Issuu

SPORTS SECTION E

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026

‘BUDDY’ HIELD - PAGE 2

‘Legends on the Court’ !"#$%&'()'&# !*++%,(./0123#-45.67#+345.63. !"#$$%&'( )$*"#+,-,.*/0+,) MARK Knowles described representing The Bahamas as one of the most special parts of his professional tennis career as he returned home to share the court with international tennis legend John McEnroe and fellow Bahamian players during Saturday’s Legends on the Court exhibition at the John McEnroe Tennis Centre at Baha Mar. The match was hosted by Derron Donaldson, director of racquets, and Renaldo Dorsett of 10th Year Seniors. McEnroe and Kevin Major Jr teamed up to defeat Knowles and Marvin Rolle 8-6 in a competitive doubles exhibition that combined high level tennis with the entertainment and personality of four players from different generations of the sport. McEnroe brought the

same intensity at age 67 that defined his career to the court, competing with the same determination and hard-mouthed trash talk that made him one of tennis’ most recognisable figures. The match featured many spirited exchanges between the two teams, with playful trash talk adding to the atmosphere as the players battled for bragging rights in front of the Bahamian crowd. Despite the exhibition setting, the competitive edge was evident throughout the match, as McEnroe and Major Jr held off the challenge from Knowles and Rolle to secure the victory. For Knowles, a former world number one in doubles and multiple Grand Slam champion, the opportunity to compete at home carried significance beyond the result. He said returning to The Bahamas and playing in front of local fans brought back memories of

123454+%&6,'75)8*$.59$%-5$*:8)75/+.5*+),$+/)*%+/65),++*'56,:,+.5;%8+51<=+$%,759%#$)859$%-5$*:8)75&*)859,66%&5>/8/-*/+5 ?6/@,$'5.#$*+:5A/)#$./@B'5C,:,+.'5%+5)8,5D%#$)5,E8*"*)*%+5*+5)8,5;%8+51<=+$%,5F,++*'5D,+)$,5/)5>/8/51/$05 representing the country during his career. “It was always so special, especially being out on the court and having great fans out here today,” Knowles said. “It kind of reminds me of playing for The Bahamas, which was the most special moments of my entire career. Better than winning

Grand Slams was representing The Bahamas.” Knowles said the experience of sharing the court with Rolle and Major Jr made the occasion even more meaningful, while he also welcomed the opportunity to play alongside McEnroe, whom he described as an influential

‘VJ’ ruled out after suffering abdominal contusion

!"#$%&'()'&# !*++%,(./0123#-45.67#+345.63. !"#$$%&'( )$*"#+,-,.*/0+,) VALDEZ ‘VJ’ Edgecombe Jr was ruled out of the Philadelphia 76ers’ matchup against the Detroit Pistons last night after sustaining an abdominal contusion in Saturday’s 127-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, where the Bahamian guard delivered the best performance of his sophomore season. Edgecombe Jr was a late addition to Philadelphia’s injury report after initially being listed as questionable, forcing the unbeaten Sixers to face Detroit without the 21-year-old as they looked to extend their winning start to four games. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Edgecombe was injured during the Milwaukee game but managed to play through the discomfort before soreness became a greater concern the following day. “I don’t know if you remember in the game last night he took that knee right in that area,” Nurse said. “Yeah, he obviously played through the game and all that kind of stuff. Just very sore today.”

The injury came after Edgecombe Jr produced 17 points and a season-high 13 rebounds in 30 minutes against Milwaukee, helping Philadelphia improve to 3-0. He shot 5 of 13 from the field and connected on five of his 10 attempts from beyond the three- point line. He also recorded two assists, one steal and two blocked shots, with 11 of his rebounds coming on the defensive end. His five made three pointers were particularly notable, as Edgecombe continued to demonstrate his ability to contribute as a perimeter threat while playing alongside an established group of NBA stars. The performance was his most productive of the regular season to that point, following nine points, four rebounds and one assist in the season opener against the New York Knicks and 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Philadelphia’s victory over Milwaukee was led by Joel Embiid, who recorded 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple double, while Tyrese Maxey added 26 points and Jaylen Brown scored 27 on his 30th birthday. With LeBron James sitting

out the first game of the back-to-back set for lower back management, the Sixers relied on their other leading players to maintain their unbeaten record. Brown’s three pointer off an Embiid pass made it 120-114 and gave the centre the assist he needed to complete his triple double. Kentavious Caldwell Pope then converted another three pointer following a Milwaukee turnover to extend the lead and help Philadelphia withstand the Bucks’ late push. The Sixers shot 40 of 98 from the field and made 19 of 44 three point attempts, while converting 28 of 34 free throws. Edgecombe’s strong showing came during a period of growing confidence for the organisation in the 20-year-old guard, who finished third in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting last season after averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists across 75 games. Philadelphia also made a significant commitment to his future last week, exercising the third year option on his rookie scale contract for the 2027 to 2028 season. The move guarantees Edgecombe a salary

of approximately $12.22 million for that season. Originally selected third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Edgecombe earned unanimous selection to the NBA All Rookie First Team after establishing himself as a regular starter in his first professional season. He finished his rookie season with 1,199 points and 149 made three pointers, becoming the first Philadelphia rookie since Allen Iverson in 1996 to record at least 1,000 points and 125 three pointers in a season. The Sixers’ decision to exercise his option reinforces their long term plans for a player who has already demonstrated his ability to contribute across several areas of the game. Philadelphia entered Sunday’s meeting with Detroit at 3-0, while the Pistons were also unbeaten at 2-0. Edgecombe’s absence was an early setback for a Sixers side seeking to maintain its momentum, particularly after his all round contribution against Milwaukee. His recovery from the abdominal contusion will be closely watched as Philadelphia continues its early season schedule.

figure throughout his career. He recalled McEnroe inviting him to practise while he was attending UCLA, noting that the former world number one had offered him advice and support even when he was not obligated to do so. “Anytime you get to be on the court with John McEnroe, it’s an absolute pleasure. It’s an honour. Björn Borg is my idol, but John is definitely one of my idols as well, and he’s also somebody who has been super helpful to me throughout my career,” said Knowles. “There’s so much joy in being alongside Marvin. He’s obviously a lot younger than I am, but we shared the court a number of times towards the end of my career. He was one of the best kids out there. Then there’s KJ. I didn’t know KJ as well because he’s obviously younger, but man, does he hit the ball really well. It was really special.” Knowles, who enjoyed considerable success on the international circuit, said he hoped McEnroe’s presence in The Bahamas and the facilities available at the tennis centre could help inspire another generation of players capable of reaching the highest levels of the sport. He pointed to the importance of giving young Bahamians the confidence to pursue international ambitions, regardless of the size of their home country. “Just because we’re from a small country, it doesn’t mean that we can’t achieve big things,” Knowles said. He encouraged aspiring players to approach tennis as a long term development process, stressing the importance of passion, consistent work and patience rather than becoming overly concerned with wins and losses. Knowles said players must continue improving their technical ability while developing the strength and endurance required to compete at the professional level. He also urged young athletes to avoid allowing the pressures associated with social media and outside expectations to distract them from their progress. Kevin Major Jr said competing alongside McEnroe provided an opportunity to experience the game with a player whose achievements have helped shape tennis history. The former men’s national title holder described the occasion as a privilege, particularly given the opportunity to share the court with players from different generations and showcase Bahamian talent alongside an international star. He also had a message for young players hoping to follow in the footsteps of the country’s established tennis professionals. “I’d say stay positive,” Major Jr said. “It’s a long road. Focus on the things that you’re good at, but

12345 4+%&6,'5 /+.5 ;%8+5 1<=+$%,5G)%?H0 also understand the things you’re not so good at. And be honest with yourself.” Rolle, who serves as president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA), also welcomed the opportunity to participate in the exhibition, describing it as an honour to play alongside McEnroe and Major Jr. “It’s honestly an honour to play with those guys. You know, growing up, KJ (Kevin Major Jr) was a ball boy for us, and I was a ball boy for Mark back in the day. I grew up watching John McEnroe on TV, so to see him out here and play with him is an honour,” said Rolle. McEnroe also expressed his appreciation for the visit, saying he enjoyed playing at the tennis centre that bears his name and competing in front of the Bahamian crowd. He reiterated his interest in supporting the development of tennis among young players, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation to learn from experienced professionals. The exhibition formed part of a wider John McEnroe Tennis Experience programme, which included a complimentary junior clinic on Friday for children aged five to 16. The session focused on tennis fundamentals, drills and introducing young players to the game through instruction from one of the sport’s most celebrated figures. Saturday’s event also featured a pre-show exhibition showcasing rising Bahamian junior talent before the featured doubles match, giving young players an opportunity to perform in front of spectators at the Baha Mar facility.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 26, 2026, PAGE 3

Dolphins hold off late Jets rally in 28-25 victory !"#$%&&'(#)*(+*,#-. */#/.0#10023455#).627. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Jeff Hafley had a towel draped around his neck as he stepped to the podium and the Miami Dolphins coach wiped his face one last time before taking questions from reporters. He had just been doused by his players in the middle of a jubilant locker room after they held on for a 28-25 victory — his first leading the Dolphins — over the New York Jets yesterday. “I grabbed every guy as they ran in,” a happy Hafley said. "My socks are wet. I had so much water on me. It was a really, really special moment, one that I’m appreciative of and one that I won’t forget. It was fun. “They deserve it. You could feel a lot come out of it. I'm very happy for the players. They did a great job.” Malik Willis threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, and made a victory-sealing 2-yard push up the middle on fourth-and-1

as the Dolphins (1-5) came off their bye-week break and avoided their first 0-6 start since 2019. “It was awesome,” said Willis, who was 14 of 21 for 208 yards and two TD passes to rookie Caleb Douglas. He also ran for 37 yards on eight carries, but the last one was the biggest of the game. The Jets (2-5) made a late push trailing 28-17. On fourth-and-4, Geno Smith completed a short pass to Isaiah Davis, who zipped downfield 41 yards to the Dolphins 18. Three plays later, Smith found Mason Taylor for a 12-yard touchdown, the tight end's second of the game. Penalties negated New York's first two 2-point tries before Smith threw to Taylor to make it 28-25 with 3:24 left. Looking to end it, the Dolphins faced fourthand-1 from the Jets 49 at the two-minute warning and Hafley went straight to his offensive linemen. “I asked them what they thought,” Hafley said.

Cooper Jr., and an interception. Braelon Allen had 104 yards rushing. Dolphins and Jets start things off with a scoring spree The Dolphins started quickly, marching 76 yards on seven plays and taking their first lead in any game this season on Willis' 7-yard touchdown pass to Douglas. It also ended New York's streak of not allowing any points on an opening possession in five straight games. But the Jets came right back with a 13-yard touchdown catch by Taylor — son of former Dolphins star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor — to tie it. It's the third straight game in which New York scored on its opening drive. Miami then went on a 14-play drive that was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Gordon, who finished with 103 yards rushing. New York was driving again on its next possession at the Miami 21 when Smith was intercepted by Michael Taaffe.

!"#!"$%&'()*+,$-./01203/45$!/'*5$6*''*,$789$(/,,2,$*+$1)2$ ,24&+:$)/';$/</*+,1$1)2$=2>$?&05$@21,$*+$A/,1$B.1)20;&0:C$ =D@DC$E.+:/FC$G41&320$8HC$8I8JD$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$7#K$K)&1&L(728#)796:9 about 30 friends and family members. The Jets, meanwhile, dropped to 0-8 against AFC East opponents under Aaron Glenn, including consecutive losses to New England and Miami. “When it comes to this game, highly disappointed,” Glenn said. “Disappointed in myself, first and foremost.” Smith was 23 of 30 for 287 yards and three touchdowns, the two to Taylor and another to Omar

“When I saw the look in their eyes, I was very confident that we’d get it. As soon as I saw that, there was no doubt in my mind that we’d go for it.” Passing up the punt, Hafley left it to the offence — and Willis pushed forward for 2 yards as the Dolphins celebrated. “He trusted us,” Willis said, "and we trusted him.” Hafley, who grew up about 20 minutes north of MetLife Stadium in Montvale, got the win in front of

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

TONIGHT

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

The Dolphins' touchdown streak ended on their third possession when they went three-and-out. They got right back at it on their next drive, with Willis scoring on a 2-yard scramble with 6 seconds left in the first half. Jets' woes extend into the second half Allen gave New York some immediate second-half juice with a 27-yard run on the Jets' first play of the third quarter, but the drive stalled. Adding to the misery, Jason Sanders — a longtime Dolphins kicker in his first season with the Jets — hit the right upright on a 40-yard try. Cooper got New York's next drive started with a 60-yard reception, and ended it five plays later with a 3-yard touchdown catch to make it a one-score game at 21-14 with 5:50 left in the third quarter. Up next Dolphins: Host New England next Sunday. Jets: Host Las Vegas next Sunday.

™

Superior Accuracy for Better Decisions Visit AccuWeather.com

UV INDEX TODAY

FRIDAY

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ LOW

ORLANDO

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 68° F/20° C

TAMPA

Breezy; downpours in the afternoon

Partly cloudy, warm; a t-storm late

A couple of showers in the morning

Partly sunny, showers around; humid

Humid; a few afternoon showers

Partly sunny, showers around; humid

High: 84°

Low: 76°

High: 85° Low: 76°

High: 86° Low: 75°

High: 87° Low: 77°

High: 86° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

91° F

77° F

94°-83° F

98°-82° F

99°-86° F

99°-85° F

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 68° F/20° C

ABACO

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

25-35 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 85° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

15-25 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

15-25 knots

KEY WEST

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

The higher the AccuWeather UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. Shown is the highest value of the day.

TIDES FOR NASSAU High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

3.7 3.0

1:57 a.m. 2:44 p.m.

0.0 0.1

ALMANAC

Tuesday

9:03 a.m. 9:21 p.m.

3.7 2.9

2:41 a.m. -0.2 3:32 p.m. 0.0

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 71° F/22° C Normal high ....................................... 84° F/29° C Normal low ........................................ 72° F/22° C Last year’s high .................................. 85° F/29° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.26” Year to date ................................................ 25.97” Normal year to date ................................... 34.31”

Wednesday 9:52 a.m. 10:11 p.m.

3.7 2.8

3:27 a.m. -0.2 4:23 p.m. 0.1

Thursday

10:44 a.m. 11:04 p.m.

3.7 2.7

4:16 a.m. -0.1 5:16 p.m. 0.2

Friday

11:40 a.m. -----

3.5 -----

5:10 a.m. 6:14 p.m.

0.1 0.4

Saturday

12:04 a.m. 12:40 p.m.

2.6 3.4

6:10 a.m. 7:16 p.m.

0.3 0.5

Sunday

1:10 a.m. 12:44 p.m.

2.6 3.2

6:17 a.m. 7:21 p.m.

0.5 0.6

Sunrise Sunset

7:14 a.m. 6:34 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

6:48 p.m. 7:37 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Nov. 1

Nov. 9

Nov. 17

Nov. 24

CAT ISLAND

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

10-20 knots

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

7-14 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

SUN AND MOON

N W

EXT.

8:17 a.m. 8:34 p.m.

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

VERY HIGH

Today

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

HIGH

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is the only index that includes all the weather factors that play a role in how we perceive temperature, including the effects of wind, humidity, sunshine, precipitation, pressure, and elevation. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

MODERATE

ANDROS

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 75° F/24° C

7-14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N W

N E

E S

4-8 knots

8-16 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday:

WINDS NE at 15-25 Knots NE at 15-25 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots S at 4-8 Knots S at 7-14 Knots S at 7-14 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 20-30 Knots NE at 20-30 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots S at 8-16 Knots S at 6-12 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots SSW at 6-12 Knots S at 8-16 Knots S at 6-12 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots

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WAVES 12-16 Feet 10-14 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 8-12 Feet 6-10 Feet 4-8 Feet 3-6 Feet 8-12 Feet 6-10 Feet 14-18 Feet 16-20 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 8-12 Feet 5-9 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F

“We got you covered under the radars”

PAGE 2, Monday, October 26, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

‘Buddy’ Hield settling into new role with Chicago Bulls !"#$%&'()'&# !*++%,(./0123#-45.67#+345.63. !"#$$%&'( )$*"#+,-,.*/0+,) BAHAMIAN NBA veteran Chavano “Buddy” Hield continued to settle into his role with the Chicago Bulls over the weekend, scoring nine points against the Washington Wizards on Saturday after producing his best performance of the young season in Friday’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Hield contributed nine points, two rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes off the bench as the Bulls fell 124-120 to the Wizards in their home opener at the United Centre. He shot 4 of 7 from the field and made one of his three attempts from beyond the three-point line. He also recorded one turnover and finished with a minus three rating. The loss left Chicago with a 1-2 win loss record through its first three games of the 2026-2027 NBA regular season, following a 135-92 defeat against the Toronto Raptors in the opener and a 132-125 road victory over Milwaukee on Friday. Hield’s latest contribution came as Chicago struggled to contain Washington’s offence after establishing an early lead. The Bulls led by as many as 10 points before the Wizards outscored them 40-20 in the third quarter, taking control of the game despite a 30-point, 14-rebound performance from Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson. Hield was one of the Bulls’ more efficient contributors from the perimeter, making one of

his three attempts from three-point range. Chicago, however, converted only 12 of its 43 attempts from beyond the arc, continuing an early season concern for head coach Tiago Splitter’s team. Hield, 33, had a more productive outing on Friday night in Milwaukee, scoring 13 points in 15 minutes to help Chicago secure its first victory of the season. Hield converted five of his six field-goal attempts, including three of four from three-point range, while adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal. His shooting helped provide a spark from the bench as the Bulls recovered from a slow start to overcome the Bucks. Chicago scored 44 points in the second quarter after managing just 17 in the first, with Hield among the reserves who helped shift the momentum. The performance also demonstrated the value Chicago expects from the veteran guard as it looks to improve its spacing and scoring options around a developing young core. Hield’s first regular season appearance with the Bulls came against Toronto on October 21, when he was held scoreless in 14 minutes. He missed all four of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond the arc, but recorded two rebounds and two assists. Through the three regular season games, Hield has averaged 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. Chicago acquired Hield from the Charlotte Hornets in September in a deal that sent guard Rob Dillingham to Charlotte. The move brought the Bulls a proven perimeter shooter and an experienced player who

HIJH2AK5L#;;'5@#/$.5H8/?/+%5ML#..=N5I*,;.O5;,>)O5.$*?,'5/@/*+')5P*;&/#<,,5L#7<'5@#/$.5Q=;,$5I,$$%O5$*@8)O5.#$*+@5)8,5 >*$')58/;>5%>5/+5RL25"/'<,)"/;;5@/-,5%+5S$*./=O5K7)%",$5BTO5BUBVO5*+5P*;&/#<,,05 5555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555D2E5E8%)%F&@B#C#)1=G has spent time with several NBA contenders. The 33-year-old entered the season with a career three-point shooting percentage of 39.5 per cent, making him a valuable option for a Chicago team seeking to create more room for its players to attack the basket. Splitter outlined that expectation during Hield’s introduction to the organisation, identifying his shooting as an important part of the team’s offensive structure. “I like good threes,” Splitter said, according to the Chicago Sun Times. “You’re open, shoot it.” The Bulls coach explained that having Hield

and fellow veteran Norman Powell available on the perimeter should create opportunities for younger players, including Wilson and Matas Buzelis, to attack the paint. Hield is also expected to contribute through his experience and leadership as Chicago develops its younger players. Having played alongside established veterans during his time with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers, he has gained experience in different systems and roles. Hield said mentoring the younger players was an important responsibility for him in Chicago. “I take a lot of pride in that because I’ve

learned from a lot of vets,” Hield said. “Me mentoring the younger guys, that’s my job. Help Caleb, Matas and Josh get to where they need to get, support them in the fullest so we can get to the next level.” Splitter has also acknowledged Hield’s experience with successful teams and his ability to provide scoring when called upon. “He’s been around this league; he knows what it takes,” Splitter said. “He’s been around championship teams. He’s a guy that can get a bucket; he can score. We need the shooting piece, and we’ll go from there.” The Bulls have made a difficult start to the season, and their struggles from

three-point range have placed additional emphasis on their outside shooting options. Hield’s three for four performance against Milwaukee offered an example of the impact he can make when he finds his rhythm, although Chicago will need more consistent production from the perimeter across the roster. Chicago is scheduled to visit the Boston Celtics today, before travelling to face the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Hield will have another opportunity to establish himself in the rotation as the Bulls continue to determine their most effective combinations early in the season.

World Series: Rays blow 4-0 lead in Game 2 loss to Brewers !"#-(898#:8;'+;88# '<#-45.67#,./63. MILWAUKEE (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays ace Drew Rasmussen had sailed through his first three postseason starts while working at least six innings in each of them. He couldn’t make it out of the fourth inning Saturday night against a Milwaukee Brewers lineup that specializes in driving up pitch counts and grinding starters into submission. “They put together good at-bats,” Rasmussen said after the Rays lost 5-4 to the Brewers in Game 2 of the World Series. “Kudos to them. They fouled off some really good pitches. They took some really quality pitches. They just fought, they scrapped and they just put pitches in play.” Tampa Bay’s inability to protect an early 4-0 lead caused the Rays to fall behind 2-0 in this World Series featuring two franchises seeking their first championship. Rasmussen gave up three runs in 3 2/3 innings, his shortest start since lasting just 2 1/3 innings in a 12-4 loss to the New York Yankees on July 9. The Rays scored four runs in the first against Milwaukee rookie Logan Henderson. That lead seemed pretty secure, considering Rasmussen entered the World Series having allowed three runs in 21 playoff innings against the Yankees and Cleveland Guardians. Milwaukee’s lineup proved tougher to solve. “I thought early on my command wasn’t very good,” Rasmussen said. “I felt like I was falling behind far too often to expect good results. And then from there, they found themselves in some hitters’

12345 6*)78,$5 9$,&5 1/': -#'',+5 ;%%<'5 /&/=5 ",>%$,5 ;,/?*+@5 )8,5 @/-,5 .#$*+@5 A/-,5B5%>5)8,5C%$;.54,$*,'5 %+54/)#$./=0 55D2E5E8%)%F'7=>3"#?@2A/7G counts and were able to find holes.” Rasmussen also didn’t get much help from his defence. Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers opened the bottom of the first with consecutive singles to put runners on the corners. After Christian Yelich struck out swinging, William Contreras hit a high foul pop that went off the glove of first baseman Jonathan Aranda as he positioned himself near the netting in front of the stands. Given new life, Contreras singled home Chourio. Garrett Mitchell added an RBI single later in the inning to cut Milwaukee’s deficit to 4-2. “There’s a lot of respect there,” Mitchell said. “We know how great of a pitcher he is. … For us, it’s chipping one at-bat after another, passing it from one guy to the next, because it’s not going to be done in one pitch or one swing. It’s going to be quality at-bat after quality at-bat and kind of just trying to get his pitch count up.” Even when Rasmussen retired the side in order in the second, Milwaukee took something out of him.

Chourio ended that inning by grounding out on an 11-pitch plate appearance. In the fourth, Rasmussen walked Cooper Pratt, who scored from third when David Hamilton’s RBI grounder to first went through Aranda’s legs for an error. Rasmussen left after issuing a two-out walk to Bauers on his 89th pitch. Tampa Bay still led 4-3 when Rasmussen left the game, but the Rays made too many mistakes to stay in front. Liam Hicks got thrown out at the plate trying to score from second on Victor Mesa Jr.’s sixth-inning single to shallow left field. Rays reliever Ian Seymour allowed Milwaukee to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth on a solo shot by Sal Frelick, whose last regular-season homer had come on July 11. Yandy Díaz, who has gone 0 for 9 the last two games, ended this one by striking out to strand the potential tying run at third. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero screamed in the dugout after Milwaukee had rallied to tie the game. “Just trying to create some energy and get some life back into us,” Caminero said through an interpreter. The Rays still have some life left in them, but they blew a golden opportunity to even this series with a four-run lead and their ace on the mound. They understand what’s at stake as the series heads to Tampa Bay. “Obviously, we’re excited to head back home,” said Rasmussen, who went 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA during the regular season. “I mean, it would be really nice to have won today. Our offence, I would say they’re pretty confident when they spot our pitching staff a fourrun lead, that we’re going to go ahead and get the job done.”

PAGE 4, Monday, October 26, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

WNBA Finals: Reese blames herself after dramatic falloff in Game 4 loss !"#$%&'()*#+,-.# &/#*01234#526372 ATLANTA (AP) — Angel Reese blamed herself for a poor performance in Game 4 on Saturday after opening the WNBA Finals with three consecutive double-doubles. Reese was held to eight points, making only 2 of 12 shots from the field, and grabbed nine rebounds in the Atlanta Dream's 67-62 loss to the Golden State Valkyries that evened the series at 2-2. “I think it was me, I think I rushed a lot on my shots and I didn’t take my time and finish around the basket like I’ve been doing the last three games,” Reese said. “It happens and I’m just looking forward to the next game and just do it.”

Reese blocked three shots but had six of Atlanta's 17 turnovers. Centre Kiah Stokes led Golden State's defence against Reese. “She’s been the head of their snake all series, so for me it was just trying to make every look that she had of the basket difficult,” Stokes said. “It’s a tough job, but I think being our best defensive big, I've got to own up to that challenge. Like I said, it was trying to just make her take difficult shots.” While leading Atlanta to wins in Games 2 and 3, Reese became only the second player, following A'Ja Wilson, to have at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games in the WNBA Finals.

While Reese blamed herself, Gabby Williams gave credit to Golden State's defence. “I’m sorry if I sound redundant, but we just picked up our ball pressure,” Williams said when asked the key to the Valkyries' success against Reese and the Dream. “I think we’re a bit more connected today, and that gives us our energy.” Atlanta's three lowest-scoring games of the season have come against Golden State, including twice in this series. Reese said the Dream will focus on “just getting back to who we are, our identity, being the enforcers and just knowing who we are” heading into Game 5 tonight at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

She said being outscored 26-15 in the second quarter was devastating for Atlanta. The Dream tried to rally and won the fourth quarter 17-13, but it was too late. “We applied a lot of pressure, but we can’t wait until the second half to do it,” Reese said. Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 19 points. Jordin Canada and Isobel Borlase each had 10. “We knew they were going to come out aggressive, we know they were going to come out with a different mentality,” Howard said. “If you’re asking us what they did, I would say it was about the lack of effort on our part.” The Valkyries took a 72-54 advantage in shots from the field.

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