Good Morning
The Olympics hangover hit hard on Monday. Today’s top stories are a mix of baseball games and a pair of superstars making offseason headlines. But hang tight. The NFL preseason is just 48 hours away.
Letter Rip!
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MLB
The Yankees Are Surging
Photo: Ed Zurga / Getty Images
New York Just Keeps Winning as Playoff Push Ratchets Up
The New York Yankees were underachieving throughout the early stages of the 2021 MLB season, but the Bronx Bombers are putting together a string of success after the trade deadline. They pulled out an extra-inning win last night against the Royals (8-6, 11 Innings) in a wild finish that began with Kansas City tying the game in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, but the Yankees won it in the 11th. That victory was New York’s 16th win in their last 21 games, and it put their record at 62-50 — just 2.5 games back of the AL wild card. After a brutal start to the season, the Yankees are coming.
Watch: Yankees Win Wild One in KC
MLB Quick-Hitters
Jimenez, Giolito Power Sox: Eloy Jimenez smashed 2 home runs and plated 5 RBIs while Lucas Giolito tossed a two-hit gem Monday night in an 11-1 win against the Twins. That’s four straight wins for the White Sox.
Padres Win 3rd Straight: Joe Musgrove was dealing last night in the Padres’ 8-3 win over the Marlins to claim their third straight. Musgrove registered 8 strikeouts and just 1 run over six innings. San Diego (65-49) is still third in the NL West, but they remain in the driver’s seat for the wild card.
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NBA
Luka Signs the Supermax
Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Dallas Mavericks Sign Luka Doncic to 5-Year, $207 Million Rookie Supermax Extension
There was no way Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks were letting Luka Doncic leave town, and now it’s official. The team signed their 22-year-old Slovenian superstar to the largest rookie supermax extension in NBA history on Monday — five years, $207 million. Doncic has quickly become a rising face of the NBA after setting the league ablaze with back-to-back first-team All-NBA selections. He’s posted a whopping 26 triple doubles in just 199 career games.
Luka Doncic’s Career Stats
25.7 Points Per Game
8.4 Rebounds Per Game
7.7 Assists Per Game
“Today is a dream come true. The game of basketball has given me so much and has taken me to so many amazing places. I am humbled and excited to remain in Dallas as part of the Mavericks and appreciate the support of my fans.” — Luka Doncic
The future is bright in Dallas.
Additional Storylines
Dallas Morning News: Done Deal: Luka Signs Supermax Extension
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NFL
Saquon Sees the Field
Photo: Mike Stobe / Getty Images
Giants Running Back Saquon Barkley Makes Long-Awaited Return
One of Monday’s biggest news stories was the appearance of Giants RB Saquon Barkley at practice, running routes and taking handoffs without missing a step. The No. 2 in 2018 was activated frm the PUP list (physically unable to perform) after missing last season with a torn ACL. The Penn State product packaged back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first two years, including 2,000-plus yards from scrimmage in his rookie campaign. Barkley hopes to be 100 percent for the Giants’ season-opener on Sept. 12.
The Giants went 6-10 last year and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The G-Men haven’t won a postseason game since their 2011 Super Bowl run.
Additional Storylines
Forbes: NY Giants RB Saquon Barkley Takes Major Step in Return
NY Post: Playing Saquon Barkley in the Preseason Would Be Folly for Giants
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Consider Your Morning Made
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THE STORYLINES
A diver’s heartbreaking scratch. A medalist lifting up a teammate. Cherished glimpses of Japanese culture — our journalists saw a lot viewers may not have. These are some of the stores you may have missed at a bizarre Olympics in Tokyo. (NY Times)
Top Moments From Hall of Fame Enshrinement
All great football players dream of donning the gold jacket. It’s proof of reaching the pinnacle of individual achievement at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This year’s class included Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson and Calvin Johnson. (FOX Sports)
NBA Offseason Winners & Losers
After one week of maneuvering and dealing that definitely wasn’t agreed to weeks in advance, virtually every notable free agent is off the board. Our panel evaluates the best and worst of what’s happened so far and looks ahead to looming trade clouds and the 2021-22 title picture. (The Ringer)
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THE HEADLINES
Saints WR Michael Thomas Says Team ‘Tried to Damage’ His Reputation
(Yahoo! Sports)
Arizona Cardinals Become First Team to Announce Sportsbook at Stadium
(ESPN)
Miami QB D’Eriq King Lands NIL Deal With NHL’s Florida Panthers
(USA Today)
Legendary Racing Broadcaster Bob Jenkins Dies at Age 73
(CBS Sports)
Andy Murray Joins U.S. Open Field After Stan Wawrinka Withdraws
(NBC Sports)
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