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		<title>Despite All the &#8216;Last&#8217;s, CT Sun Players Are Just Getting Started</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/despite-all-the-lasts-ct-sun-players-are-just-getting-started/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/despite-all-the-lasts-ct-sun-players-are-just-getting-started/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane Guay]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:26:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WNBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ashlon Jackson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connecticut Sun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gianna Kneepkens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raegan Beers]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=110548</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1645" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Sep 24, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) and center Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) react after a three point basket against the Toronto Tempo in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-300x193.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1536x987.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-2048x1316.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1320x848.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1600x1028.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1100x707.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-680x437.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-200x129.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>Often in basketball, if a team is up by 10 or more in the fourth quarter, the stands slowly empty out before the buzzer even hits zero. That wasn&#8217;t the case for the Connecticut Sun&#8217;s final victory, 95-81 vs. the Toronto Tempo on September 24.  With the loudest &#8220;Go Sun&#8221; chants and the strongest &#8220;boo&#8221;s [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/despite-all-the-lasts-ct-sun-players-are-just-getting-started/">Despite All the &#8216;Last&#8217;s, CT Sun Players Are Just Getting Started</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1645" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Sep 24, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) and center Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) react after a three point basket against the Toronto Tempo in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-300x193.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1536x987.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-2048x1316.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1320x848.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1600x1028.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-1100x707.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-680x437.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-25T020455Z_720289541_MT1USATODAY29904912_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-TORONTO-TEMPO-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN-200x129.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Often in basketball, if a team is up by 10 or more in the fourth quarter, the stands slowly empty out before the buzzer even hits zero. That wasn&#8217;t the case for the Connecticut Sun&#8217;s final victory, <a href="https://www.wnba.com/game/tor-vs-con-1022600326/box-score">95-81</a> vs. the Toronto Tempo on September 24. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the loudest &#8220;Go Sun&#8221; chants and the strongest &#8220;boo&#8221;s Mohegan Sun Arena heard that summer, no one would have guessed there was nothing on the line. No playoffs, no &#8220;See you next season,&#8221; just 40 minutes. If there is one word to describe the performance Connecticut Sun players delivered, it would be symbolic. </span></p>
<h2>A Game with Every Skillset</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;I want to involve everyone tonight,&#8221; Head Coach Rachid Meziane said ahead of the matchup. One of this team&#8217;s biggest challenges this season was constant changes in rotations and team rhythm because of injuries. Their final game was no different. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heading into their final matchup against the </span><a href="https://www.wnba.com/game/tor-vs-con-1022600326/box-score"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Toronto Tempo</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, several leaders were injured. This included center <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/203398/brittney-griner/profile">Brittney Griner</a>, forward <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629568/kennedy-burke/profile">Kennedy Burke</a>, center <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631135/olivia-nelson-ododa/profile">Olivia Nelson-Ododa</a>, and guard <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642809/saniya-rivers/profile">Saniya Rivers</a>. While there were missing pieces on the court, those with less experience continued to do what they did all season: show up. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throughout the season, there was a lot of discussion about the difficulties that come with injuries. That said, while</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> some saw it as a setback, others saw it as an opportunity. Especially throughout the last few games of the Connecticut Sun&#8217;s final season, several rookies delivered. </span></p>
<h2>Taking Opportunity</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By themselves, center <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1643441/raegan-beers/profile">Raegan Beers</a>, guard <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1643437/ashlon-jackson/profile">Ashlon Jackson</a>, and guard <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1643429/gianna-kneepkens/profile">Gianna Kneepkens </a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">scored <a href="https://www.wnba.com/game/tor-vs-con-1022600326/box-score">47 points</a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Thursday night. That accounted for just under half of the team&#8217;s 95. Beers scored her career high. Jackson scored her career high. Kneepkens scored her second-most points ever in a game. None of this came out of nowhere. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is what happens when the hard work that doesn&#8217;t get talked about during practice finally comes out onto the court. These girls, and the future the league has in store, define taking an opportunity and running with it, even if it is just for a few games. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;[I&#8217;m] so proud of Gianna,&#8221; rookie guard <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1643449/charlisse-leger-walker/profile">Charlisse Leger-Walker</a> said following Kneepkens&#8217; career-high in their second-to-last home game. &#8220;Literally every time Gianna catches the ball, I&#8217;m like, &#8216;Shoot that.&#8217; Every time she lets it go, in my mind, I feel like it&#8217;s going in.&#8221;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;As a rookie, any time on the court is really important for your career and you as a basketball player,&#8221; Kneepkens said following her career-high </span><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1643429/gianna-kneepkens/profile"><span style="font-weight: 400;">against the Minnesota Lynx</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. While her time was limited this season, the way she ended it in Connecticut Sun&#8217;s final week reminded the crowd that she&#8217;s only at the start of her career. </span></p>
<h2>New Beginnings</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There&#8217;s been a lot of focus on the &#8220;last&#8221; s of the Connecticut Sun, when the performances these rookies delivered during the season&#8217;s final moments were a symbol of the new beginnings to come for this group. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jackson, a rookie, will go down in history as the </span><a href="https://www.wnba.com/game/tor-vs-con-1022600326/play-by-play?period=Q4"><span style="font-weight: 400;">final person</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to score a basket for the Connecticut Sun. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;[Jackson] has been working her tail off,&#8221; Beers said in an exit interview. &#8220;Working from a developmental player all the way to now, so to see her end her rookie year like that was just so deserving.&#8221; </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although Jackson wasn&#8217;t signed to a </span><a href="https://sun.wnba.com/news/connecticut-sun-convert-ashlon-jackson-to-rest-of-season-contract"><span style="font-weight: 400;">rest-of-season contract</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> until August 15, the guard made the most of that time. There was no better way to symbolize what&#8217;s to come for season two than by doubling her </span><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1643437/ashlon-jackson/profile"><span style="font-weight: 400;">previous season high</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for her final night in a Sun jersey. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;I love working with young players,&#8221; Meziane said during the team&#8217;s final postgame press conference. &#8220;I like seeing them migrate and be able to transfer that onto the floor.&#8221;</span></p>
<h2>What&#8217;s to Come</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All season long, press after press, Sun players emphasized the need to stay present. They constantly talked about work ethic, getting in the gym, and the work behind the scenes. Oftentimes, people are so caught up in what happens in 40 minutes that the hours upon hours go unnoticed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ahead of their final matchup, Meziane encouraged his players not to get caught up in the emotions. Instead, he encouraged them to focus on the game. Players dealt with outside noise about the Houston relocation all season, and Thursday was no different. Players responded the same way: with focus, presence, and hard work. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Sun is now officially set in Uncasville, Connecticut. With a beautiful sunset that Mohegan Sun Arena painted picture-perfectly Thursday night, come even more beautiful beginnings beyond the horizon. This is only the beginning – for athletes, for fans, for the league – and despite being in its 30th season, women&#8217;s basketball will only continue to rise. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/despite-all-the-lasts-ct-sun-players-are-just-getting-started/">Despite All the &#8216;Last&#8217;s, CT Sun Players Are Just Getting Started</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Best Moments of the Phillies’ Recent Postseasons</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/the-best-moments-of-the-phillies-recent-postseasons/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/the-best-moments-of-the-phillies-recent-postseasons/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Aaron Chun]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:05:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bryce Harper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Playoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philadelphia Phillies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phillies]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=110615</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1988" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Oct 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the 3rd inning in game three of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-300x233.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1024x795.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1536x1193.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-2048x1590.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1320x1025.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1600x1242.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1100x854.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-680x528.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-200x155.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>It took longer than anyone wanted, but the Philadelphia Phillies officially punched their ticket to the 2026 MLB Postseason. By narrowly avoiding a disastrous late-season collapse, they extended their run of consecutive postseason appearances to five.  They haven&#8217;t reached the heights of 2022, when they came within two wins of their third World Series title. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/the-best-moments-of-the-phillies-recent-postseasons/">The Best Moments of the Phillies’ Recent Postseasons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1988" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Oct 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the 3rd inning in game three of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-300x233.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1024x795.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1536x1193.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-2048x1590.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1320x1025.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1600x1242.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-1100x854.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-680x528.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2022-10-14T220929Z_913157606_MT1USATODAY19231244_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-200x155.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It took longer than anyone wanted, but the Philadelphia Phillies officially </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/phillies-clinch-2026-postseason-berth"><span style="font-weight: 400;">punched their ticket</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to the 2026 MLB Postseason. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By narrowly avoiding a disastrous late-season collapse, they extended their run of consecutive postseason appearances to five. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They haven&#8217;t reached the heights of 2022, when they came within two wins of their third World Series title. But despite that, their run of consecutive appearances from 2022-2025 has produced some memorable moments. They&#8217;ll hope to add a few more this year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What were some of the most memorable moments during the Phillies&#8217; recent postseason runs? Fans will hope for some déjà vu this October, but they&#8217;ll have these moments to hang their hat on as the road to the World Series begins again.</span></p>
<h2><b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=casteni01,castel004nic&amp;search=Nick+Castellanos&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nick Castellanos</a> Walks Off NLDS Game 2 (2024)</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Phillies met up with their longtime hated rivals, the New York Mets, in the 2024 NLDS. Philly won their first division crown since 2011, while the Mets snuck into the playoffs as a wild card team. But the Mets took <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202410050.shtml">Game 1</a>, surging</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the eighth to take a five-run lead</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202410060.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Game 2</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> delivered a similar dogfight, as the Mets and Phillies traded blows throughout. With the Phillies leading 6-4 into the ninth, the ball turned to All-Star reliever <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strahma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Matt Strahm</a>. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindofr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Francisco Lindor</a> got a one-out single, turning the opportunity over to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vientma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mark Vientos</a>, who homered back in the third inning. He proved he wasn&#8217;t done, hitting a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaWxMUNfnJs"><span style="font-weight: 400;">game-tying home run</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on a full-count fastball.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was a deflating blow for the Phillies, who had just taken the lead in the bottom of the eighth. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stottbr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bryson Stott</a> hit a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-7968kNA-8"><span style="font-weight: 400;">two-run triple</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> off <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=diazed04,diazed03,diaz--005edw&amp;search=Edwin+Díaz&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Edwin Diaz</a>, who <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/megilty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tylor Megill</a> then replaced. Megill allowed one more run on a fielder&#8217;s choice, then finished the inning and returned for the ninth.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Megill got two quick outs on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=haysau01,hays--001aus&amp;search=Austin+Hays&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Austin Hays</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kyle Schwarber</a>. But he walked <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnetr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trea Turner</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bryce Harper</a>, bringing up Nick Castellanos. On a 1-2 count, Castellanos hit a drive to left field that drove in Turner to win the game. </span></p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NICK CASTELLANOS WINS IT FOR THE <a href="https://x.com/Phillies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PHILLIES</a>!!! <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/NLDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NLDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/vM14etkamy">pic.twitter.com/vM14etkamy</a></p>
<p>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1843069528210878936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2><b>Bryson Stott&#8217;s Wild Card Grand Slam</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Phillies took the top wild card spot in the National League in </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/standings/wild-card/2023"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2023</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, earning them a best-of-three series. Their opponent was the surprising Miami Marlins, who rode an 84-78 record to the fifth seed. They had a dominant rotation that </span><a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=y&amp;type=8&amp;season=2023&amp;month=0&amp;season1=2023&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;stats=sta"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ranked seventh</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in baseball in fWAR (12.2). Their lineup was headlined by Silver Slugger winner <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arraelu01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luis Arraez</a>, himself a future Phillie, and All-Star DH <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/solerjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jorge Soler</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But Miami went out quietly in </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202310030.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Game 1</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zack Wheeler</a> let up just one run over 6.2 innings. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/luzarje01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jesus Luzardo</a>, who, like Arraez, went on to be a Phillie, allowed three runs in four innings. Behind Wheeler, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alvarjo03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jose Alvarado</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=hoffmje02,hoffma003jef&amp;search=Jeff+Hoffman&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jeff Hoffman</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Craig Kimbrel</a> held the Marlins at bay, as the Phillies won 4-1.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Marlins quickly fell behind again in </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202310040.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Game 2</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garrebr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Braxton Garrett</a> allowed two runs in the third. Veteran <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roberda08.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">David Robertson</a> came in to start the fourth and allowed a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fbOdeZT12I"><span style="font-weight: 400;">leadoff homer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/realmjt01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">J.T. Realmuto</a>. Things quieted down as Robertson settled in, finished the inning, and threw a scoreless fifth. He got the ball again to start the sixth but was pulled after a leadoff double to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bohmal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alec Bohm</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Left-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nardian01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andrew Nardi</a> came in, who owned a 2.63 ERA over 63 games. But Nardi found himself in quick trouble, allowing two runners to reach base. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bryson Stott came up, and fans sang out his walkup song, &#8220;A-OK&#8221; by Tai Verdes. Seconds later, he sent a first-pitch fastball out to right field for a grand slam. The Marlins mustered only one run in the ninth, leading to a 7-1 win and series victory.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The clip of Stott&#8217;s at-bat, featuring the fans singing along and his grand slam, was posted without commentary. People across the internet soaked in the moment with the raw crowd noise, and it quickly went viral.</span></p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">stott grand slam w/ no commentators thx to ESPN&#39;s dolby 5.1 mix <a href="https://t.co/2vhUzWKpup">pic.twitter.com/2vhUzWKpup</a></p>
<p>&mdash; jaiden (@steph_turkey) <a href="https://x.com/steph_turkey/status/1709766917307990186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2><b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoskirh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br">Rhys Hoskins</a>&#8216; Bat Spike</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rhys Hoskins was a fixture in the Phillies lineup, joining the team after his call-up in August 2017. But early in the 2022 Postseason, he struggled to make an impact. Hoskins went 0-9 in the Wild Card series, and in </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL202210120.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Game 2</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the NLDS, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-tEDjbA0YtE"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a costly misplay</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at first let a run score. It ultimately led to an Atlanta Braves comeback victory, and Hoskins </span><a href="https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/rhys-hoskins-turns-boos-to-thunderous-cheers-with-a-swing-right-out-of-the-glory-years/257382/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">heard it from fans</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> before Game 3 in Philadelphia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But the Phillies got their redemption during </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202210140.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">that game</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and Rhys Hoskins put an exclamation mark on it. The Phillies faced <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stridsp01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br">Spencer Strider</a>, who was returning from an </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/spencer-strider-on-injured-list-with-oblique-injury"><span style="font-weight: 400;">oblique injury</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After throwing two scoreless innings to start, Strider ran into trouble in the third. A leadoff walk, a throwing error, and a double let the Phillies take the lead. After the Phillies intentionally walked Kyle Schwarber, Hoskins stepped up to the plate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Strider&#8217;s first pitch, Hoskins drilled a towering three-run home run, extending the Phillies&#8217; lead to four runs. Following the hit, Hoskins spiked his bat into the ground, creating one of the most memorable pictures of the 2022 season. Two batters later, now facing Braves&#8217; lefty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=leedy01,lee---003dyl&amp;search=Dylan+Lee&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dylan Lee</a>, Bryce Harper hit a long </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9gA_jKHMRs"><span style="font-weight: 400;">two-run home run</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to right field. The Phillies would cruise to victory, winning 9-1. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hoskins was part of the back end of the Phillies&#8217; rebuilding years. Like many of his teammates, 2022 represented his first time in the playoffs. Their appearance had snapped an 11-year drought that began after 2011. NLDS Game 3 represented their first postseason game at home since then. As one of the team&#8217;s longest-tenured members, Hoskins made sense as the one to get his signature highlight.</span></p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RHYS HOME RUN AND BAT SPIKE<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RingTheBell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RingTheBell</a> <a href="https://t.co/6AYpGHJwb4">pic.twitter.com/6AYpGHJwb4</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) <a href="https://x.com/Phillies/status/1581037637078491142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2><b>&#8220;The Swing of His Life&#8221;</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&#8217;s perhaps the best-known moment of this run, and the one Phillies fans remember most. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heading into </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202210230.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Game 5</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the 2022 NLCS, the energy at Citizens Bank Park was high. Needing one more win to advance to their first World Series since 2009, the Phillies led 2-1 over the San Diego Padres entering the seventh inning. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dominse01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Seranthony Dominguez</a> entered to try to hold the lead, but erratic control allowed two runs to score.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a 3-2 lead, the Padres brought in shutdown reliever <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suarero01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Robert Suarez</a> with an out in the seventh. He finished off the inning, and then returned to the mound in the eighth. While the Padres had <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haderjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Josh Hader</a> in the bullpen, he ultimately never came into the game.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After a leadoff single by J.T. Realmuto, Bryce Harper worked a solid at-bat against Suarez. On the seventh pitch, Harper hit an opposite-field, two-run home run, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead. Dubbed &#8220;the swing of his life&#8221; by Joe Davis, those five words are all it takes for fans to recognize this moment instantly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the ninth, David Robertson let two of the first three batters he faced reach base via walks. The Phillies, taking no chances, called upon <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suarera01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ranger Suarez</a> to try and finish the game. Two pitches later, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyMHTN7EH0"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Suarez sent the Phillies</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to the 2022 World Series. </span></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BRYCE HARPER ARE YOU SERIOUS?! <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Postseason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Postseason</a> <a href="https://t.co/NKRTeNLJMl">pic.twitter.com/NKRTeNLJMl</a></p>
<p>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1584301207643774978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/the-best-moments-of-the-phillies-recent-postseasons/">The Best Moments of the Phillies’ Recent Postseasons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>Denver Nuggets 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/denver-nuggets-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joey Bardack]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:44:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA 2026-27 Preseason Previews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jamal Murray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nikola Jokic]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=109945</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27), center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Aaron Gordon (32) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>The 2025-26 season was a disappointing season for the Denver Nuggets. After a solid playoff run the year prior, and after the addition of Cameron Johnson, expectations were through the roof. However, Denver was ravaged by injuries all season, and some of their key players, including Johnson and Christian Braun, struggled to get going. Those [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/denver-nuggets-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/">Denver Nuggets 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27), center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Aaron Gordon (32) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-21T054250Z_1103807143_MT1USATODAY28775759_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>The 2025-26 season was a disappointing season for the Denver Nuggets. After a solid playoff run the year prior, and after the addition of <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsca02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cameron Johnson</a>, expectations were through the roof.</p>
<p>However, Denver was ravaged by injuries all season, and some of their key players, including Johnson and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/braunch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Christian Braun</a>, struggled to get going. Those injuries continued in the playoffs, as the Nuggets were without <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gordoaa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Aaron Gordon</a> and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/watsope01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Peyton Watson</a>. As a result, they suffered an embarrassing first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were without <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/edwaran01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>.</p>
<p>Afterward, fans started calling for the heads of everyone on the team. Even team centerpieces like Gordon and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/murraja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jamal Murray</a> were heavily featured in trade rumors. In fact, Denver&#8217;s president Josh Kroenke even <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nuggets-offseason-rumors-nikola-jokic-jamal-murray/">said</a> that &#8220;everything is on the table&#8221; except trading <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nikola Jokic</a>.</p>
<p>Denver faithful expected big moves all offseason. Fans were desperate to get off of Braun&#8217;s massive five-year, $125 million contract. Additionally, they were hoping to see some splashy moves that could land them superstars like <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jaylen Brown</a> or <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a>. Instead, constrained by a salary-cap nightmare of their own making, the Nuggets kept their starting core while sacrificing depth.</p>
<p>The Nuggets now enter the 2026 season with the same starting lineup that underperformed when it mattered most last year. The only main difference is that they couldn&#8217;t bring back their bench pieces. Thus, for the first time in the Jokic era, fans are struggling to rationalize a championship run.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Nuggets’ season ends in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2022 with a 110-98 Game 6 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. A massively disappointing ending to the season.</p>
<p>&mdash; Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) <a href="https://x.com/BennettDurando/status/2050069541149913175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Nuggets&#8217; Biggest Offseason Loss: Peyton Watson</h2>
<p>Denver&#8217;s mismanagement of the Peyton Watson situation is a microcosm of how the last several months have gone for them. Watson was proving to be a budding star, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/4576087/peyton-watson">averaging</a> 14.6 points per game on 41% from three. Naturally, with his rookie contract ending, he wanted a pay bump.</p>
<p>The Nuggets foresaw this issue back in the fall of 2025, but they still refused to act. So when summer rolled around, Denver couldn&#8217;t afford to pay him. Instead, they lowballed him with <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nuggets-offering-peyton-watson-four-185258635.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAC59oYt5QE35Ywb3rb-pQsfMDs7XY0hPfPctqjbVu2zub5xTpFKBLGLx2usPnPy8k_RSL7Ume6WaQSob6lrPUt7w1JzPQSHphdGZXjnzVL8AM1ZhozU0l1ZNec6tj5jUfyPMqh-txIOzwsTAXjVLzUjLduU24laP7JadVvrzRvY4">$17.5 million</a> over four years, knowing that he wanted closer to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/peyton-watson-eyeing-deal-worth-115119519.html">$25 or $30 million</a>.</p>
<p>They could not free up money for him. They could not get him to sign their offer or take a cheap qualifying deal with a promise of a more enticing deal the year after.</p>
<p>Their only option was a sign-and-trade. Hence, they had zero leverage, so interested teams knew that the longer they wanted, the less they would have to give up to get Watson. In the end, they <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/peyton-watson-trade-cavaliers">traded</a> him for a 2031 first, a 2032 second, and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reeseju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Julian Reese</a>.</p>
<p>Naturally, Nuggets fans were upset. Denver is actively trying to compete for another championship while Jokic is still in his prime. However, trading away a key piece for a first-rounder five years from now and little else seemed counterintuitive. Now factor in the Nuggets not being able to afford their crucial shooter, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardati02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr">Tim Hardaway Jr.</a>, who averaged 13.5 points per game.</p>
<p>Denver fans&#8217; frustrations are valid. At a time when they should be doing everything they can to win, the Nuggets&#8217; front office appears to be moving in the wrong direction.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Cleveland, Denver and the Clippers have agreed on a trade sending Peyton Watson to the Cavaliers, Max Strus to LA, and an unprotected 2031 Cavs first-round pick and a 2032 Kings second-rounder to the Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. </p>
<p>Watson will sign a new four-year, $88… <a href="https://t.co/hXqL3JvsU4">pic.twitter.com/hXqL3JvsU4</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2090226803969257512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Nuggets&#8217; Biggest Offseason Addition: <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/derozde01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DeMar DeRozan</a></h2>
<p>This offseason was undoubtedly an aggravating one for Nuggets fans. However, adding DeMar DeRozan could prove very fruitful. Denver had almost no money to spend by the end of the offseason, and yet their bench desperately needed scoring. So, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49684447/nuggets-signing-6-all-star-demar-derozan-1-year-deal">signing</a> a six-time All-Star who just finished averaging 18.4 points per game to a veteran minimum was a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Throughout the Jokic era, the Nuggets have lacked a true bench scorer. Westbrook had his moments, and Hardaway Jr. was crucial, but DeRozan is different. Most of Westbrook&#8217;s scoring came in the paint, and Hardaway Jr. wasn&#8217;t much of a creator. DeRozan can run the offense, pass, thrive in the midrange, and get to the basket.</p>
<p>Denver&#8217;s starting lineup is still solid. Assuming Braun bounces back, they should still be a strong unit. Their main concern is the bench. However, with DeRozan at the helm, they should still have plenty of offensive production. While he averaged under 20 points per game last year, he averaged over 20 in the 12 seasons prior.</p>
<p>Clearly, DeRozan still has the goods, and by running the bench, he could be a clear candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.</p>
<p>Outside of DeRozan, the Nuggets kept most of their roster the same. <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walkelo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lonnie Walker IV</a> and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/alpha-diallo-1.html">Alpha Diallo</a> may get limited minutes on the wing. <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/baglema01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Marvin Bagley III</a> and rookie <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brazitr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trevon Brazile</a> should help hold it down in the paint. Ultimately, though, DeRozan was Denver&#8217;s big swing this offseason. Their success, or lack thereof, this season could largely depend on him.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal, sources tell ESPN. <a href="https://t.co/mGiCIcKtq1">pic.twitter.com/mGiCIcKtq1</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2090903820301705398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Nuggets&#8217; Best Case Scenario Outcome</h2>
<p>The good news for the Nuggets is that they still have a three-time MVP on their team. Even though hopes for Denver were higher the last few years, as long as they have Jokic, they always have a chance.</p>
<p>Plenty could go right for the Nuggets this season. Murray just had a career year averaging over 25 points per game. Johnson finished last season strong and shot 43% from three. Meanwhile, Gordon has been fantastic whenever he&#8217;s on the court. In fact, despite their woes, the Nuggets finished the year first in <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/table/offensive/sort/avgPoints/dir/desc">points per game</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/table/offensive/sort/threePointPct/dir/desc">three-point percentage</a>.</p>
<p>Murray could replicate his season, and Johnson could keep hitting from three. Denver would also need Gordon to stay healthy and for Braun to bounce back, which is possible. If all that happens, they could once again have an incredibly formidable starting lineup.</p>
<p>As for the bench, they will need DeRozan and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonessp01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Spencer Jones</a> to have monster years. DeRozan will need to have a 6MOTY-caliber season. Meanwhile, Jones will need to handle huge minutes while knocking down threes and playing elite defense. Once again, though, this is all possible.</p>
<p>In this reality, the Nuggets could finish top four in the West. No matter how well this season goes, getting by the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, or Minnesota Timberwolves will be a daunting feat.</p>
<p>Thus, while anything is possible, a fantastic season for Denver likely ends around the Conference Semi-Finals.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jamal Murray this season:</p>
<p>— 25.4 PPG (career-high)<br />— 7.1 APG (career-high)<br />— 3.3 3PM (career-high)<br />— 43.5 3P% (career-high)<br />— 62.2 TS% (career-high)<br />— Led Nuggets in PTS<br />— Led Nugget in 3P <br />— All-Star</p>
<p>All-NBA? <a href="https://t.co/kKH7En2moB">pic.twitter.com/kKH7En2moB</a></p>
<p>&mdash; StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/2043386767659683992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Nuggets&#8217; Worst-Case Scenario Outcome</h2>
<p>Yes, lots could go well for Denver, but the inverse is just as true. Nuggets fans have plenty of fears, and in this hypothetical, those fears come to fruition.</p>
<p>Murray falls back to 20 points a game, Braun continues to struggle offensively, and Gordon keeps suffering leg injuries. Despite a solid offense, they get picked apart defensively, and coach David Adelman&#8217;s inexperience shows. Meanwhile, the bench two-man game of <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesty01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyus Jones</a> and Bagley III fails dramatically, while DeRozan can&#8217;t click in the system.</p>
<p>In a loaded Western Conference, Denver gets no grace. The Thunder, Spurs, and Timberwolves finish ahead, which will likely happen regardless. However, in this world, they get jumped by teams like the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Finishing around sixth, they draw a matchup against a team like the Timberwolves, where they are first-round exits once again.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TRENDING: Fans are saying the nuggets bench is sick of Christian Braun after his Ben Simmons like play last night <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6a8.png" alt="🚨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>They were litterally in shock <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f92f.png" alt="🤯" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a href="https://t.co/vG3mV4mLOA">pic.twitter.com/vG3mV4mLOA</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Nuggets Lead (@NuggetsLead) <a href="https://x.com/NuggetsLead/status/2050284635033157662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Nuggets&#8217; Biggest Question Headed into 2026-27</h2>
<p>Ultimately, the regular-season results in the best- and worst-case scenarios are not very different. The Nuggets have not finished outside the top six since the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Denver_Nuggets_seasons">2017-18 season</a>. With Jokic, they always have a chance. So the regular season doesn&#8217;t matter much to them.</p>
<p>The real question mark hanging over the Nuggets is regarding how they will look come playoff time. Will Jamal Murray regain &#8220;Bubble Murray&#8221; status, or will he struggle as he has in recent years? Will Gordon be able to stay on the court, or will he miss time for the third straight playoffs?</p>
<p>Despite injuries and some struggles, Denver had a fantastic regular season. Their third-place finish showed it, their stats showed it, and the media&#8217;s expectations showed it. However, the whole team didn&#8217;t come to play.</p>
<p>They can handle weird fits this year. They can handle injuries and some poor defense. The regular season doesn&#8217;t mean what it does for many other teams. The only factor that will determine the Nuggets&#8217; season is how ready Coach Adelman can get his team once April rolls around.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/denver-nuggets-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/">Denver Nuggets 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>Defense Clutches Up in High-Scoring Steelers Win</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Suarez]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:29:50 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[TJ Watt]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1762" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-300x206.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1536x1057.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-2048x1409.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1320x908.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1600x1101.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1100x757.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-680x468.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-200x138.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>After two weeks of offensive ineptitude, the Pittsburgh Steelers scored 30 points to upset the Cincinnati Bengals. Jaylen Warren exploded for 176 total yards, and Aaron Rodgers tossed three scores to three different receivers. The offense looked night and day from last week, especially after changes on the right side of the offensive line. The [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/defense-clutches-up-in-high-scoring-steelers-win/">Defense Clutches Up in High-Scoring Steelers Win</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1762" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-300x206.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1536x1057.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-2048x1409.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1320x908.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1600x1101.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-1100x757.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-680x468.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27T205818Z_941240220_MT1USATODAY29934892_RTRMADP_3_NFL-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-AT-PITTSBURGH-STEELERS-200x138.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>After two weeks of offensive ineptitude, the Pittsburgh Steelers scored <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-pittsburgh-steelers-20260927023/">30 points</a> to upset the Cincinnati Bengals.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WarrJa01.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jaylen Warren</a> exploded for 176 total yards, and <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RodgAa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Aaron Rodgers</a> tossed three scores to three different receivers. The offense looked night and day from last week, especially after changes on the right side of the offensive line.</p>
<p>The defense, though, left a lot to be desired. Cornerback <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=PortJo00,PortJo02&amp;search=Joey+Porter&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr">Joey Porter Jr.</a> has yet to <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-cb-joey-porter-jr-moves-on-contract-talks-back-timeline">return</a>, and his absence was felt against Cincy&#8217;s vaunted receivers <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChasJa00.htm">Ja&#8217;Marr Chase</a> and <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HiggTe00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tee Higgins</a>. On a day the unit uncharacteristically gave up 27 points, second-year defensive tackle <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=HarmDe01,HarmDe00&amp;search=Derrick+Harmon&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Derrick Harmon</a> struck <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BurrJo01.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joe Burrow</a> and forced a <a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2104303202850292109">game-sealing fumble</a>.</p>
<p>Without Harmon&#8217;s big play, the Steelers defense risked letting Burrow and the Bengals march down the field. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham made little changes to his game plan, even if Chase and Higgins were having their way with the coverage. While they escaped unpunished, the group&#8217;s execution was mostly questionable compared to their usual consistency.</p>
<p>If anything, today highlighted Porter&#8217;s importance and why Graham desperately needs him back.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That’s the way to the stairway to seven. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/HereWeGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HereWeGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/OQlPlJw9ep">https://t.co/OQlPlJw9ep</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Steelers Lead (@SteelersLead) <a href="https://x.com/SteelersLead/status/2104275193510371750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>2-High Zone Frequently Gashed</h2>
<p>The Steelers&#8217; defense sat in a two-safety deep zone throughout most of the game. Nothing unusual from Graham&#8217;s system, but a scheme like this is easy pickings for Burrow and his two top receivers. Chase and Higgins combined for almost 200 yards on 15 catches, including two scores. Three different defenders gave up a third score on a <a href="https://x.com/NFLPlus/status/2104294943875551584">blown coverage</a> up top to <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GesiMi00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mike Gesicki</a>.</p>
<p>Chase and Higgins easily found gaps in the zone, letting Burrow dump the ball to them and make a play. Even in one-on-one situations, especially on the touchdown catches, both burned <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=SamuAs00,SamuAs20&amp;search=Asante+Samuel&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr">Asante Samuel Jr.</a> soundly.</p>
<p>The first one was <a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2104260421787988219?s=20">a quick out route for Chase</a>, who outran Samuel for the short catch in the end zone. In Higgins&#8217; catch, he boxed out Samuel at the end of the route and caught the ball while falling backward.</p>
<p>Samuel had a rough afternoon and was <a href="https://x.com/CarterCritiques/status/2104297555878146066?s=20">replaced</a> by rookie corner <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EverDa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Daylen Everette</a>. At 6-foot-1, Everette has a better size matchup against 6-foot Chase and 6-foot-4 Higgins than Samuel with his 5-foot-9 frame.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TEE HIGGINS ARE YOU SERIOUS?! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f631.png" alt="😱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><a href="https://x.com/CINvsPIT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CINvsPIT</a> on CBS/Paramount+<br />Stream on <a href="https://x.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/3D6JpNBA3Q">pic.twitter.com/3D6JpNBA3Q</a></p>
<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2104277839864553567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>Everette also got burned by Chase on a third-and-8, but he managed a pass breakup on another third down while defending fellow rookie <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MeyeDo00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dohnte Meyers</a>. The play forced Cincy to punt, giving the Steelers a chance to add points at the end of the half (even though Rodgers threw a pick and Tee Higgins scored).</p>
<p>The coverage was not all doom and gloom. Linebackers <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Q/QueePa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Patrick Queen</a> and <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsPa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Payton Wilson</a> each had pass deflections; Queen almost had a pick in the middle while covering <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SampDr00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Drew Sample</a>, while Wilson impressively deflected an overhead floater to Chase with his fingertips.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great play by Payton Wilson <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steelers</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNd34ZBYiO">pic.twitter.com/RNd34ZBYiO</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Steelers Depot 7&#x20e3; (@Steelersdepot) <a href="https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/2104296963147776261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Still, the coverage has seen better days. The trio of Burrow, Chase and Higgins is always a tough assignment. The soft zones weren&#8217;t bad conceptually today, and the defenders tackled efficiently (Queen had 13!). However, a quarterback of Burrow&#8217;s caliber will dissect any soft zone if the pass rush does not do its job.</p>
<h2>A Silent Front Ending with a Bang</h2>
<p>The Steelers&#8217; defensive front was quiet for most of the game. Burrow was surprisingly comfortable behind the pocket, partly because <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MimsAm00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Amarius Mims</a> kept <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattT.00.htm">T.J. Watt</a> to a single <a href="https://premium.pff.com/nfl/games/2026/3/pittsburgh-steelers/defense">QB hit</a>. He did have two costly penalties, but overall Mims continued an impressive start to the season.</p>
<p>Burrow complimented the offensive line in the postgame press conference on their play against Watt and company, <a href="https://x.com/Bengals/status/2104309926776443237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2104309926776443237%7Ctwgr%5E6f7f510207b1f91f810c32a02355c5c6cafa1f79%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheleadsm.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D110605action%3Dedit">saying</a> they were &#8220;pretty dang good all day&#8221; (around the 3:04 mark).</p>
<p>Graham kept the Steelers mostly rushing four, with a healthy rotation of their standard and NASCAR (Watt, <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighAl02.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Highsmith</a>, and <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HerbNi00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nick Herbig</a> together with one DT) groupings. Burrow&#8217;s time to throw averaged <a href="https://pro.nfl.com/players/player/52409">2.58 seconds</a>, the fastest time against the Steelers this season. This, alongside constantly throwing short passes, kept Burrow fairly clean.</p>
<p>Still, the defensive front is what saved the Steelers late in the game. It came from two plays, both made by defensive tackles <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cameron Heyward</a> and Harmon.</p>
<p>Heyward&#8217;s play came midway through the fourth quarter, with the game tied 27 -27. He manhandled left guard <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FairDy00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dylan Fairchild</a> and collapsed the pocket. Running back <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PeriSa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Samaje Perine</a> was supposed to chip-block before leaving, but he left Heyward completely alone with Fairchild. Burrow barely got the ball to Perine as Heyward closed in. Cincinnati punted after to seal a three-and-out.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First real pressure of the day for the Steelers comes at a great time. Cam Heyward with the bull rush into Burrow’s lap to force an incompletion and a punt. </p>
<p>Game tied at 27 midway through the 4th… <a href="https://t.co/8QvF0Wy8fF">pic.twitter.com/8QvF0Wy8fF</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFootball) <a href="https://x.com/KTSmithFootball/status/2104297992471888151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>After the Steelers scored a field goal for the lead, the Bengals had about two minutes to get in range for an <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McPhEv00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Evan McPherson</a> game-tying kick.</p>
<p>Cincinnati marched down the field with two big plays from Chase, but were still close to midfield. Harmon copied Heyward by bull-rushing right guard <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RisnDa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_pfr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dalton Risner</a>, breaking out of the block with an over-the-arm swim move. Harmon sacks Burrow, and he loses the ball.</p>
<p>That was the Steelers&#8217; only sack of the day, and it came at the right time.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harmon with the play of the game.  Strip sack.  Game over!! <a href="https://t.co/Cr30AvgBK8">pic.twitter.com/Cr30AvgBK8</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) <a href="https://x.com/KDPomp/status/2104310301164552461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>Steelers Need Heavy Dose of Porter</h2>
<p>Ultimately, Sunday&#8217;s AFC North matchup further proved Porter&#8217;s value as a shutdown corner. <a href="https://x.com/bepryor/status/2103199661339156699?s=20">As he claimed to the media</a> on Thursday before the game, Porter has performed well against the likes of Chase and Higgins. Porter <a href="https://x.com/SteelersInDa937/status/2103274646845927539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2103274646845927539%7Ctwgr%5Ee6e3af7c2a7ccb628f5f4b1fb09b26b6b9608c73%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheleadsm.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D110605action%3Dedit">allowed</a> only six catches for 66 yards in 86 coverage snaps against Cincy in 2025, and his long-armed 6-foot-2 frame makes him a perfect match against both Bengal receivers.</p>
<p>The Porter saga did not yield a contract extension, and now <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2104173906575647135?s=20">many insiders report</a> that teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions are interested in trading for Porter. He missed Sunday&#8217;s game with his ongoing back/conditioning designations and could potentially miss the team&#8217;s Thursday Night matchup against the Cleveland Browns.</p>
<p>The Steelers will have better days defensively. The Bengals&#8217; offense will always test Pittsburgh&#8217;s defense as long as they have the Burrow-Chase-Higgins trio. Graham has demonstrated that his game plans have largely been effective. At the end of the day, though, Porter will be a massive boost to the secondary and to what Graham can scheme up when he comes back.</p>
<p>Of course, IF he comes back.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/defense-clutches-up-in-high-scoring-steelers-win/">Defense Clutches Up in High-Scoring Steelers Win</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">110605</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>The Blues Are Smart to Be Patient with Adam Jiricek</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/the-blues-are-smart-to-be-patient-with-adam-jiricek/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/the-blues-are-smart-to-be-patient-with-adam-jiricek/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry Loomis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:46:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Jiricek]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[St. Louis Blues]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=110503</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Jan 2, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Czechia defensemen Adam Jiricek (5) controls the puck as Switzerland forward Nolan Cattin (9) gives chase during the first period in the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at 3M Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>When St. Louis Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker went down with a knee injury, some fans thought it would open the door for Adam Jiricek to make the team. The 16th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft has had an impressive camp following a strong 2025-26 season for the Brantford Bulldogs. A big, puck-moving, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/the-blues-are-smart-to-be-patient-with-adam-jiricek/">The Blues Are Smart to Be Patient with Adam Jiricek</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Jan 2, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Czechia defensemen Adam Jiricek (5) controls the puck as Switzerland forward Nolan Cattin (9) gives chase during the first period in the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at 3M Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-03T000507Z_233531683_MT1USATODAY27920617_RTRMADP_3_HOCKEY-2026-IIHF-WORLD-JUNIOR-CHAMPIONSHIP-CZECHIA-VS-SWITZERLAND-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>When St. Louis Blues defenseman <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/tuckety01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Tucker</a> went down with a <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/st-louis-blues-tyler-tucker-193602648.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANIqNzaXRG6PF787wugWuMrB8MqJqinO_Ja2HNatpDXOpu04SXWxsAeq3Eihbr8twf7QwJ1Iwp43jYNl91YjpFaxPJhNWdO3zcbmV5uIy2FoHdOrXZ0SZOlNwW7bbELnHTwZthSJxsrDNOfw3mxhpdmEY4PR9xiQBbypUi_07eHM">knee injury</a>, some fans thought it would open the door for <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/j/jiricad01.html">Adam Jiricek</a> to make the team.</p>
<p>The 16th overall pick in the <a href="https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2024e.html">2024 NHL Entry Draft</a> has had an impressive camp following a strong 2025-26 season for the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7292262/2026/05/23/blues-prospect-adam-jiricek-2026-27-roster/">Brantford Bulldogs.</a> A big, puck-moving, right-shot defenseman, Jiricek appears ready for the vacant 7th defenseman role.</p>
<p>However, the Blues sent Jiricek to the AHL on Friday, opting to keep veteran defenseman <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rosenca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Calle Rosen</a> for the spot.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">4 players have been assigned to <a href="https://x.com/ThunderbirdsAHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThunderbirdsAHL</a>, reducing the training camp roster to 28 players. <a href="https://t.co/rjr3IjtrbF">https://t.co/rjr3IjtrbF</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/stlblues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stlblues</a></p>
<p>&mdash; St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) <a href="https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/2103484763994726860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>This is the exact type of role that Rosen was brought back for. Rosen spent parts of three seasons with the Blues, bouncing in and out of the lineup. He&#8217;s shown he can come in ready to go when his name is called, a trait the Blues will need until Tucker is ready to return.</p>
<h2>Jiricek Needs to Play Every Night</h2>
<p>This is the right decision for the Blues because it gives Jiricek a chance to play every game. The Blues&#8217; right side of the blue line is pretty set with <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mailllo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Logan Mailloux</a>, <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/parayco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Colton Parayko</a>, and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/carlobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brandon Carlo</a>. <a href="https://x.com/BKSportsTalk/status/2104595334731358479">Injuries happen</a>, and players struggle, but for now Jiricek doesn&#8217;t have a spot.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not a good thing for young players to be forced to sit and watch games. The Blues cannot afford to have another slow start to the season.</p>
<p>Jiricek&#8217;s time is coming, and it&#8217;s coming soon. The Blues want to put him in a position where, when he gets a chance, he never gives up his spot.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Steen is a strong believer in Adam Jiricek. Sounds like he’ll get extended look with Mailloux out. <a href="https://x.com/101espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@101espn</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/STLBlues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLBlues</a> <a href="https://t.co/kX5lEifnaW">pic.twitter.com/kX5lEifnaW</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) <a href="https://x.com/BKSportsTalk/status/2104595334731358479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>The Blues Are Patient With Young Players</h2>
<p>Jiricek isn&#8217;t the only top prospect the Blues are being patient with. Forwards <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/carboju01.html">Justin Carbonneau</a>, the Blues&#8217; 2025 first-round pick, and 2023 first-rounder <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stenbot01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Otto Stenberg</a>, who played NHL games last season, will also start the season in AHL Springfield. Part of this is asset management; the other part is patience.</p>
<p>St. Louis has a deeper pool of NHL-caliber players than in years past. They wanted a more competitive camp, and they&#8217;ve gotten it. Last year, Logan Mailloux went into camp knowing the third-pair role was his, only for him to struggle mightily to start the season. This year, the Blues guaranteed a spot for young players looking to break in.</p>
<p>This mindset has forced players to rise to the occasion. This includes established veterans like Carlo and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fowleca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cam Fowler</a>, who have impressed on the third pair. It also includes young players like F <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kaskial01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Aleksanteri Kaskimaki</a>, who looks poised for another call-up this year.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/deanza01.html">Zach Dean</a>, the return from the <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/barbaiv01.html">Ivan Barbashev</a> trade, who went from a relative afterthought to making the team in an extremely competitive forward group.</p>
<p>A demotion for players like Carbonneau, Jiricek, Kaskimaki and Stenberg isn&#8217;t a punishment or a sign of discouragement. It&#8217;s an opportunity to work on some parts of their game so they&#8217;re ready when they get a look.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/the-blues-are-smart-to-be-patient-with-adam-jiricek/">The Blues Are Smart to Be Patient with Adam Jiricek</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">110503</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>What Nolan Schanuel&#8217;s Injury Means for the Angels</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/what-nolan-schanuels-injury-means-for-the-angels/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/what-nolan-schanuels-injury-means-for-the-angels/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Samantha O'Connor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2026 MLB Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Injury Update]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Angels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nolan Schanuel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=110566</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Aug 15, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) hits a single during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>Nolan Schanuel was officially shut down on Sep. 18 by the Los Angeles Angels after aggravating a strain in his right intercostal area. Schanuel has been out since Aug. 20 and played one rehab game for the Salt Lake Bees, but was ultimately shut down after further testing and treatment.  &#8220;Went on a rehab… wasn&#8217;t feeling [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/what-nolan-schanuels-injury-means-for-the-angels/">What Nolan Schanuel&#8217;s Injury Means for the Angels</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Aug 15, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) hits a single during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-16T050224Z_1585978720_MT1USATODAY29596129_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schanno01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nolan Schanuel</a> was officially shut down on </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-schanuel-kyren-paris-to-miss-remainder-of-season"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sep. 18</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by the </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/angels"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Los Angeles Angels</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> after aggravating a strain in his right intercostal area. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Schanuel has been out since </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/wade-meckler-exits-angels-game-after-getting-hit-in-head"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aug. 20</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and played one rehab game for the Salt Lake Bees, but was ultimately shut down after further</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> testing and treatment. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;Went on a rehab… wasn&#8217;t feeling any better,&#8221; </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-schanuel-kyren-paris-to-miss-remainder-of-season"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Schanuel said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. After talking with head trainer </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikefrostad/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mike Frostad</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, they decided it was best to &#8220;take it easy.&#8221;</span></p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nolan Schanuel is here to undergo treatment and further testing and isn’t expected to return this season, Kurt Suzuki said.</p>
<p>&mdash; Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) <a href="https://x.com/RhettBollinger/status/2101092337783083083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2><b>What Does Schanuel&#8217;s Absence Mean for the Halos?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Schanuel has been an integral part of the Halos group since his debut in 2023. In </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/nolan-schanuel-694384?stats=splits-r-hitting-mlb&amp;year=2023"><span style="font-weight: 400;">107</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> games this season, he hit .276 with seven home runs and 49 RBIs. Despite early struggles and an ankle injury, Schanuel finished the year strong. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Manager </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukku01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kurt Suzuki</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has relied on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grissva01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Vaughn Grissom</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/ballemo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Moises Ballesteros</a> to fill the spot. Grissom has played 55 games at first base this year alone. Ballesteros has learned the position and has played seven games. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both players will be under contract with the Halos in 2027; however, Grissom is out of minor league options, meaning the Angels have to either keep him on the active roster or trade/waive him.</span></p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vaughn Grissom ties the game in the bottom of the 9th! <a href="https://t.co/WRrcBy7Aet">pic.twitter.com/WRrcBy7Aet</a></p>
<p>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/2101532066793820199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>What Are Other Options?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keeping both would give the team decent backups if Schanuel has other setbacks. But the team should also look at the upcoming class of free agents at first base.</span></p>
<h3><b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mountry01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ryan Mountcastle</a></b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mountcastle would be coming back from a left <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-mountcastle-oblique-strain-during-foot-rehab?msockid=332aa911f5e26a500be1bae2f49c6b61">foot</a> fracture that has kept him sidelined since April. With decent defense and good contact hitting, this could be a player the Angels look into.</span></p>
<h3><b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vaughan01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andrew Vaughn</a></b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vaughn, who&#8217;s also been sidelined the past week dealing with an <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/baseball/player-news/2026-09-25/brewers-place-andrew-vaughn-illness-on-10-day-il">illness</a>, could be a match for the Halos. He has a .355 batting average on balls in play and 43 RBIs this season. This move would add depth, not production.</span></p>
<h3><b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-28_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Paul Goldschmidt</a></b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the most outlandish and least likely match. The 39-year-old has had a down year with the </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/yankees"><span style="font-weight: 400;">New York Yankees</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in 2026, while also splitting his time as a starter. With only 87 hits this year and a .252 BA, his decline seems to be here. Making this fit less viable. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Schanuel says he is looking forward to having a good offseason to train and &#8220;see where it goes&#8221; with this injury. So far, the Halos training staff have not made it seem like this will be a continuous issue, and he should be back and ready come Spring Training.</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/what-nolan-schanuels-injury-means-for-the-angels/">What Nolan Schanuel&#8217;s Injury Means for the Angels</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sacramento Kings 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/sacramento-kings-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/sacramento-kings-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ethan Minton]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:41:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Kings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA 2026-27 Preseason Previews]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Adam Flagler]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=109644</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Jan 16, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) talks with guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>The Sacramento Kings are coming off another disappointing season, finishing 22-60 in 2025-26. Now, they enter the year with a projected starting lineup that has played zero games together and new pieces across the board. Last year&#8217;s poor finish earned the Kings the No. 7 overall pick, which they used to select Bob Cousy Award [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/sacramento-kings-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/">Sacramento Kings 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Jan 16, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) talks with guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-01-17T042721Z_1178343375_MT1USATODAY28024655_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>The Sacramento Kings are coming off another disappointing season, finishing 22-60 in 2025-26.</p>
<p>Now, they enter the year with a projected starting lineup that has played zero games together and new pieces across the board.</p>
<p>Last year&#8217;s poor finish earned the Kings the No. 7 overall pick, which they used to select <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cousybo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bob Cousy</a> Award Winner <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/acuffda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Darius Acuff Jr.</a> out of the University of Arkansas, whom the front office believes is their <a href="https://theleadsm.com/darius-acuff-jr-brings-needed-optimism-to-sacramento-kings-future/">superstar</a> of the future.</p>
<p>Sacramento also landed the <a href="https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2026/2/15/mens-basketball-karaban-sets-win-record-as-6-uconn-tops-georgetown">winningest</a> player in UConn men&#8217;s basketball history, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/karabal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Karaban</a>, and All-Big 12 First Team Selection, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sharpem01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Emanuel Sharp</a>, from the University of Houston.</p>
<p>Injuries to the team&#8217;s veterans last year also allowed <a href="https://theleadsm.com/grading-how-the-sacramento-kings-rookies-performed-this-year/">rookies</a> like <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/raynama01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Maxime Raynaud</a>, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cliffni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nique Clifford</a>, and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cardwdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dylan Cardwell</a> to play significant minutes. They gained valuable experience against some of the league&#8217;s most talented players. While that didn&#8217;t translate to many wins, they learned on the fly, whereas many of their rookie counterparts either came off the bench or played no minutes at all.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The latest on <a href="https://x.com/lockedonkings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lockedonkings</a> &#8211; How much did injuries to KEY PLAYERS impact the Sacramento Kings&#39; disappointing season? <a href="https://t.co/gMr8FfUIHZ">https://t.co/gMr8FfUIHZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/x5DKtuCl0h">pic.twitter.com/x5DKtuCl0h</a></p>
<p>&mdash; James Ham (@James_HamNBA) <a href="https://x.com/James_HamNBA/status/2044291795732050341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>The Kings enter the 2026-27 campaign hoping for a more prolific season and a roster full of players young and old eager to prove their worth. From veterans who haven&#8217;t played an NBA minute in over a year to rookies looking to land extended minutes as soon as possible, this year will be defined by development, healthy competition, and optimism.</p>
<h2>Kings&#8217; Biggest Offseason Loss: <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/derozde01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DeMar DeRozan</a></h2>
<p>The Kings&#8217; biggest loss has to be six-time NBA All-Star DeRozan, who they waived and stretched. This decision allowed the Kings to duck under the luxury tax line. Rather than owing him $10 million guaranteed this year, they stretched his guaranteed money over three years. The Kings will pay him just $3.33 million in 2026-27.</p>
<p>Losing DeRozan was for the best, but it shook up the starting lineup and scoring distribution. DeRozan can still consistently average 18+ points per game in a starting role. Where will that scoring come from now?</p>
<p>The forward made it known that if he was going to be a backup, he&#8217;d only be one on a winner. That team turned out to be the <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html">Nikola Jokić</a>-led Denver Nuggets.</p>
<p>Aside from DeRozan, they decided to let <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/eubandr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Drew Eubanks</a>, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hayeski01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Killian Hayes</a>, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcderdo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Doug McDermott</a>, and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/baldwpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Patrick Baldwin Jr.</a> walk in free agency.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Russell Westbrook</a>&#8216;s contract also expired, but the Kings tried to renegotiate a deal and bring him back to mentor Acuff this season rather than let him leave. Westbrook decided to retire, preferring to go out on his own terms rather than as a backup point guard on a historically poor franchise.</p>
<p>The loss of Westbrook was tremendous. Westbrook was one of Acuff&#8217;s NBA heroes growing up and one of the greatest point guards of all-time. The advice he could have offered the rookie would have been invaluable as he looks to lead the Kings to new heights.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That moment of DeMar DeRozan coming out during the California Classic will forever be awesome.</p>
<p>It didn&#39;t work out here (at all) for DeMar and the Kings, but he was a total pro the whole time, and fully embraced the Kings&#39; pivot to their youth-movement last season.</p>
<p>&mdash; Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) <a href="https://x.com/MattGeorgeSAC/status/2074202550635782637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Kings&#8217; Biggest Offseason Addition: <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/simmobe01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ben Simmons</a></h2>
<p>In early August, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeLFischer/status/2084491639809061025?s=20">revealed</a> that the Kings were looking to sign a veteran point guard to mentor Acuff.</p>
<p>Originally, the two options were Westbrook, but he retired, and another was <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/oladivi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Victor Oladipo</a>. More names soon emerged, and eventually they settled on two: Ben Simmons and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/paytoel01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Elfrid Payton</a>.</p>
<p>Kings general manager Scott Perry had his eye on Simmons for quite some time. The rumors truly felt like they were going to become a reality when it was <a href="https://sactownsports.com/nba/ben-simmons-workout">reported</a> by Sactown Sports 1140&#8217;s Carmichael Dave that Perry planned to watch Simmons work out in Florida. Then, according to the <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article317128040.html">Sacramento Bee</a>, on Aug. 31, Simmons privately worked out with the team in Sacramento.</p>
<p>Simmons&#8217;s signing with Sacramento is a low-risk, high-reward decision. The risk lies in the question marks. Is Simmons <em>truly</em> healthy, both physically and mentally? What will his level of play be after taking a year off from professional basketball?</p>
<p>The reward is that, at full strength, Simmons is an excellent perimeter defender and facilitator. He&#8217;s a three-time All-Star and was named to the 2019-20 All-NBA Third Team. It&#8217;s been years since he&#8217;s performed at that level, but even a 50%-version of Simmons is a win for the Kings.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ben Simmons has signed with the Sacramento Kings, per <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShamsCharania</a>.</p>
<p>Simmons is only 30 years old, and if he can do half the things he was able to in his prime, the Kings got a really solid mentor for Acuff. <a href="https://t.co/aUp3ud1XcE">pic.twitter.com/aUp3ud1XcE</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Kings Lead (@KingsLeadSM) <a href="https://x.com/KingsLeadSM/status/2095904255643353461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p>Simmons wasn&#8217;t their only signing, though. On Sep. 16, Michael Scotto <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/2100223451780743508">reported</a> that the Kings signed Elfrid Payton to a training camp deal. Payton most recently played for the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2024-25 season. Unlike Simmons, Payton is not guaranteed a roster spot. The front office wants him to prove himself before preseason.</p>
<p>Signing Payton is an attempt to add a veteran mentor for Acuff. Expecting a 19-year-old to start from Day 1 is a big ask, so the Kings hope Payton makes his transition easier. In his final <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/paytoel01/gamelog/2025">ten games</a> in 2025, he dished out 10+ assists seven times. Despite that impressive stat, his most valuable asset may be the advice he provides the rookie, rather than his on-court skills.</p>
<p>The Kings re-signed <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/achiupr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Precious Achiuwa</a> and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/plowdda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Daeqwon Plowden</a>. They originally signed both players last year, and they played their roles perfectly.</p>
<p>The Kings first inserted Achiuwa into the starting lineup on Nov. 6, 2025, and he averaged 11.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 57 games as a starter. He is a stout defender who addressed an immediate need at wing.</p>
<p>Plowden first appeared for the Kings during their run to the 2025 NBA Summer League Finals, and played in the G League to begin the year. He played 32 NBA games, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/plowdda01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/plowdda01.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1790205269195000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2To56QqoVG1TjnT6z42Yap">averaging</a> 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He&#8217;s had an up-and-down journey in the league, but earned his first standard contract.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daeqwon Plowden had himself a STELLAR year with the <a href="https://x.com/SacramentoKings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SacramentoKings</a>! Plowden played 32 games, with 7 starts and averaged 10.8 PPG, and 3.0 RPG. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f44f.png" alt="👏" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f451.png" alt="👑" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a href="https://t.co/QoKinTi3cr">pic.twitter.com/QoKinTi3cr</a></p>
<p>&mdash; NBA G League (@nbagleague) <a href="https://x.com/nbagleague/status/2088368878258663891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Kings&#8217; Best-Case Scenario Outcome</h2>
<p>If everything goes the Kings&#8217; way, they may find themselves fighting for a play-in berth. They have too much talent to be last in the Western Conference and in the relegation zone when the NBA Draft Lottery arrives.</p>
<p>By the trade deadline, they could be in a position to make some significant changes to their lineup. LaVine&#8217;s expiring contract may entice certain teams in need of a scoring boost. With his sizable contract size and overall status, he could warrant a solid return for the team.</p>
<p>The Kings also remain heavily <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kings-reportedly-want-acquire-jalen-101058961.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACJAFBOVLs0IJZNxBkWtfuvPxSpP8wmnf9rAHc9YA1s3lPKa--QnGrz9gN3tOAQK6UIumjW9PX2ifwzSjSodKVteNNKD3s_GuL11itZ5tAiICxXrB3wStNmI5UtP1Z-HKfo3RhTHUNZEUNFbsdNJ-7TIamFhhjggZT9dFFNY_8uw">interested</a> in working out a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons for Third Team All-NBA Center <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/durenja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jalen Duren</a>. This most likely won&#8217;t happen, but he&#8217;d be an excellent addition if Perry makes some magic happen.</p>
<p>Looking past any moves the front office could make, this team is still solid overall. Their best-case scenario is that Acuff finds his stride early, distributing the ball effectively and shooting highly efficiently. Along with that, if their previously injured pieces play at the same level they were before their seasons ended, that would go a long way toward success.</p>
<p>Realistically, their dream scenario is a play-in berth, but depending on players&#8217; development, they may have the tools to claw their way to the playoffs.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Pistons and Jalen Duren are talking again &#8211; but still no deal as the Oct. 1 qualifying offer deadline and training camp loom. </p>
<p>Intel and insight on Detroit upping its offer, and why Duren is still saying no, with <a href="https://x.com/HunterPatterson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HunterPatterson</a>, at <a href="https://x.com/TheAthletic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/6toNRvpCoQ">https://t.co/6toNRvpCoQ</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Sam Amick (@sam_amick) <a href="https://x.com/sam_amick/status/2102172287663472917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Kings&#8217; Worst-Case Scenario Outcome</h2>
<p>There is a world where health remains a major issue. Most of their previously injured players are not considered injury-prone. At the same time, they weren&#8217;t in or nearing the latter half of their careers when they were healthy. As the term &#8220;veteran&#8221; shifts into 10+ seasons played, it can be tougher to remain in tip-top shape every year.</p>
<p>Now, while it&#8217;s never wise to overreact to the Summer League, it can produce early signs of major flaws. Acuff was incredibly inefficient, averaging 35% from the field and just 27.8% from three.</p>
<p>The worst-case scenario would affect not just this season, but the organization&#8217;s long-term outlook. What is that scenario? Acuff doesn&#8217;t have what it takes to be a star in this league. His rookie season could be a major tell as to how good he can truly be.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Darius Acuff Jr holding himself accountable:</p>
<p>&quot;Gotta be better&#8230;I&#39;m playing terrible. Too inefficient. Make more shots in a row and get my teammates involved&quot;<a href="https://t.co/TR31NMiqG9">pic.twitter.com/TR31NMiqG9</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Oh No He Didn&#39;t (@ohnohedidnt24) <a href="https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/2075451188913320369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>Kings&#8217; Biggest Question Heading Into 2026-27 Season</h2>
<p>The current Kings starting lineup never played a minute together. Even more shocking, the four returning starters haven&#8217;t suited up together either. LaVine, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sabondo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Domantas Sabonis</a>, and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/murrake02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Keegan Murray</a> have played together for multiple years.</p>
<p>This is Acuff&#8217;s first year in the league, so he will have a learning curve from the get-go. Small forward <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">De&#8217;Andre Hunter</a> joined the Kings in a midseason trade and subsequently injured his eye two games later. The question remains: &#8220;How will the starters mesh?&#8221;</p>
<p>The preseason will answer this question and more.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/sacramento-kings-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/">Sacramento Kings 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>Golden State Warriors 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/golden-state-warriors-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/golden-state-warriors-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Yasmeen Hasan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:39:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA 2026-27 Preseason Previews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Warriors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Draymond Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golden State Warriors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golden State Warriors Season Preview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jimmy Butler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moses Moody]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steph Curry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Kerr]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yaxel Lendeborg]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=110010</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1816" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-300x213.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-2048x1453.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1320x936.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1600x1135.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1100x780.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-680x482.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-200x142.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>The Golden State Warriors&#8217; 2026-27 season is shaping up to be as exciting as it is uncertain. Golden State entered last season filled with promise after turning their season around after Jimmy Butler’s acquisition. But the team struggled early and never fully gained any ground.  Stephen Curry battled injuries for most of last season. Any [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/golden-state-warriors-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/">Golden State Warriors 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1816" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-300x213.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-2048x1453.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1320x936.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1600x1135.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-1100x780.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-680x482.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T221948Z_404332648_MT1USATODAY28761294_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS-200x142.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Golden State Warriors&#8217; 2026-27 season is shaping up to be as exciting as it is uncertain.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Golden State entered last season filled with promise after turning their season around after <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/butleji01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jimmy Butler</a>’s acquisition. But the team struggled early and never fully gained any ground. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Stephen Curry</a> battled <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48069534/stephen-curry-rehabbing-knee-little-longer">injuries</a> for most of last season. Any hopes to make a big playoff push were squashed when Jimmy Butler </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47667747/warriors-jimmy-butler-helped-knee-injury-vs-heat"><span style="font-weight: 400;">tore</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> his ACL. On top of that, the Warriors </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/atlanta-hawks-acquire-buddy-hield-and-jonathan-kuminga-from-golden-state">turned</a> the page</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuminjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jonathan Kuminga</a> — the one player thought to potentially carry the torch after the Curry Era.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With Butler and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/moodymo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Moses Moody</a> </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48293729/warriors-moses-moody-suffers-noncontact-knee-injury-exits-stretcher-ot-win-vs-mavericks"><span style="font-weight: 400;">expected</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to miss the start of the 2026-27 season, the Warriors will have their backs against the wall on opening night. Still, any team with Curry should never be counted out. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After what appeared to be a disappointing offseason for much of the summer, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=dunlemi02,dunlemi01&amp;search=Mike+Dunleavy&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mike Dunleavy</a> Jr. acquired some help. Golden State </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49726223/sources-warriors-sign-georges-niang-completing-roster"><span style="font-weight: 400;">added</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sharpshooter <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/niangge01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Georges Niang</a>, shifty </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49722217/warriors-sign-free-agent-brandon-williams-1-year-deal"><span style="font-weight: 400;">guard</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=willibr03,willibr01&amp;search=Brandon+Williams&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brandon Williams</a>, and most notably—</span><a href="https://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-sign-2026-first-round-draft-pick-yaxel-lendeborg"><span style="font-weight: 400;">drafted</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> NCAA champion <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lendeya01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Yaxel Lendeborg</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although injuries will be one of the team’s largest concerns, they have made solid upgrades to the roster and have a chance to compete. </span></p>
<h2><b>Biggest Offseason Loss: <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/postqu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Quinten Post</a></b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the offseason, the Warriors lost big man Quinten Post after he </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49286541/sources-warriors-post-signing-offer-sheet-grizzlies"><span style="font-weight: 400;">signed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the Dubs made some moves over the summer, they didn&#8217;t add another center. Golden State still rosters <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/horfoal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Al Horford</a> and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porzikr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kristaps Porzingis</a> — two shooting bigs — who will be relied on more to fill that void.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The biggest losses, though, are Moody and Butler. Both are still on the roster but </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48293729/warriors-moses-moody-suffers-noncontact-knee-injury-exits-stretcher-ot-win-vs-mavericks"><span style="font-weight: 400;">injured</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Kuminga, Butler, and Moody, the wing position has taken a hit. Butler was not only the team’s second-best player. He was one of their best two-way threats. The 37-year-old had the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/gs/table/game/sort/assistTurnoverRatio/dir/desc">best</a> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">assist-to-turnover</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ratio on the team (minimum 15 minutes a game), while averaging the most </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors"><span style="font-weight: 400;">minutes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> played.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He was also one of the most efficient guys on the roster. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">His high IQ and playmaking ability allowed <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kerrst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Steve Kerr</a> to insert him alongside a variety of players.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to Butler, Moody’s loss will be felt heavily because he was the Warriors’ go-to 3-and-D guy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He put up the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">best shooting season</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of his <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/moodymo01.html">career</a> from three-point range last season and guarded opponents’ toughest wings and big guards. His size, shooting, and ability to switch onto multiple different players made him a key staple of several Warriors’ lineups. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Incoming rookie Yaxel Lendeborg will likely have to take on a large role at the forward spot until/if Moody and Butler return this season.</span></p>
<h2><b>Team’s Biggest Offseason Addition: Yaxel Lendeborg</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Besides Lendeborg’s skillset being more needed than ever, he is the team’s biggest offseason addition. The 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year </span><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/yaxel-lendeborg-1.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">averaged</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 15.1 points and 37.2% from three during his senior year at the University of Michigan.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kerr previously </span><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49473905/warriors-running-back-steph-curry-era-enters-another-crossroads%EF%BB%BF-lebron-james-offseason"><span style="font-weight: 400;">commended</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> his playing style and natural feel for the game as important assets for the Warriors. What has stuck out most to Kerr is the </span><a href="https://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-forward-yaxel-lendeborg-named-2026-nba-summer-league-mvp-20260721"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Summer League</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> MVP’s passing. According to him, he may even need to push Lendeborg to be back-and-forthmore aggressive to maximize his skill set. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Lendeborg’s frame makes him an elite finisher at the rim and a respectable defensive force. He is an excellent rebounder and thrives in transition and cutting to the rim. Playing next to the greatest shooter of all time will open up the floor for him to get open looks from three and punish defenses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, Curry is </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vd8lDK1Pr0"><span style="font-weight: 400;">looking forward</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to the confidence and energy the 23-year-old will bring to the group. Although Lendeborg is considered old by NBA rookie standards, he is still one of the team&#8217;s youngest players. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It will be intriguing to watch his outgoing, boisterous personality mesh with his teammates in the locker room.</span></p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Vd8lDK1Pr0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></p>
<h2><b>Warriors’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome:</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a perfect world, Lendeborg looks like the promising player the Warriors hope he can be. He fits in alongside the vets and young guys, and plays a substantial role in the team winning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Health will be the biggest factor in an ideal scenario. In this scenario, Curry has great luck with health, and his knee injury from last season becomes an afterthought.</span></p>
<p>If the Warriors can maintain overall health, they will have a chance to at least compete for another NBA title.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ideally, Butler and Moody return this season and can still contribute to team success. It will be important for the Warriors not to fall behind early on. If that happens, they may end up needing Butler and/or Moody to rescue their season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the complementary players play well around Curry, they will give the team the luxury of easing Butler and Moody back into play slowly, rather than relying on them to be heroes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best-case scenario includes Golden State hovering as the top-six seed in the West and avoiding the Play-In Tournament. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While envisioning a perfect world, the Warriors would enter the playoffs at full strength. The team establishes chemistry and has an identity, giving themselves a shot at a championship.</span></p>
<h2><b>Warriors’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome:</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Warriors’ biggest hindrance in contending for a title in recent years has been health. A worst-case scenario means the team — particularly Curry — is battling nagging injuries, like last season. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If Butler returns but looks nothing like his former self and becomes too much of a liability, the Warriors will be in trouble. Or worse, he suffers a setback, or the team trades him for a player who can&#8217;t contribute right away. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lendeborg&#8217;s significance this season also can not be overstated. The Warriors can’t afford another draftee who doesn’t fit the team or underperforms relative to expectations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another area to watch is the team&#8217;s chemistry. Lendeborg and <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greendr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-22_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Draymond Green</a> appeared to get off to a rocky start after making back-and-forth </span><a href="https://theleadsm.com/draymond-green-is-already-a-problem-for-the-warriors-rookie/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">comments</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> over the summer.</span></p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“We’re both good.”</p>
<p>Yaxel Lendeborg on his relationship with Draymond Green, and their back and forth on social media. <a href="https://t.co/YOe8Bn4GHY">pic.twitter.com/YOe8Bn4GHY</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) <a href="https://x.com/joseph_dycus/status/2073273230832611689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The relationship between those two, and the whole group, is essential to whether the team can come together. If the chemistry is off or players don&#8217;t buy into their roles, it could mean trouble.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Warriors’ worst-case scenario is falling outside of the Play-In bracket and missing the postseason altogether. </span></p>
<h2><b>Warriors&#8217; Biggest Question Heading Into 2026-27 Season</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Warriors’ biggest question heading into the upcoming season (other than health) is whether or not they can stay afloat until Moody and Butler return.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is no guarantee Moody or Butler will return and look like the same player after injury. Their uncertain status means it is more imperative for the Warriors to steady the ship without them. It is unreasonable to expect Butler to turn their season around as he did in 2024-25. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Assuming Golden State can maintain a top-six seed without their injured wings, adding them back should only strengthen their team. The Warriors will not be able to do so unless the aforementioned matters come to fruition: Lendeborg plays a big role in winning, the team stays healthy, and players get along with one another. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/golden-state-warriors-2026-27-nba-preseason-preview/">Golden State Warriors 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>NHL Pacific Division Preview: Are the Kings Playoff Bound?</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/nhl-pacific-division-preview-are-the-kings-playoff-bound/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/nhl-pacific-division-preview-are-the-kings-playoff-bound/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sean DeCoursey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:56:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anaheim Ducks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calgary Flames]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edmonton Oilers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Kings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pacific Division]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Jose Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Kraken]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Canucks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegas Golden Knights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=109985</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Apr 16, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings center Scott Laughton (21) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>Last year, the Pacific Division featured some intriguing rosters. Regardless, it was largely considered the weakest in the NHL. It had the lowest point total of any division winner, the lowest total of any team, and the lowest total of any playoff team. Even still, there were plenty of takeaways from the division, including the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/nhl-pacific-division-preview-are-the-kings-playoff-bound/">NHL Pacific Division Preview: Are the Kings Playoff Bound?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Apr 16, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings center Scott Laughton (21) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-04-18T023602Z_450062574_MT1USATODAY28754541_RTRMADP_3_NHL-LOS-ANGELES-KINGS-AT-CALGARY-FLAMES-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>Last year, the Pacific Division featured some intriguing rosters. Regardless, it was largely considered the weakest in the NHL. It had the lowest point total of any division winner, the lowest total of any team, and the lowest total of any playoff team. Even still, there were plenty of takeaways from the division, including the Stanley Cup runner-up.</p>
<p>The Vegas Golden Knights took convincing wins in the first two rounds of the playoffs. When facing their toughest opponent to that point, the Colorado Avalanche, they didn&#8217;t stutter. A clean sweep punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Anaheim Ducks fell victim to them in the process, but they had a surprising season of their own. They not only clinched the playoffs for the first time since 2018, but also won their first series since 2017.</p>
<p>The Edmonton Oilers were disappointed, losing to the Ducks in the first round after making the Stanley Cup Finals the two seasons prior. The Los Angeles Kings were a less-than-intriguing addition to the playoffs as a wild-card team. The San Jose Sharks ascended as a playoff team for years to come, but couldn&#8217;t clinch it ahead of the Kings. The Seattle Kraken remain a team that leaves plenty to be desired, while the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks sat among the worst records in the league.</p>
<p>With a mix of contending and rebuilding teams, part of this preview highlights our predictions for the bottom-four teams in the Pacific Division.</p>
<h2>8. Vancouver Canucks</h2>
<p>The team that once seemed like a force in the West is now poised to make their second consecutive last-place finish. After trading away <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hughequ01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Quinn Hughes</a> for youth and draft capital, the Canucks made it clear where they&#8217;re headed. Although they slipped to third in the draft lottery, they have a promising future ahead. It may take a while, and the 2026-27 season will likely be a bleak year in that process.</p>
<p>From a players-in, players-out standpoint, the Canucks were quiet this offseason. However, they did bring in Brandon Gallagher via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/canadiens-trade-forward-brendan-gallagher-to-the-vancouver-canucks-june-29-2026">trade</a>. Veteran leadership matters with a young group, but it probably won&#8217;t move the needle this season. <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/luke-schenn">Signing</a> <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/schenlu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luke Schenn</a> will accomplish something similar. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/oleksja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jamie Oleksiak</a> was a great <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/jamie-oleksiak">move</a> to boost the defensive depth and should also be a great leader. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/cottepa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Paul Cotter</a> is likely to slot in the middle six, having been <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/paul-cotter">signed</a> out of free agency from the New Jersey Devils. Extensions for <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/buiumze01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zeev Buium</a> and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/novotad01.html">Adam Novotný</a> rounded out a stereotypical rebuilding offseason.</p>
<p>For the Canucks to be successful this season, a lot needs to happen. The middle of the ice isn&#8217;t all bad, as long as <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=petteel01,petteel02&amp;search=Elias+Pettersson&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Elias Pettersson</a> can return to form. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rossima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Marco Rossi</a> and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/chytifi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Filip Chytil</a> are intriguing down the depth chart. Liam Öhgren, <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lekkejo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jonathan Lekkerimaki</a>, and Buium are all young players who can contribute or even shine with some development. Their goaltending is still a big question mark, but they should get some good starts from <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lankike01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kevin Lankinen</a>.</p>
<p>That said, it&#8217;s doubtful the Canucks actually want to be that good. They traded for several draft picks, and their focus is on building a top-tier prospect pool. With Landon Dupont and Nazar Privalov at the top of the draft, Vancouver will be looking to select as high as possible in 2027.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 MORE YEARS OF ZEEV! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f929.png" alt="🤩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>General Manager Ryan Johnson announced today that the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> have agreed to terms with defenceman Zeev Buium on an eight-year contract extension with a $9.38 million AAV.</p>
<p>DETAILS | <a href="https://t.co/820PqgYgjb">https://t.co/820PqgYgjb</a> <a href="https://t.co/KuP6jvfooB">pic.twitter.com/KuP6jvfooB</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/2095991774129148039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>7. Seattle Kraken</h2>
<p>The Kraken, although a young franchise, have had very little to hang their hat on. After a pretty successful inaugural season, the franchise has struggled to build up into contention. This past season was more of the same, with a sixth-place finish in a weak division. After a quiet offseason, it&#8217;s hard to justify moving up, and they may slip even further.</p>
<p>Their offseason was headlined by a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/trade-coverage/mackie-samoskevich-traded-to-seattle-kraken-by-florida-panthers">trade</a> with the Florida Panthers for <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/samosma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mackie Samoskevich</a>. Samo is a fine player, and he should seriously benefit from some more responsibility with a new team. He joins a young group of <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/beniema01.html">Matty Beniers</a>, <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/cattobe01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Berkly Catton</a>, and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/wrighsh01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shane Wright</a>. It&#8217;s hard to criticize the move, but it certainly shouldn&#8217;t have been the move of the offseason. For a team that needed more, the front office just didn&#8217;t deliver.</p>
<p>One bright spot is the defensive depth. It&#8217;s far from great, but it should certainly be productive in front of an average-at-best goaltending tandem. It&#8217;s not a terribly old group either, which means Kraken fans can look forward to a solid blueline for years to come. <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/bobby-mcmann">Extending</a> <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mcmanbo02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bobby McMann</a> was another major offseason move, and it was a great way to stabilize a presence in the middle-six and on the power play.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the Kraken just didn&#8217;t do enough to establish a direction. It&#8217;s hard to tell if they expect to compete with their core or rebuild through the draft. With a stable blueline, it would make sense for them to get aggressive. If the young core they&#8217;re establishing makes some noticeable strides, some activity at the trade deadline could be in play. For now, it seems the Kraken have an unimpressive season ahead.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">COAST <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f500.png" alt="🔀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> COAST</p>
<p>We&#39;ve acquired forward Mackie Samoskevich from the <a href="https://x.com/FlaPanthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FlaPanthers</a> in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2026 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDraft</a> and a conditional second-round pick in 2027 → <a href="https://t.co/ZdFzWwOgaL">https://t.co/ZdFzWwOgaL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y8KMEZ4yk7">pic.twitter.com/Y8KMEZ4yk7</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) <a href="https://x.com/SeattleKraken/status/2068740859433226387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>6. Calgary Flames</h2>
<p>Ever since their 2022 playoff berth, the Flames have struggled to climb back into postseason hockey. They finished seventh in the division last season, resulting in the addition of Carson Carels as the sixth pick in the draft. On paper, Calgary&#8217;s roster has plenty to like. Some of their young players look very promising, and they keep adding and improving.</p>
<p>The Flames made two blueline additions. They <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/trade-coverage/simon-nemec-traded-to-calgary-flames-by-new-jersey-devils">traded</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span>for <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nemecsi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Simon Nemec</a> and his brand-new <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/simon-nemec">contract</a>. They also traded away <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/colembl01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Blake Coleman</a> to the Minnesota Wild for draft capital and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/middlja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jacob Middleton</a>. Aside from some smaller one-year deals, those two moves defined their offseason. Both players will slot in and make an impact, with Nemec likely to start on the first pairing.</p>
<p>That said, their forward group is concerning. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/huberjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jonathan Huberdeau</a> will start the year on IR, leaving their wing group thin. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/backlmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mikael Backlund</a> and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/frostmo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Morgan Frost</a> up the middle in the top-six isn&#8217;t bad, but it is far from spectacular. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/coronma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Matthew Coronato</a>, <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/z/zaryco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Connor Zary</a>, and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/honzesa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Samuel Honzek</a> are all exciting young talents, but it&#8217;s doubtful they help lead the Flames much further next year. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/othmabr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brennan Othmann</a> is another young forward worth watching. The former first-round pick was traded to the Flames at last year&#8217;s trade deadline and should benefit from a full year in a new organization.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/wolfdu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dustin Wolf</a> is also a major bright spot as a young, already great netminder. Though he had a down year last season, it&#8217;s reasonable to blame the group in front of him more than his own talent. With additions on defense, his production could improve. Ultimately, winning games requires goals. Next season, the Flames may end up as the league&#8217;s least productive team in that area. Some slight improvements to propel them above the Kraken seem likely.</p>
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<p lang="pt" dir="ltr">NEMO! <a href="https://t.co/oAUbW87nsf">pic.twitter.com/oAUbW87nsf</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) <a href="https://x.com/NHLFlames/status/2102563789073940974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>5. Los Angeles Kings</h2>
<p>The Kings&#8217; previous guard has slowly started to exit the franchise. With <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kopitan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Anze Kopitar</a>&#8216;s retirement, only <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/doughdr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Drew Doughty</a> remains from the early-2010s group that brought the organization two Stanley Cups. Even so, they remain committed to immediate playoff success. Despite their intention, it&#8217;s hard to see them making the playoffs again based on their underwhelming offseason.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/z/zuccama01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mats Zuccarello</a> was the most notable <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/mats-zuccarello">signing</a>. After an excellent season with the Minnesota Wild, the Kings picked him up on a cheap deal to bolster the top six. <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/corey-perry">Corey Perry</a> also signed a one-year deal, while <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/scott-laughton">Scott Laughton</a> was re-signed to a three-year deal. Both players will add offensive depth and bring a high-motor, leadership-based playstyle. All three players should help guide the youth in <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/byfiequ01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Quinton Byfield</a>, <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/helensa02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Samuel Helenius</a>, and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/turcoal02.html">Alex Turcotte</a>, who will lead the next generation of Kings hockey.</p>
<p>All things considered, the roster is solid. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Adrian Kempe</a> and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/panarar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Artemi Panarin</a> are a lethal offensive combo. As mentioned earlier, the offensive depth isn&#8217;t lacking, though it is far from championship-caliber. The defense still has Doughty to lean on, while guys like <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/clarkbr02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brandt Clarke</a> and <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/andermi02.html">Mikey Anderson</a> take over as minute-eaters. <a href="https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kuempda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-24_hr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Darcy Kuemper</a> in net was once a force, and a return to form would be huge for the Kings.</p>
<p>Ultimately, like the Kraken, they didn&#8217;t do enough. The Kings were already among the least impressive playoff teams last season, and they didn&#8217;t stun with their offseason additions. As other teams in the division ascend, it will be hard to keep up with the same core. Their youth is intriguing, but the upside isn&#8217;t on par with other teams they will have to compete with for a playoff spot. If the pieces fall into place, they could make a Wild Card spot. For now, the outlook is less hopeful.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5e3.png" alt="🗣" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> DREWWWWWWWWWWW <a href="https://t.co/CwMDIhf0eB">pic.twitter.com/CwMDIhf0eB</a></p>
<p>&mdash; LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://x.com/LAKings/status/2100374320937893891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>The Playoff Line</h2>
<p>Clearly, one team is missing that has long impressed with its youthful talent but hasn&#8217;t made the jump. This season, it seems like their time to break into the playoffs and prove what they can do beyond game 84. For the teams above, there&#8217;s a mixture of rebuilding teams and teams that haven&#8217;t done enough compared to last season&#8217;s finish to justify a playoff spot. In part two, we&#8217;ll look at the teams best equipped to reach that next level and compete for the Stanley Cup.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/nhl-pacific-division-preview-are-the-kings-playoff-bound/">NHL Pacific Division Preview: Are the Kings Playoff Bound?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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		<title>4 Must-See Spurs Games in the 26-27 Season</title>
		<link>https://theleadsm.com/4-must-see-spurs-games-in-the-26-27-season/</link>
					<comments>https://theleadsm.com/4-must-see-spurs-games-in-the-26-27-season/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brittnee Jones]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:24:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Antonio Spurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victor Wembanyama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wemby]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theleadsm.com/?p=110293</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1706" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1600x1066.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p>What seemed like an absolute lock for the Larry O. Brien after an incredible 180 of a season turned out to be anything but. Fans still feel the pain of the San Antonio Spurs coming up short against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. Several factors may have contributed to the defeat, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/4-must-see-spurs-games-in-the-26-27-season/">4 Must-See Spurs Games in the 26-27 Season</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1706" src="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-scaled.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 20px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail=""  srcset="https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1320x880.jpg 1320w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1600x1066.jpg 1600w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-680x453.jpg 680w, https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-06-10T063000Z_960671169_MT1USATODAY29164698_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p style="font-weight: 400;">What seemed like an absolute lock for the Larry O. Brien after an incredible 180 of a season turned out to be anything but. Fans still feel the pain of the San Antonio Spurs coming up short against the New York Knicks in the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nba-finals-new-york-knicks-san-antonio-spurs-game-5/">2026 NBA Finals.</a> Several factors may have contributed to the defeat, but ultimately it was a vital learning experience.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">With the Finals in the past, the Spurs have their sights on the 26-27 NBA season, and more specifically, revenge. Not only do the Western Conference Champions need to redeem themselves, but they also need to prove that they are not one-hit wonders. With the season less than two months away, here are four matchups that are worthy of marking calendars.</p>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Oklahoma City Thunder &#8211; October 20, 2026</strong></h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Hulk vs. Andre the Giant. The Rock vs. Cena. Rumble in the Jungle. Batman vs. Joker. Next in line is Spurs vs. Thunder on opening night. This game is one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2026-27 NBA season. Not only is this the Western Conference Finals rematch, but it is also a rivalry battle between the two most dominant teams in the West.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Unstoppable would be the word to describe the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dominance. High basketball IQ. This team has it all. That is until they met their kryptonite: the Spurs. San Antonio had Oklahoma City&#8217;s number last year, winning four of their five <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/teams/comparison/_/team1/sas/team2/okc">regular-season showdowns</a>. On top of that, the Spurs were able to knock off the then-defending champions in a Game 7 masterpiece. Simply put, this game is beyond worthy of being on opening night.</p>
<div class="embed-x">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS ARE HEADED TO THEIR FIRST NBA FINALS SINCE 2014 <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f525.png" alt="🔥" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>The Spurs win Game 7 on the road to defeat OKC 4-3 in the Western Conference Finals, and advance to the NBA Finals for the 1st time in 12 years.</p>
<p>They will take on the Knicks in a rematch of the 1999 NBA… <a href="https://t.co/IRIyTO1kXQ">pic.twitter.com/IRIyTO1kXQ</a></p>
<p>&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/2060916671951327243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves &#8211; October 31, 2026</strong></h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">This game is must-see for two reasons. Firstly, it is a Western Conference Semifinals rematch against the Timberwolves. However, in this matchup, Minnesota will have a healthy <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/edwaran01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-25_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Anthony Edwards</a> and the <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/lamelo-ball-trade-timberwolves-2026">newly added</a> <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/ballla01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-25_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LaMelo Ball</a>.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Secondly, it will mark the return of Wembanyama&#8217;s Halloween costume tradition. He dressed up as Slender Man in 2023 and No-Face (Kaonashi) from <em>Spirited Away</em> in 2024. Due to the Spurs not having a Halloween game <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46775071/victor-wembanyama-halloween-costume-arrivals-years">last season</a>, he opted not to wear a costume. This year, though, fans will be waiting to see what costume Wembanyama has in store.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby&#39;s Halloween costume <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f440.png" alt="👀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f383.png" alt="🎃" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>He pulled up dressed as Kaonashi from &quot;Spirited Away&quot;. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f525.png" alt="🔥" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>(via <a href="https://x.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBA</a>)<a href="https://t.co/Y2yEGn8KBj">pic.twitter.com/Y2yEGn8KBj</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/1852127162587058407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>New York Knicks – December 25, 2026 </strong></h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The Spurs will meet up against the Knicks for the first time since <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49058872/wemby-says-spurs-losing-finals-biggest-lesson-my-life">Game 5</a> of the NBA Finals back in June. What makes this game even more must-see is that it will be part of the NBA Christmas Day lineup. Walking into &#8220;The Mecca&#8221; will be no easy feat for the Spurs. <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wembavi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-09-25_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Victor Wembanyama</a> and the Spurs are the newest villains amongst the Knicks fans, and New York will be sure to remind them.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The atmosphere is going to be electric. The energy will be on another level. This game has all the makings to be a Christmas classic.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 53 YEARS, THE KNICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3c6.png" alt="🏆" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>New York defeats San Antonio 4-1 in the NBA Finals, capturing their third championship in franchise history! <a href="https://t.co/i1gmntBe06">pic.twitter.com/i1gmntBe06</a></p>
<p>&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/2066000179216441757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>New Orleans Pelicans – January 14, 2027</strong></h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">There&#8217;s something special about seeing international players play in front of their home country. This game will be Wembanyama&#8217;s next homecoming game. When he plays in Paris, something magical happens.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">He put on spectacular performances in the <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/news/victor-wembanyama-warns-opponents-after-paris-2024-silver-medal-i-m-worried-for-the-opponents-in-a-couple-of-years">2024 Summer Olympic Games</a> and in 2025 against the Indiana Pacers in front of his home country. Fans in the States and in Paris are going to tune in to see what Wemby does this time around.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theleadsm.com/4-must-see-spurs-games-in-the-26-27-season/">4 Must-See Spurs Games in the 26-27 Season</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theleadsm.com">The Lead</a>.</p>
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