and at times poor pass protection to throw for 37 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards last season while completing more than 74% of his throws.
Bypassing on-the- eld workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Big 12 pro day only added to the doubts that suddenly swirled around the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who dr yly wondered how his son s stock could have slipped when he hasn t
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY
(AP) — Shai GilgeousAlexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled.
It was over.
The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions.
The best team all season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last night.
“It doesn’t feel real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP.
“So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this.”
Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages.
Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.
Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.
It’s the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There’s
Thunder beat Pacers
103-91 for NBA title
nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title. In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner. The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game.
But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a
13-point lead and began to run away.
Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for its first NBA title.
The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn’t have
‘SHOOTING HOOPS, NOT GUNS’: PEACE ON DA STREETS BASKETBALL TOURNEY TO CELEBRATE ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
By Jonathan Burrows
NEXT month, the energy of Nassau will intensify as the Peace on Da Streets Basketball tournament will celebrate its 30th anniversary, from July 14-19, commencing on July 20 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Founded in 1995 by Carlos Reid and named in memory of Nelson Cooper, a reformed Border Boys gang leader, the tournament is a powerful testament to change and community healing. The Hope Center, alongside Youth Against Violence, delivers a clear message - “Shooting Hoops, Not Guns.”
“We see it as a springboard initiative that can spring young men into their
careers playing college or professional basketball,” said Reid, speaking on the positives that come out of a tournament such as Peace On Da Streets. This year’s rosters will include standout athletes from local high schools like St. Augustine’s College, Queens College, and C.R. Walker, alongside local college athletes and special youth squads. Expect edge-of-your-seat action, culminating in a Clergy vs. Politicians showdown that has become a fan favourite. Between games, there will be live DJ sets and the thrill of the Slam Dunk and Three-point challenges. This year’s tournament combines competition with celebration. With intentions to not just play ball but also
build a community, this tournament can be seen as more than just that. Peace On Da Streets is where hope and potential take the shot. During the final day of the tournament when the champions in all of the divisions will be crowned, the highlight will be the much anticipated showdown between the Pastors and the Politicians.
enough in the end. Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s.
And the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history.
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in the pandemic
“bubble” in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in 2023, and Boston won last year’s title. And now, the Thunder get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.
The Thunder are the ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s 12 seasons.
His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.
“They behave like champions. They compete like champions,” Daigneault said. “They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times and now I’m going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they’re champions.”
OKLAHOMA City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy as he celebrates with his team after they won the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City.
(AP Photos/Julio Cortez)
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER, holding his son, celebrates.
OKLAHOMA City Thunder players hold up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy last night.
Duke’s Maluach, Maryland’s Queen headline list of big men in upcoming NBA draft
By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer
DUKE’S Khaman Maluach anchored the interior for an elite defensive team that reached the Final Four. Maryland’s Derik Queen was the offensive focal point for a team that reached the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend. Those freshmen are the headliners among big men in the upcoming NBA draft. While there’s a deep well of high-end guard prospects, the bigs have a smaller list and could produce Maluach and Queen as the lone lottery picks.
Here’s a look at the position entering Wednesday’s first round:
Khaman Maluach, Duke
STRENGTHS: He has the length and size of an elite rim-runner who can impact games as a shot blocker and lob threat. The 7-foot-1, 253-pounder from South Sudan — he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021 — showed ability to defend on the perimeter in Duke’s switch-heavy approach and had the combine’s biggest wingspan at 7-6 3/4.
Maluach runs the floor well for transition potential beyond finishing those pickand-roll chances, where he ranked in the 99th percentile by shooting 89.4% (42 of 47), according to Synergy’s analytics rankings. He shot 76.6% from the foul line and made four 3s, indicators that he can develop his touch.
CONCERNS: Maluach, who turns 19 in September, is a relative newcomer to the game and is still developing a raw offensive skillset. His 71.2% shooting largely came on dunks and putbacks, and he got to the line just twice per game.
Taking away those inclose opportunities can blunt Maluach’s impact (for now, anyway). That was on display in Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston; he struggled against older and more physical players while managing six points on 1-for-2 shooting with zero rebounds in 21 minutes.
Derik Queen, Maryland
STRENGTHS: The 6-9, 248-pound Queen is a skilled big who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles with his ability to score in postups or off the offensive glass. He was also a solid passer (1.9 assists) and shot 76.6% on free throws while getting to the line 6.1 times per game, indicating his willingness to attack defenders.
The 20-year-old claimed his place in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzerbeating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16.
CONCERNS: Queen isn’t the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender. There’s also uncertainty on how he might fare against a bigger or quicker defenders, while he must improve his range after making just 7 of 35 3-pointers (20%).
He also didn’t measure well at the combine; he tied for last among all players in standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-lowest in max vertical (28.0), as well as last or next to last in lane agility, shuttle run and three-quarter court sprint testing.
Asa Newell, Georgia
STRENGTHS: The five-star recruit and firstround prospect helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade, with the 19-yearold capable of playing as a small-ball centre or power forward. His athleticism helped him thrive on the offensive glass (22nd in Division I at 3.33 rebounds per game) and as a rim finisher, along with showing potential as a versatile defender.
CONCERNS: Newell needs bulk on his 6-9, 224pound frame to handle physical, stronger opponents. He also needs to enhance his outside shot after shooting 29.2% on 3-pointers (26 of 89).
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
STRENGTHS: The freshman has the frame to tussle amid bumps in the post (6-9, 263) and in traffic. He averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 53.2% overall, including 57.1% in post-up chances, according to Synergy.
The first-round prospect has defensive potential with a 7-6 wingspan (tied for second-longest at the combine) that helped him average 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals.
CONCERNS: The 19-year-old must improve his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%).
There was a limited sample size of 24 games before a foot injury ended his season, though the Hoyas lost seven of 10 without him to illustrate his value.
Others of note:
– RASHEER FLEMING: The 6-8, 232-pound junior from Saint Joseph’s is a first-round prospect who averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last year. He has a better than
7-5 wingspan, and went from shooting 31.3% on 3s in his first two seasons to 39% last year.
– DANNY WOLF: The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from Yale in the Ivy League to the Big Ten’s Michigan. The first-round prospect averaged 13.2 points and
9.7 rebounds while also making 38 3s in 37 games to go with 15 double-doubles.
– MAXIME RAYNAUD: Stanford’s fourth-year senior from France is a skilled 7-footer who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while making 67 3-pointers in 35 games last year. His rangy
skillset could land him late in the first round.
– JOAN BERINGER: The 6-11, 230-pound Frenchman turns 19 in November and could be a first-rounder as a mobile threat working in the pickand-roll and as a lob threat.
– HANSEN YANG: The 7-1, 249-pound centre from
China is a potential late first-rounder with intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan, only combine player in top three in both hand length and width) to go with shooting and passing touch. He turns 20 on June 26, the day of the second round.
– RYAN KALKBRENNER: The 7-1, 257-pound senior from Creighton averaged 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.8% over five college seasons. He has good touch in the paint and had 49 points in a game last year (secondmost in Division I) as a possible late first-rounder.
– YANIC KONAN NIEDERHAUSER: The 6-11, 243-pound junior from Penn State is a likely second-rounder who ranked 12th in Division I by averaging 2.31 blocks. He had a better than 7-3 wingspan with a 37-inch max vertical leap at the combine.
– JOHNI BROOME: The Associated Press AllAmerican from Auburn is a likely second-round prospect. He averaged 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, but lacks elite athleticism (he tied Queen in max vertical leap) and plays below the rim with a 6-9, 249pound frame.
SAINT Joseph’s Rasheer Fleming plays during an NCAA basketball game, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
DUKE centre Khaman Maluach (9) reacts during the second half of a Sweet 16 round NCAA college basketball tournament game against Arizona, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/ Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
MARYLAND centre Derik Queen, right, drives against Colorado State guard Ethan Morton during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Seattle.
(AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
GEORGIA forward Asa Newell (14) reacts to a win against Kentucky after an NCAA game, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Durant is going from Suns to Rockets in a blockbuster trade, AP source says
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
THE Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time AllStar and four-time Olympic gold medallist Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal struck yesterday, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press.
The Rockets are giving up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and six future picks — including the No. 10 selection in Wednesday’s opening round of this year’s draft — according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was still pending NBA approval.
It ends weeks of speculation about where Durant would end up. Many teams were involved at various
times, including Miami and Minnesota, but in the end Phoenix accepted the Rockets’ offer. ESPN first reported the trade.
Fans learned of the news while Durant was on stage in New York at Fanatics Fest NYC, and when they began reacting, Durant started smiling broadly.
“We’re gonna see, man,” Durant said from the stage.
“We’re gonna see.”
Boardroom, the evergrowing media company that Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, co-founded in 2019, teams up with Fanatics on a number of projects.
The panel that Durant was set to appear on there Sunday was called “Global Game Changers.” He certainly figures to change the game for the Rockets.
Houston finished No. 2 in the Western Conference in the regular season, albeit 16 games behind No. 1 Oklahoma City. It now adds a two-time champion to its young core as it looks to make another jump next season.
Durant averaged 26.6 points this season, his 17th in the NBA — not counting one year missed because of injury.
For his career, the 6-foot11 forward is averaging 27.2 points and seven rebounds per game.
The move brings Durant back to the state of Texas, where he played his one year of college basketball for the Longhorns and was the college player of the year before going as the No. 2 pick in the 2007 draft by Seattle. Houston will become his fifth franchise,
LIBERTY CENTRE JONQUEL JONES OUT 4-6 WEEKS WITH A SPRAINED RIGHT ANKLE
NEW YORK (AP) —
Liberty center Jonquel Jones will be out four to six week after spraining her right ankle, the team announced Saturday.
Jones sprained her ankle during the second quarter of an 89-81 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night.
“After further imaging and evaluation, Jonquel avoided long-term injury, and she is projected to return to game action in approximately four-to-six weeks,” the team said in a statement.
Jones had to be helped off the court after injuring the same ankle on June 5 against Washington. She missed two games after that injury.
The 6-foot-6 center was drafted sixth overall in 2016, and played for the Connecticut Sun for six seasons before coming to New York as part of a three-team deal in January 2023. Jones is averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds this season.
The Liberty kick off a four-game road trip Sunday at Seattle.
joining the SuperSonics (who then became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Golden State, Brooklyn and Phoenix.
Durant won his two titles with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018, and last summer in Paris he became the highest-scoring player in U.S. Olympic basketball history and the first men’s player to be part of four gold-medal teams.
Durant is a four-time scoring champion, a
two-time Finals MVP and one of eight players in NBA history with more than 30,000 career points, joining the club on February 11. Durant is under contract next season for roughly $50 million before becoming a free agent in 2026.
His departure from the Suns was expected and ends a disappointing 2 1/2 years in the desert. Durant never enjoyed consistent team success despite being part of a trio that included star
guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Durant was acquired by the Suns from the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team tradedeadline deal in 2023, just days after new owner Mat Ishbia bought the team for roughly $4 billion. Phoenix gave up a lot to acquire the then-34year-old, sending young standouts Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, along with four future first-round picks, to Brooklyn.
PHOENIX Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game on March 9, 2025, in Dallas.
(AP Photo/ Julio Cortez)
‘Jazz’ rallies Yankees to 4-2 victory over Orioles, raises his hitting average to .242
FROM PAGE E1
around a two-out single in the ninth for his 10th save in 11 chances.
In a game that started at 11:39am to fulfil a Major League Baseball national television contract, Warren gave up two runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Key stat - New York had been 1-22 when trailing after seven innings. Key moment - Baker fell behind Chisholm Jr in the count 3-0, then left a fastball
RUGBY: JAMAICA ROUTS BAHAMAS 52-15 IN WINTON
FROM PAGE E1
unbelievable.
After Bermuda pulled out of the intended match against The Bahamas, Saunderson said when they got the call, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play in The Bahamas.
Bahamas coach Stephen Thompson said they just simply ran into a quality side against Jamaica.
“All of these guys are playing rugby in the UK and most of them reside in the UK, so for us, it’s just a matter of rebuilding the programme after COVID19. “But I’m super proud of the guys. They played with every bit of heart and energy they could possibly play with. In the first half, we played with two yellow cards, which meant we were a man short, but we can’t do that in international play and expect to win.”
Thompson said they just have to continue work when they resume in September. Hopefully when the next international event rolls around, they will be better prepared.
The Reggae Boyz, taking a 7-0 lead and losing one of their key players Rasheed
THE visiting Jamaican men’s rugby team welcomed the Bahamas men’s national team back to international play with a huge 52-15 decision on Saturday at the Winton Rugby Pitch. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Pencle to an injury as he collided with Bahamian Alonzo Williams in the first six minutes of the game, Pencle had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance, delaying the continuation of the game for almost an hour until the medical personnel returned.
Saunderson said once Pencle went down, they got into their huddle and were determined “to win this one for Pencle. “It was so unfortunate about what happened to him.”
Two minutes after the action resumed, the Junkanoo Boyz finally got on the scoreboard as Kevin Charlton booted in a penalty shot.
The only other score in the half came on another penalty shot by Charlton at the 53:17 mark. By that time, the Jamaicans had already surged ahead 36-6 at the break, thanks to tries from Jasper Richardson at the 12:50; Tyreece Henry at 19:18 and McKenzie Davies at 25:09 with all of their conversions
over the plate. Up next - Orioles: LHP Trevor Rogers (0-0, 3.12) starts Monday night’s homestand opener against Texas and LHP Patrick Corbin (4-6, 3.91).
added for good measure. Charlton, one of the players from Grand Bahama, opened the second quarter with the first score on a penalty shot for a 26-9 deficit and he got another at 56:30 for a 31-15 margin.
But as the fatigue and injuries started to take its toll on the Bahamian team, the Jamaicans kept pushing and running the ball, breaking through the defence for tries from Tyreke Hutchinson at 66:29; Ethan Cornick
at 73:58 and Kahil Green at 79:17 with each conversion to seal the deal.
Bahamas co-captain Henry Alex Storr said they had too many costly errors and were even hit with two yellow card violations in the first half to dig themselves out of the hole in the second half.
“On your best day, it’s hard to come back from that and so we just couldn’t figure them out,” Storr said of the Jamaican stampede.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t come back.
“We racked up some points towards the end and we made a comeback in the second half, but those costly errors hurt us.”
Looking at the performance from Jamaica, Storr said they simply ran the ball and it’s something that they have to learn to adapt to and cover the spaces.
Atlanta Smoke win title
FROM PAGE E1
atmosphere and we loved it.” Rodriguez joined her coach by indicating that it was tough losing to Atlanta.
“They have a very good team. They have great pitching, we struggled a bit offensively,” she said.
“They put up runs and we couldn’t back it up and that was our downfall. We didn’t back up our pitchers.”
The tournament was organised by pro baseball players Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox Jr from the Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment, along with the husband-wife team of former MLB player Brandon Phillips and WWE wrestler Jade Cargill of B4Real Sports.
Here’s a summary of the final three games played:
Smoke 9, Monarchs 1 Cody cracked a three-run homer and Echols followed with the first of her two shots out of the park in a four-run top of the first inning to put Atlanta in full control of the clincher on Saturday.
The Smoke added five more runs in the third, highlighted by Echols’ three-run shot to put the game out of reach for the Monarchs, who didn’t have any answer to stop their rivals.
J Wright was the winning pitcher. Sona Halajian was tagged with the loss before she was relieved by Kaitlyn Felton in the third.
Kyleigh Sand produced the lone run for Orlando in the third inning when she
BRAGGING RIGHTS: the Atlanta Smoke were crowned the initial champions of the Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment’s Queens of Paradise Women’s Professional Softball Tournament at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
led off with a walk, moved to second on Alex Coleman’s single and caught a ride home on third sacker
Thessa Malau’ulu’s RBI double.
Smoke 10, Monarchs 0 After scoring the game’s winning run in the first on a RBI single by Morgan Howe to plate Silentrain Espinoza, Atlanta went wild with nine more runs in the fourth.
Howe got her second hit with a homer to start the rally that saw Koko Woodley get an RBI single, Espinoza also got her second hit with a two-run
homer and both Cody and Echols added an RBI single each. Orlando got the bases loaded in the second with one out, but couldn’t score. They also left two stranded in the third and still weren’t able to produce a run.
Donnie Osbourne went the distance to secure the win on the mound for the Smoke and Aspen Wesley started for the Monarchs, but was relieved in the fourth.
Monarchs 4, Smoke 3
Allie Skaggs had a tworun double to get Orlando started in the first inning and they got an unearned
run from Chloe Malau’ulu in the second for their third and the winning run in the fifth from Coleman. Kaitlyn Felton was the winning pitcher for the Monarchs before she was replaced by Jaden Vickers in the fourth. Autumn Pease was tagged with the loss for the Smoke. Espinoz led off the second with a double and scored Atlanta’s first run on Anamarie Bruni’s RBI sacrifice fly. Bruini singled and scored on an error in the fifth and she was hit by a pitch in the seventh and scored their final run on Woodley’s RBI sacrifice fly.
Yankees: Rookie RHP Allan Winans makes his New York and season debut on Monday night at Cincinnati, which starts LHP Nick Lodolo (5-5, 3.71).
ORIOLES CATCHER HANDLEY LEAVES GAME AFTER COLLISION WITH YANKEES’ ‘JAZZ’ CHISHOLM JR
NEW YORK (AP) — Baltimore Orioles backup catcher Maverick Handley left yesterday’s game against the New York Yankees after being knocked over in a collision at the plate with Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr.
With Baltimore ahead 2-0, Chisholm Jr hit a two-out double off Dean Kremer and went home on DJ LeMahieu’s single to left.
Colton Cowser’s throw was up the third-base line. Handley moved to his left for the throw, arriving for the ball at the same time as Chisholm Jr, who tried to veer to the inside to avoid contact.
Chisholm Jr, whose left cleat had come off as he speeded down the line, smacked into Handley, fell past the plate and had to come back to touch it.
Handley, a 27-year-old who debuted in April, got up slowly and was removed after a discussion with interim manager Tony Masolino and head athletic trainer Scott Barringer. Baltimore replaced Handley with former Yankees player Gary Sánchez. Baltimore already is without All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, who strained his left oblique and is on the injured list for the first time in his major league career.
NEW York Yankees’ Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. collides with Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley while running to home plate on a single hit by DJ LeMahieu during the second inning of a baseball game yesterday in New York. (AP Photos/Pamela Smith)
JAZZ Chisholm Jr. walks off the field after colliding with Orioles catcher Maverick Handley while scoring in the second inning.
Anthaya confirms she’s going to turn pro as track, field athlete
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
AS her younger sister Anthaya Charlton confirmed that she’s now going to turn pro as a track and field athlete, veteran hurdler Devynne Charlton continued to make her presence felt on the circuit.
Devynne Charlton, the 30-year-old world indoor 60m world record holder and two-time gold medallist at the World Indoor Championships, clocked 12.58 seconds for sixth place in the women’s 100 metre hurdles at the Wanda Diamond League on Friday night at the Stade Charley in Paris, France.
Charlton, the lone Bahamian to compete in the meet, led up to the
DEVYNNE CHARLTON CONTINUES TO MAKE HER PRESENCE FELT ON THE CIRCUIT
midpoint of the 10 flights of hurdles, but she slowly faded through the final half of the race as American Grace Stark pulled away for the victory in a lifetime best of 12.21 for a new meet record.
World record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria came through in second in her season’s best of 12.24, while Jamaican Ackera Nugent was third in 12.30. Former American world record holder Kendra Harrison was fourth in 12.48 and Nadine Visser of The Netherlands got fifth in 12.51. Charlton beat out American Alaysha Johnson and Poland’s
Pia Skrzyszowska, who got seventh and eighth in 12.66 and a season’s best of 12.67 respectively.
Charlton, the Bahamian national record holder at 12.44 she posted in Budapest, Hungary, on August 22, 2023, is coming off her season’s best of 12.59 she ran at the Olympiastadion in Stockholm, Sweden on Sunday, June 15. With her collegiate season over and done with, Charlton’s 21-year-old sister, Anthaya, has confirmed to turn pro after she completed the NCAA Outdoor Championships last weekend in Eugene, Oregon.
During the preliminaries of the 100m at the championships, Charlton ran a lifetime best of 10.87 for the second fastest by a Bahamian, trailing national record holder Chandra Sturrup, who ran 10.84. In the final, Charlton, representing the University of Florida, finished fourth in 11.19. She was beaten out for a spot on the podium by South Carolina’s JaMeesia Ford.
USC’s Samirah Moody won the title and LSU’s Tima Godbless was the runner-up, both timed in 11.14.
Charlton, who earlier this month graduated, was also fifth in her specialty in the
long jump with a leap of 21-feet, 7 1/4-inches or 6.58 metres.
Synclair Savage, a senior at Louisville, won the event with 22-3/4 (6.72m).
With both performances, Charlton has qualified for the World Championships all scheduled for Tokyo, Japan, from September 13-21. The standard for the 100m is 11.07 and the long jump is 22-6 1/4 (6.86m). Charlton did her lifetime best of 22-11 (6.98m) for the national record at the Arkansas-Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas to erase Bianca Stuart’s previous
national mark of 22-5 (6.83m) on June 26, 2015. Anthaya will join Devynne, who has done the standard of 12.75 for the 100m hurdles for the World Championships in both of her two meets so far this year. The two sisters made history as they competed as the first Bahamian sisters at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China in March.
While Devynne retained her title in the 60m hurdles in a record time of 7.72, Anthaya Charlton was sixth in her debut in the long jump with a leap of 21-6 3/4 (6.57m).
VERSATILE track and field athlete Anthaya Charlton competes in the long jump, left, and Devynne Charlton, right
(AP Photos)