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Tag: APP Sports

  • Seahawks ride their ‘Dark Side’ defense to a Super Bowl title

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    SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Defense won this championship.

    Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries

    • Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by snagging Maye’s pass in the air after Witherspoon hit his arm and ran it back 45 yards for a pick-6

    • Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense helped Darnold become the first quarterback in the 2018 draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson

    • After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games



    Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries.

    Walker became the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award since Terrell Davis 28 years ago.

    Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by snagging Maye’s pass in the air after Witherspoon hit his arm and ran it back 45 yards for a pick-6.

    “It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling, bro,” Witherspoon said. “You talk about a group of guys who battle every day, who believe in each other and believe in their coach, you can’t describe this group no better. It’s just a one-of-a-kind feeling. I was just so happy to battle with these guys. We went through a lot, but we believed. All of you all doubters out there who said all that other stuff, you all don’t know what’s going on in this building. We’re one of one over here.”

    Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense helped Darnold become the first quarterback in the 2018 draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson.

    “To do this with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Darnold said. “So proud of our guys, our defense. I mean, I can’t say enough great things about our defense, our special teams.”

    Labeled a bust, dumped by two teams and considered expendable by two others, Darnold proved his doubters wrong while helping the Seahawks go 17-3.

    After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games. He wasn’t particularly sharp against a solid Patriots defense but protected the ball and made enough plays, finishing 19 of 38 for 202 yards.

    “I know we won the Super Bowl, but we could have been a little bit better on offense, but I don’t care about that right now,” Darnold said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, man. I’m just so happy for the guys in the locker room and the coaches that put in so much effort throughout the whole season.”

    The Seahawks sacked Maye six times, including two apiece by Hall and Murphy. Hall’s strip-sack late in the third quarter set up a short field and Darnold connected with Barner on 16-yard scoring toss to make it 19-0.

    Julian Love’s interception set up another field goal that made it 22-7 with 5:35 left.

    The Patriots (17-4) punted on the first eight drives, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half.

    “We had a really good year, one that I’m proud of,” New England coach Mike Vrabel said. “But this game wasn’t a reflection of that. We were outcoached and outplayed.”

    Down 19-0, Maye and the Patriots’ offense finally got going. He hit Mack Hollins over the middle in traffic for 24 yards and then lofted a perfect 35-yard TD pass to Hollins down the left side to cut the deficit to 19-7.

    Tom Brady once led Bill Belichick’s Patriots to the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, when New England rallied from a 28-3 deficit against Atlanta for a 34-28 overtime victory.

    But Maye, who was runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award in the closest race in two decades, didn’t come close. He had a chance to get it closer, but his ill-advised pass into triple coverage was picked by Love and the Patriots trailed by 15 when they got the ball back with 5:35 left.

    Then came Nwosu’s touchdown, a fitting way to cap an overwhelming effort by the NFL’s stingiest defense.

    “Definitely hurts. They played better than us tonight,” Maye said.

    Maye’s 7-yard TD pass to Rhamondre Stevenson late in the game only made the margin smaller.

    The Seahawks took a 3-0 lead on Myers’ 33-yard field goal on the game’s opening drive. Myers connected from 39 and 41 yards to extend the lead to 9-0 at halftime. He was good from 41 on Seattle’s first drive of the third quarter to make it 12-0.

    Patriots player of the game

    Cornerback Christian Gonzalez made two outstanding plays to prevent potential touchdowns in the second quarter. He raced back and leaped in the air to slap away a deep pass to Rasheed Shahid that could have been a 76-yard TD.

    On Seattle’s last drive in the first half, Gonzalez knocked down a pass to All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that would have been a 23-yard TD.

    Mills gets a two-for-one sack

    Rylie Mills pushed left guard Jared Wilson into Maye and took both of them down on one of Seattle’s sacks.

    Bad Bunny shines at halftime

    Bad Bunny headlined a visually stunning halftime performance that also featured appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist entirely in Spanish.

    Patriots denied a record 7th title

    The Patriots failed to win the franchise’s seventh Super Bowl, which would have set an NFL record. They’re tied with the Steelers with six championships.

    AP NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel was aiming to become the fifth person to win a Super Bowl as a player and head coach and the first to do both with the same team.

    The 23-year-old Maye was trying to become the youngest QB to win a Lombardi Trophy. Ben Roethlisberger still holds that mark.

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    Associated Press

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  • Cavs secure 132-126 victory over Sacramento

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    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — James Harden scored 23 points in his Cavaliers debut and Donovan Mitchell had 35, including a free throw that sealed the win with 35 seconds remaining, in Cleveland’s 132-126 victory over Sacramento on Saturday night that sent the Kings to their 12th straight loss.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs secured a 132-126 victory over Sacramento Saturday night

    • James Harden scores 23 points in his Cavaliers debut

    • Cavaliers are at Denver on Monday night

    Harden was acquired by Cleveland from the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick. He shot 7 for 13, including 5 for 8 from 3-point range, and had eight assists.

    Jarrett Allen had 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won for the eighth time in nine games.

    Nique Clifford scored 30 points to lead Sacramento, which hasn’t won since beating Washington at home on Jan. 16. Russell Westbrook added 21 points and nine assists for the Kings, who have lost six straight at home.

    The Cavaliers went into halftime leading 57-55, but the Kings took the lead in the third quarter at 96-93. Mitchell scored 29 points of his points in the second half for the Cavaliers.

    Up next

    Cavaliers: At Denver on Monday night.

    Kings: At New Orleans on Monday night.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • USDA food safety tips ahead of the Super Bowl

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    Is it really the big game without the chicken wings, the pizza and the chips and dip?

    If you’re hosting or attending a Super Bowl party tonight to watch the Seahawks and the Patriots duke it out, chances are you’ll have an assortment of snacks nearby.

    Ahead of the big game, The United States Department of Agriculture has guidance on keeping that food safe for consumption.

    During a multi-hour football game, according to the USDA, food is often left out unheated and uncooled, which can lead to issues with the formation of bacteria.

    “Each year millions of Americans get sick from foodborne illness – commonly called food poisoning,” the release reads. “These illnesses result in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

    The USDA offers five quick tips to keep food safe:

    • Be safe with takeout food
    • Follow the two-hour rule
    • Wash hands effectively
    • Use a food thermometer
    • Store leftovers properly

    The release directs food safety questions to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, reachable at 1-888-674-6854. You can also ask questions at ask.usda.gov or by emailing MPHotline@usda.gov.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Phillies begin unpacking equipment in preparation for spring training

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers will report for their first workouts for Major League Baseball spring training starting Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pitchers and catchers start reporting for spring training in Florida this week

    • Phillies staff members are already unloading trucks with the supplies the team will need

    • They are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring

    • Spring training games begin Feb. 20

    Florida is home to baseball’s Grapefruit League, and thousands of fans will flock to the Tampa Bay area to watch their favorite teams because seven of the franchises call the Tampa Bay area home during spring training, bringing a huge economic impact. Throughout Florida, more than 1.4 million fans visited for spring training in 2025, generating about $687,000 annually for the state and creating more than 7,000 jobs, according to data from the Florida Sports Foundation and studies of the Grapefruit League.

    That means teams like the Philadelphia Phillies have to start getting ready.

    When the equipment trucks start pulling into Baycare Ballpark, it marks the unofficial start to spring training in Clearwater.

    Phillies staff members like clubhouse attendant Tim Schmidt wait months for the trucks full of gear and supplies.

    “It’s been on my calendar for a while, so yeah, it’s nice that it’s here, and I’m excited to get it underway, and I’m ready to see the guys,” Schmidt said.

    Filled to the brim, it takes the whole staff, as well as some help from a forklift, to unload all the supplies needed for spring training.

    The Phillies are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring, Schmidt said.

    Among all the people who helped unload the trucks was Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector.

    He said it’s a day he looks forward to every year.

    “Our sign of spring is the Phillies equipment truck arriving,” Rector said. “That’s a little bit more predictable than the groundhog.”

    Spring training has been in Clearwater for about 100 years, including the Phillies here for most of that time, Rector said.

    “Such a strong connection with our citizens,” Rector said. “They’ve been here for 80 years. It’s almost like seeing family come home.”

    Schmidt said it was going to be a long day because there is a lot to unpack before the players arrive.

    Still, the work isn’t an issue.

    He’s ready to focus on the season.

    “Once we get down here, it’s go time,” Schmidt said. “We don’t really stop until the playoffs are over.”

    The seven teams that will be in the Tampa Bay area for the next few weeks, honing their skills before the regular season begins, are the Phillies, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves.

    Spring training games begin Feb. 20, and tickets are on sale now.

     

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • A look at Donovan Mitchell’s emotional week

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    CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell was already in store for an emotional week.

    The Cleveland Cavaliers guard was selected to the NBA All-Star Game for the seventh straight season and will watch his fiancée, Coco Jones, sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before Super Bowl 60 on Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Donovan Mitchell is having an emotional week

    • The Cleveland Cavaliers guard has been selected for his seventh NBA All-Star Game

    • His fiancée, Coco Jones, will sing at the Super Bowl 60 pregame ceremonies on Sunday
    • Things changed on Wednesday when the Cavaliers traded Darius Garland for James Harden

    Things took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when the Cavaliers traded Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden.

    “It’s been a lot. There’s just so much going on,” Mitchell said after Cleveland’s 124-91 victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night.

    The Cavaliers are on their longest road trip of the season and face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Mitchell will then travel three hours to Santa Clara, California, to watch Jones perform before rejoining the Cavaliers in Denver for Monday’s game against the Nuggets.

    Mitchell and the Grammy-winning singer announced their engagement last July after two years of dating. When the Cavaliers were eliminated in five games by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year, Mitchell said he was taking time off and “going on tour with good music.”

    Jones was on tour last summer after releasing her debut studio album.

    “I’m excited for her. It’s just great to see the success she’s having in her own right. She deserves this,” Mitchell said last week before the Cavaliers started their six-game road trip. “It’s something that is new for me to kind of just watch it. As much as I am her fiancée, I’m a fan of her work and her work ethic. And to see it on the biggest stage, it’s special.”

    Mitchell, in his ninth season, is sixth in the NBA in scoring and averaging a career-high 28.8 points. He also leads the NBA with 178 made 3-pointers.

    The Harden trade moves Mitchell back to full-time shooting guard. Garland was sidelined for stretches this season with big toe injuries, and Mitchell took on some point guard duties.

    Harden, expected to make his Cavaliers debut Saturday night, is averaging 25.4 points per game and is on track for his best season since 2019-20.

    “I think our ceiling is definitely higher when you have a guy like James Harden. You know what he brings, but with that, there’s definitely a higher expectation,” Mitchell said Wednesday night. “It’s not gonna always be pretty. You make a move at the deadline, there’s gonna be bumps in the road, but for us this is the time.”

    Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman also admitted there will be a little bit of an acclimation period for his new backcourt to get up to speed.

    “We’re going to have to adapt to James. He’s that good a player, but I think we’re going to still run,” he said. “We need to get the ball in Donovan’s hands, and we need to get the ball in James’ hands so that we’re going to have a great possession. And in the playoffs, I do still think it comes down to largely a half-court game, and so we really are thinking about that.”

    Jones said during a press conference on Thursday that taking part in the Super Bowl is “pretty much the top of the top.” Her father, Mike Jones, was on the Tennessee Titans squad that played in Super Bowl 34.

    “I just think that this is one of the most highly-viewed events of all time, and so it’s hard to compete. Maybe my wedding will be up there,” she said.

    However, Mitchell hopes this will not be Jones’ only Super Bowl appearance.

    “She’s going to perform at the Super Bowl at halftime,” he said. “That’s the next goal. She’s going to keep doing her thing, but it’s a blessing to be able to somehow find a way to be a couple of hours away the night before. So it’s going to be special.”

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz resigns

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    This comes just days after the team officially introduced Todd Monken as the 19th coach in franchise history.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Super Bowl LX will help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

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    SANTA CLARA, Calif. — With all the pomp and circumstance, it might not immediately register, but Super Bowl LX isn’t only the biggest annual sporting event in the United States — this year, it will also help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

    What You Need To Know

    • Super Bowl LX will help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary

    • The ball, the sidelines — even the coin that’s tossed to determine which team receives the ball first — will be emblazoned with the America250 logo to honor the country’s semiquincentennial

    • “This is a yearlong celebration tied to moments that bring communities together,” America250 Chair Rosie Rios told Spectrum News. “Football is something that’s very near and dear to many Americans”

    • After Super Bowl LX ends in a blizzard of confetti and the Vince Lombardi Trophy has been claimed, America250 will have a presence at another marquee moment in football: the NFL draft in Pittsburgh in April


    The ball, the sidelines — even the coin that’s tossed to determine which team receives the ball first — will be emblazoned with the America250 logo to honor the country’s semiquincentennial.

    “This is a yearlong celebration tied to moments that bring communities together,” America250 Chair Rosie Rios told Spectrum News. “Football is something that’s very near and dear to many Americans.”

    As they do every year, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy will conduct a joint Super Bowl LX flyover with an eight-ship aircraft formation. For 2026, it will honor USA’s 250th anniversary when the American flag used in Flag Sojourn 250 — a single American flag that’s traveled to every state, territory and overseas military cemetery — will be in the cockpit of one of the formation’s aircraft.

    To help honor America’s 250th, the NFL said it plans to assemble care packages for the military community through its Salute to Service initiative that seeks to honor, empower and connect with active-duty service members, veterans and their families, the league said.

    America250’s partnership with the NFL kicked off during Week 18 of the 2025 season that was played in early January 2026, following its presence at college football’s “Iron Bowl” in Auburn, Alabama, in November and the Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 1.

    “Sea to shining sea is what’s really important,” Rios said of the organization’s goal of engaging all 350 million Americans to celebrate the country’s big birthday.

    On Super Bowl Sunday, as the New England Patriots square off against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, it will get almost two-thirds of the way there, when a record 213.1 million U.S. adults are expected to tune in, according to the National Retail Federation.

    In the days leading up to the game, America250 has been part of the Super Bowl Experience fan event at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, where an Airstream trailer has been transformed into a recording studio for Americans to share their personal stories — some of which will be archived at the Library of Congress.

    “The semiquincentennial is about storytelling. It is about convenings. It’s about making people feel at home,” Rios said.

    Sporting events are a natural connector.

    After Super Bowl LX ends in a blizzard of confetti and the Vince Lombardi Trophy has been claimed, America250 will have a presence at another marquee moment in football: the NFL draft in Pittsburgh in April.

    “We are going to the Super Bowl and beyond to show those experiences with the fans and in these beautiful moments that we’re sharing together,” Rios said.

    America250’s collaboration with the NFL is one of several with sports organizations as the country prepares to celebrate its big day.

    The sports collaborations will continue with Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia and the FIFA World Cup games over the summer.

    One day after America’s 250th birthday is officially in the books, America250 will hand off its U.S. celebrations to LA28 — the organizing committee for the next summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The handoff will take place July 5, during the FIFA World Cup.

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    Susan Carpenter

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  • No. 4 Duke visits No. 14 North Carolina following Wilson’s 22-point game

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    No. 14 North Carolina will hosts the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils this Saturday after Caleb Wilson scored 22 points in North Carolina’s 87-77 win against the Syracuse Orange.

    Saturday’s matchup is the first this season for the two squads.

    Here’s some highlights about the upcoming rivalry matchup.

    Duke Blue Devils (21-1, 10-0 ACC) at North Carolina Tar Heels (18-4, 6-3 ACC)

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Saturday, 6:30 p.m. EST

    BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: 

    • Blue Devils -5.5; over/under is 150.5

    BOTTOM LINE:

    • No. 14 North Carolina plays No. 4 Duke after Caleb Wilson scored 22 points in North Carolina’s 87-77 victory over the Syracuse Orange
    • The Tar Heels are 13-0 in home games. North Carolina ranks fourth in the ACC in rebounding with 36.7 rebounds. Wilson leads the Tar Heels with 9.8 boards
    • The Blue Devils are 10-0 in ACC play. Duke is 1-1 in games decided by less than 4 points
    • North Carolina scores 83.1 points, 19.5 more per game than the 63.6 Duke gives up. Duke averages 8.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.7 more makes per game than North Carolina allows
    • The Tar Heels and Blue Devils face off Saturday for the first time in ACC play this season

    TOP PERFORMERS:

    • Luka Bogavac is shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc with 1.5 made 3-pointers per game for the Tar Heels, while averaging 10 points. Wilson is shooting 61.9% and averaging 20.7 points over the past 10 games
    • Cameron Boozer is averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Blue Devils. Isaiah Evans is averaging 17 points over the past 10 games

    LAST 10 GAMES:

    • Tar Heels: 7-3, averaging 87.0 points, 34.1 rebounds, 17.4 assists, 6.5 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.8 points per game
    • Blue Devils: 10-0, averaging 80.5 points, 34.6 rebounds, 15.2 assists, 8.9 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.8 points

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Former Panther Luke Kuechly among 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees

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    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick

    • Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors

    • Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors

    • But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach


    Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night after prolific careers. Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors.

    “One of the coolest moments was getting up on that stage with all the other Hall of Famers,” Fitzgerald said. “That moment kind of crystallized it for me.”

    But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins in the regular season and playoffs and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach. A report last week that Belichick fell short in his first year of eligibility was met with widespread criticism of both the voters and the process for choosing Hall of Famers.

    “His stats speak for themselves,” said Vinatieri, who played six years for Belichick.

    “I thought he’d have a real good chance to be up there as well. The people who voted made their votes and I think he’ll be up here one day.”

    The man who hired Belichick in New England to set the stage for the Patriots dynasty also fell short, with owner Robert Kraft failing to get enough votes.

    This is the second straight year with a smaller class after only four people made it last year as new rule changes have made it harder to get into the Hall. There had been at least seven people inducted in the previous 12 classes before last year.

    That contributed to the snub for Belichick and Kraft, who were grouped with Craig and two other players — Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood — who have been retired for at least 25 seasons. The voters picked three of the five candidates with the highest vote-getter and anyone else above 80% getting the honor.

    Craig, who was in his 28th year of eligibility, was the only one of those five to make it. Craig was the first player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, which happened in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988 when he helped San Francisco win the Super Bowl.

    Craig also was part of the title-winning teams for the 49ers in the 1984 and 1989 seasons. His 410 yards from scrimmage in those Super Bowl wins are the third-most ever behind Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Franco Harris.

    The four modern-era candidates all overlapped for several years, waging many battles against each other.

    “Very early on you realized there was something special and unique about these guys,” Brees said.

    Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty with Belichick and Kraft in charge. He joined Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen as the only players in the Hall who were primarily kickers in their careers.

    Vinatieri helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

    Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.

    Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where his career took off as he helped lift a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

    Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.

    Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.

    Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth-most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches, including a go-ahead 64-yard score with 2:37 to play in the Super Bowl before Pittsburgh rallied for a 27-23 win over Arizona.

    Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

    Voters reduced the list of 15 finalists in the modern era category to 10 and then seven before voting for five to make it. The top three vote-getters and anyone else above 80% got into the Hall.

    Offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Marshal Yanda, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs made it to the final seven in the modern-era category and will automatically be finalists again next year.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Mavs leaving no doubt that Cooper Flagg is their future after Davis trade

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    DALLAS (AP) — Cooper Flagg is in the midst of an unprecedented run for an NBA teenager just as the Dallas Mavericks are firmly declaring their rookie No. 1 pick the future face of the franchise.

    The day was coming regardless. It arrived with Dallas trading Anthony Davis, the 10-time All-Star who joined the Mavs in a deal that cost them generational superstar Luka Doncic and sent their fans into a funk from which they’re still recovering.

    “We have an unbelievable player in Cooper Flagg,” co-interim general manager Michael Finley, a former Mavericks player, said Thursday night during the announcement of a three-team trade involving nine players and five draft picks that are all going to Dallas.

    “When you have that type of draft capital, it gives yourself the ability to go out and put the proper pieces around him to make our team, like I keep stressing, a championship contender.”

    The Mavericks got Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and Marvin Bagley III along with two first-round picks and three second-rounders from Washington for Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. Malaki Branham also was part of the deal for Dallas, which then traded him to Charlotte for Tyus Jones.

    “It’s tough. Those are guys I came in here my first year, they were all amazing guys to be around on and off the court,” Flagg said. “I wish them all the best. And I’m just blessed to be here. Whoever’s out there on the court with me, and the rest of the guys, just looking forward to continuing to try to get better and compete at a really high level.”

    Flagg extended his NBA record for a teenager with his fourth consecutive game of at least 30 points, scoring 32 in a 135-123 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. The run started with the 19-year-old setting a league scoring record for a teen with 49 points against Charlotte. Flagg followed that with 34 points against Houston and 36 against Boston.

    The Mavericks have lost all four games during Flagg’s surge to put their season-worst losing streak at six games, which helps explain why the Mavericks moved on from the oft-injured Davis, currently sidelined by a hand injury, and chose another retooling of the roster over the chance to see Davis, Flagg and star guard Kyrie Irving on the court together.

    “I think, as a fan, you probably would want to see AD, Kyrie, and Cooper on the court,” said Finley, who shares the interim GM title with Matt Riccardi. “But we had an opportunity to do something to give us the ultimate flexibility in the future. We just felt that this was an opportunity to take advantage of that situation.”

    When the Mavericks converted a 1.8% chance in the draft lottery for the right to select Flagg last summer, there was hope that the fog of losing Doncic would clear.

    Instead, Davis’ injury woes returned amid a slow start by the team this season, as did the “Fire Nico” chants that filled American Airlines Center in the final two months of 2024-25 after the Doncic trade engineered by then-general manager Nico Harrison.

    The Mavericks fired Harrison in November in part as a way to repair the relationship with the fans, and to acknowledge that the trade was a setback for the franchise.

    Now they’ve moved on from their centerpiece in that deal, but Irving is the biggest remaining piece from the team that he and Doncic led to the NBA Finals less than two years ago. It’s beginning to look as if Irving won’t play at all this season after the nine-time All-Star tore the ACL in his left knee last March.

    Finley indicated the Mavs still have a vision of Flagg and Irving — both one-and-done No. 1 overall picks from Duke — sharing the court at some point.

    “We’ve both spoken to Kyrie at different points,” Finley said, referring to Riccardi. “Kyrie has the ultimate respect for Cooper. He loves the kid’s work ethic. He loves the kid’s love for the game. And I think Kyrie’s embracing the role as a mentor to Cooper. So it’s going to be amazing to have a chance to see those guys on the court and playing together.”

    The fate of Flagg’s rookie year is all but set — the Mavericks as also-rans in what appears to be a second consecutive season without a trip to the playoffs since the five-game loss to Boston in the 2024 NBA Finals.

    Coach Jason Kidd, the point guard for the franchise’s only championship team in 2011, believes Flagg has the makings of a franchise leader, and the perseverance to work toward that first postseason chance.

    “The bigger the stage, the bigger the light, the better game he has,” Kidd said. “He wants to win. The 49 (points), the 36, they all have L’s behind it. He wants the change that. He wants to win. I think the great ones learn how to change those L’s into W’s, and he’s going to be one of those.”

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    Associated Press

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  • Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards making history with Olympic debut

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    CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Northeast Ohio native Laila Edwards is officially in the history books as the first Black woman to represent Team USA in ice hockey in the Olympics.

    What You Need To Know

    • Laila Edwards became the first Black woman to represent the United States in women’s hockey at the Winter Olympics on Thursday 

    • Edwards is a Cleveland Heights native and played her first hockey games at the Cleveland Heights Community Center 

    • Edwards’ parents say that Northeast Ohio should embrace her success because they played a part in it

    Edwards picked up an assist in the USA Women’s Hockey team’s 5-1 win over Czechia in their opening game of the Milano Cortina Olympics. Her journey to the world stage began in her hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. 

    “I never would have imagined it,” Edwards said. “I think for it to be a reality is super cool.” 

    Her journey to the Olympics began at 3-years-old, when her parents say she first fell in love with figure skating and, soon after, hockey.

    “Mr. Edwards used to get ice in Cleveland Heights at 6 in the morning,” Laila’s mother Charone Gray-Edwards said. “I never heard her complain.” 

    “We actually went skating every day for a year, literally every day for a year,” Laila’s father, Robert Edwards, said. “She was a very good skater. We kind of knew then she was going to be good.”

    Good is an understatement.

    Edwards quickly excelled on the ice as the best player on the boys hockey teams she played on growing up. Edwards moved to Rochester, New York, in high school to attend Bishop Kearney and play for its elite hockey program. In college, she stars for the Wisconsin Badgers, she’s led the team to two national championships.

    Despite the success, Robert Edwards and Charone-Gray Edwards say their daughter never forgets where she came from.

    “I feel that the community should share in her success and should share in her involvement in hockey because it produced the expectations, produced the opportunity and nurtured it,” said Robert Edwards. 

    “Her foundation was at Cleveland Heights Rec Center,” said Charone Gray-Edwards. “That’s where everything began. So for her to come back and say, yes, everybody, this is where it started. Maybe she wouldn’t be where she is today. I thank Cleveland Heights.”

    Edwards is breaking barriers and changing the game as the first Black woman on the United States Women’s Olympic hockey team. It’s something her father Robert said she takes a lot of pride in. 

    “If she can be the person that comes out there and allows other women to see that they can play or anyone, regardless of who, but Black girls in particular,” Robert Edwards said. “If she can do that for hockey, like what Venus and Serena have done for tennis, I think she would be overwhelmed by that.”

    Edwards is already making a difference in Northeast Ohio.

    “It’s important for girls in this area to have that representation,” Cleveland Lady Barons coach Emily Busta said. 

    In November, Edwards surprised the Cleveland Lady Barons at one of their practices. Busta said Edwards is inspiring girls to lace up their skates. 

    “She’s like the Taylor Swift of Cleveland girls hockey because every single girl was blushing just looking at her,” said Busta. “They just want to be her. They want to play like her.”

    As Laila continues her first Olympics, she’ll have all of Cleveland Heights behind her while inspiring a lot more people. But Edwards isn’t feeling any extra pressure as she goes for the gold with Team USA. 

    “This is the highest level,” said Edwards. “It’s kind of a business, but it’s still fun. At the end of the day, it’s just hockey. I believe we can win this year. We have the ability to do so.”

    Laila and Team USA will hit the ice for their second Olympic contest against Finland on Saturday. 

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    Jack Berney

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  • Lake Gibson High School will be all over the Super Bowl

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The high school football season doesn’t kick off until August, but the Lake Gibson Braves are putting in the work now that hopefully will show up on Friday nights.

    And this offseason, they’ve got extra incentive. Three of their fellow Lake Gibson Braves will be in the Super Bowl.

    What You Need To Know

    • When the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots faceoff in the Super Bowl, Lake Gibson High School will be represented in three ways

    • Roy Ellison, Class of 1983, will be officiating. Quinshon Odom, Class of 2010, is an assistant coach for the Seahawks. And Tyrice Knight, Class of 2018, is a linebacker for Seattle

    • All three played football at Lake Gibson


    “Yeah, it gives me hope,” junior linebacker Malachi Moore said. “You know what I’m saying, one in a million chance, so it really just gives us all hope.”

    And it gives the school serious bragging rights. Former Lake Gibson coaches Keith and Doug DeMyer coached two of the alumni that will be in the Super Bowl.

    Going through old yearbooks brought back some fond memories of the glory days.

    On Super Bowl Sunday, referee Roy Ellison, Lake Gibson Class of 1983, Seattle Seahawks offensive assistant coach Quinshon Odom, Class of 2010 and Seahawks linebacker Tryrice Knight, Class of 2018 will be representing the Braves. Roy will be officiating his fourth Super Bowl. Quinshon, the former Lake Gibson quarterback, will be coaching in his first. It will also be a first for Tyrice, who is a big part of the NFL’s sixth-ranked defense.

    “It’s pretty special to have three of them in all three phases,” Keith DeMyer said. “Administration, officiating and a player. It’s just great.”

    These current players can bear witness to dreams really coming true.

    “It opens up some eyes, like we can really do that if we put in the work and do what we’re instructed to do,” Doug DeMyer said. “And take care of things in the classroom and out in the community and we just follow the plan that’s been laid many, many moons ago and obviously the plan is successful.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • 2 Ohioans named to McDonald’s All-American game

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    OHIO — The 49th annual McDonald’s game brings two Ohioans to the Phoenix hardwood.

    What You Need To Know

    • Anthony Thompson of Western Reserve High School and Geneva and Saniyah of Spire Academy were both named to the games on Feb. 4

    • Hall, a combo guard, averages 20 points per game for her coach Mike Dooley and signed with the University of South Carolina in Nov. 2025

    • Independent scouts and analysts handpicked the rosters from more than 700 nominations

    Anthony Thompson of Western Reserve High School and Geneva and Saniyah of Spire Academy were both named to the games on Feb. 4.

    Thompson plays small forward for coach Michael Brown and averages 22 points per game. He signed with Ohio State University in Oct. 2025.

    Hall, a combo guard, averages 20 points per game for her coach Mike Dooley and signed with the University of South Carolina in Nov. 2025.

    Independent scouts and analysts handpicked the rosters from more than 700 nominations.

    “Nearly five decades into the McDonald’s All American Games, I continue to be amazed by the talent who raise the bar every year, and the fans who show up and show out to support them,” said Elizabeth Campbell, Vice President of Marketing, McDonald’s USA. “We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2026 into this storied legacy and cheer them on as they write the next chapter of basketball history.”

    Ohio residents can watch Hall and Thompson show off their skills in Phoenix on ESPN. The girls’ game is set for 7 p.m., March 31 with the boys’ game following at 9 p.m.

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    Ryan Johnston

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  • 17 former N.C. State athletes join lawsuit alleging abuse by ex-head trainer

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    RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Seventeen additional former N.C. State male athletes have joined a state lawsuit alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine, pushing the total number to 31 in a case that began with a federal lawsuit from a single athlete more than three years ago.

    What You Need To Know

    • Seventeen additional former N.C. State male athletes have joined a state lawsuit alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine

    • That pushes the total number to 31 in a case that began with a federal lawsuit from a single athlete more than three years ago

    • The complaint filed in Wake County Superior Court late last week expands a case alleging years of misconduct by Robert L. Murphy Jr.

    • Allegations include improper touching of the genitals during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples during drug testing


    The complaint filed in Wake County Superior Court late last week expands a case alleging years of misconduct by Robert L. Murphy Jr., including improper touching of the genitals during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples during drug testing.

    All but two of the 31 athletes are “John Doe” plaintiffs to protect anonymity, while two former men’s soccer players are named.

    One is Benjamin Locke, who filed the original complaint in August 2022. The other is one of two athletes who filed their own federal lawsuits in February 2023 and April 2023. The Associated Press typically doesn’t identify those who say they have been sexually assaulted or abused unless the person has spoken publicly about it, which Locke has done.

    Durham-based attorney Kerry Sutton, who has represented plaintiffs in each lawsuit, filed to dismiss those pending Title IX lawsuits before moving the case to state-level jurisdiction in September. That complaint added 11 new athletes to bring the total to 14 — and now the case has more than doubled with the latest filing.

    “While it is never good news to hear there are other men that have been suffering in silence due to what they experienced, I am encouraged by the bravery, vulnerability, and willingness of these men to come forward against injustice,” Locke said Monday in a statement released by Sutton.

    In a separate statement, Sutton said: “I hate to say it, but I expect to hear from more men in coming days who were sexually harassed or assaulted by Mr. Murphy.”

    Seth Blum, a Raleigh-based attorney who has represented Murphy, didn’t immediately return an email from The Associated Press on Monday. He has forcefully defended Murphy in past comments, saying he has been falsely accused and there has yet to be “one scrap of credible evidence he assaulted anyone.”

    “Put simply, Robert Murphy did not do this,” Blum said in a statement after the September lawsuit.

    Murphy, at N.C. State from 2012-22, is among nine defendants named individually. Others are school officials accused of negligence in oversight roles.

    The lawsuits outline similar allegations of Murphy’s conduct and the school’s response in failing to stop it, even when concerns reached senior levels of the athletic department. The latest filing describes the 31 former athletes as “victims of sexual assaults, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment” while saying Murphy “violated his position of trust to abuse rather than treat.”

    The allegations from 17 new plaintiffs largely centered on Murphy’s handling and observation of drug testing. Those allegations centered on athletes being instructed to raise their shirt above their chest and lower their shorts or pants to their ankles while Murphy stared at their genitals from a few feet away and sometimes from within the same bathroom stall.

    One athlete described feeling “uncomfortable and vulnerable,” while another was left “feeling humiliated,” according to the lawsuit. In another case, an athlete was so uncomfortable that he couldn’t urinate “even after consuming three Diet Cokes” and had return a day later “to repeat the same invasive process,” the lawsuit said.

    Roughly a half-dozen of the 17 also alleged Murphy improperly touched their genitals during massage or other rehabilitation treatments amid injuries. One athlete dealing with an Achilles tendon injury to his lower leg alleged Murphy began massage treatments but gradually moved higher until reaching the athlete’s groin; that athlete asked Murphy to stop and refused to let Murphy treat him again, according to the complaint.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Associated Press

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  • José Ramírez will get final payment from Guardians in 2051

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    CLEVELAND — José Ramírez will receive his final payment in 2051 under the third baseman’s $175 million, seven-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians.

    What You Need To Know

    • He gets a full no-trade provision and a hotel suite on road trips

    • Ramírez’s deferred money from each season will be payable in 10 equal installments each Dec. 15 starting in the 10th year after it was earned

    • The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played his entire 13-year big league career in Cleveland

    His deal, announced Friday, includes annual salaries of $25 million, of which $10 million annually will be deferred.

    Ramírez’s deferred money from each season will be payable in 10 equal installments each Dec. 15 starting in the 10th year after it was earned. His 2026 money will be paid from 2036-45 and his 2032 money from 2042-51.

    He gets a full no-trade provision and a hotel suite on road trips.

    Ramírez earned $72 million from 2022-25 under a $141 million, seven-year deal that had $69 million remaining: $21 million this year, $23 million in 2027 and $25 million in 2028.

    The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played his entire 13-year big league career in Cleveland.

    A seven-time All-Star, Ramírez had a career-high 44 stolen bases last season and became the fourth player with multiple seasons of at least 30 home runs and 40 steals. He had a .283 batting average.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Jazz sending ex-Florida, UCF stars to Grizzlies in blockbuster deal for All-Star

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    All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has been traded to the Utah Jazz in what will be an eight-player, multiple-pick deal with the Grizzlies that results in former Florida Gator and 2025 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. and former UCF forward Taylor Hendricks also heading to Memphis.

    Utah is also sending Georges Niang and Kyle Anderson and three future first-round picks to the Grizzlies.

    Jackson, Jock Landale, John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. will be going to Utah with Jackson Jr.

    In the offseason, Memphis previously had traded guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for multiple draft picks and a pick swap. He apparently was the first shoe to drop.

    Memphis has been engaged in talks about trading star guard Ja Morant as well. For now, the Grizzlies decided to part with Jackson, a former defensive player of the year.

    Jackson averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season for Memphis, the team that drafted him No. 4 overall in 2018. He was a two-time All-Star for the Grizzlies, the 2023 defensive player of the year, a two-time blocked shot champion and a three-time all-defensive team pick.

    Of the four Utah players moving to Memphis in the deal, none averaged more than 7.1 points per game this season. Niang has yet to play because of injury; he was with the Atlanta Hawks last season, got traded to the Boston Celtics in July and then sent to Utah in August.

    Clayton Jr. was selected No. 18 overall by the Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft. Hendricks, picked No. 9 overall in the 2023 draft, was in his third season with the Jazz, but he missed all but three games last season after fracturing his right fibula and dislocating his ankle.

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    Spectrum Sports Staff, Associated Press

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  • Lightning’s historic four-goal comeback stuns Bruins in NHL Stadium Series

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Nikita Kucherov scored the tying goal in the third period, Jake Guentzel scored the only goal in the shootout, and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied from a four-goal deficit to beat the Boston Bruins 6-5 in front of 64,617 fans at an NHL Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium.

    Kucherov finished with a goal and three assists, Brandon Hagel had a goal and two assists, while Oliver Bjorkstrand, Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul all scored power-play goals after Tampa Bay fell behind 5-1 in the second period.

    Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 29 saves.

    Tampa Bay’s four-goal comeback is the largest in NHL outdoor game history and the largest comeback victory in franchise history.

    Morgan Geekie had a pair of goals and three points for the Bruins. Viktor Arvidsson, Alex Steeves and Matthew Poitras also scored for Boston, which improved to 11-1-1 in the past 13 games. Charlie McAvoy had a pair of assists while Jeremy Swayman finished with 41 saves.

    The game featured the first goalie fight in outdoor game history when Vasilevskiy and Swayman exchanged blows at center ice in the second period.

    Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) fight during the second period of a Stadium Series NHL hockey game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

    Kucherov capped off Tampa Bay’s rally with a one-timer from the left circle with 8:10 left in the third period.

    With an opening puck drop temperature of 41.8 degrees Fahrenheit (5.44 Celsius), Hagel fired up the crowd with a goal just 11 seconds in — the fastest goal in NHL outdoor game history and tying a franchise history for fastest goal to start a game.

    The Bruins scored the next five as Steeves, Geekie and Arvidsson all scored within a span of 7:39 to give Boston a 3-1 lead after the first. Poitras scored on a backhander at 2:22 of the second period while Geekie notched his second of the game at 8:18.

    Bjorkstrand scored at 10:28 to make it 5-2.

    The Lightning scored a pair of five-on-three power-play goals 23 seconds apart. Raddysh scored a goal for the fourth consecutive game to set a franchise record for a defenseman. Paul then tapped in a pass from Guentzel to make it 5-4.

    Up Next

    Bruins: At Florida on Wednesday night.

    Lightning: Host Buffalo on Tuesday night.

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    Associated Press

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  • NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash pushed back to Wednesday

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem has been pushed back to Wednesday. It was originally scheduled for Sunday, then pushed back to Monday before being postponed again due to snow. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cook Out Clash will be held on Wednesday

    • Parking lots open at 11:30 a.m., gates open at 12:30 p.m.

    • Practice and qualifying starts at 1:30 p.m. 

    • The last chance qualifier is at 4:30 p.m., and Clash starts at 6:30 p.m. 


    “We felt that this was the right call on the right move, and we feel very confident in our ability to execute this event,” said Justin Swilling, project lead for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash.

    The Cook Out Clash is being pushed back once more. NASCAR made a collaborative decision with the City of Winston-Salem, N.C. Department of Transportation and other community stakeholders to move the race to Wednesday due to safety and cleanup efforts.

    On Sunday, crews spent the day cleaning up snow on the track, the stands and areas around the stadium after a winter storm dropped several inches of snow Saturday.  

    “The condition of the facility now is continually improving while the temperatures remain below freezing,” Swilling said. “The sunlight has helped us tremendously.

    Over 40 truck loads of snow and ice have since been removed from the property. Officials say, fortunately, a lot of ticket buyers for the nearly sold out event live nearby.

    “Whoever shows up at Bowman Gray Stadium, we’re ready to find a seat for them and put on one heck of a show,” Swilling said.

    “We got really lucky last year with the weather,” said Burt Myers, who will race in the No. 50, Team AmeriVet, Chevrolet. “I kept saying this time of year, we can handle the cold if we can just dodge the snow and the ice, and it bit us this year.”

    Myers is one of the dozens of drivers waiting to compete in the Clash. Myers along with his family have made a name for themselves racing in the modified summer series at the historic track, where he’s won numerous titles. Myers is looking forward to another chance competing for a victory at the place known as “The Madhouse.”

    “Typically we’re used to just getting ready for racing season [this time of the year],” Myers said. “To throw a race in, it gives us a chance to kick start a little early and it’s a Cup car, so who wouldn’t be excited about that, right?”

    Parking lots are set to open at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Off-site shuttles will start running at noon with gates opening at 12:30 p.m.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Cooper Flagg breaks NBA teen record with 49 points in Mavs’ loss to Hornets

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    DALLAS (AP) — As Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg set the NBA record for points by a teenager with 49 on Thursday night in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte, he broke the franchise rookie scoring record he shared with Mark Aguirre — whose jersey was retired at halftime.

    “Mark Aguirre is special. Such a special night for him and the whole organization,” said Flagg, who turned 19 in December. “I just feel blessed. It’s a pretty cool thing.”

    “You saw history,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We saw history at halftime, and we got to see a young man play the game at a very high level. To have Mark in the building and break his record was pretty special.”

    Also special for the No. 1 draft pick last summer from Duke was playing his first NBA game against Kon Knueppel, his roommate as Blue Devils freshmen last season. Knueppel, drafted fourth, set his own career record with 34 points and hit the two winning free throws with 4.1 seconds left after being fouled at the rim by Flagg.

    “Cooper, he played like the best player we’ve played all season,” said Knueppel, who set a franchise rookie record hitting eight 3-pointers. “He had a heck of a game, he’s a heck of a player, and he’s going to have a heck of a career.”

    Flagg referred to Knueppel as his “brother for life.”

    Cliff Robinson set the previous NBA teen record of 45 at age 19 for New Jersey in a game against Detroit on March 9, 1980. Flagg’s previous high of 42 points also came in a defeat — 140-133 at Utah on Dec. 15. As did Aguirre’s, in a 118-112 loss to Golden State on Nov. 14, 1981.

    It didn’t start out looking like a historic night for Flagg. He shot 1 for 4 in the first quarter as the Mavericks fell behind by 15 points. He caught fire in the second period, hitting 8 of 9 including 2 of 3 from downtown plus 5 for 5 at the free-throw line. His 23 points in the period and 25 at halftime were both Dallas individual highs this season.

    Knueppel conversely came out hot. He hit his first three shots from behind the arc, 4 for 5 in the first period and added another in the second quarter.

    “When he sees some easy ones go in to start the game, it’s never a good thing (for an opponent),” Flagg said of Knueppel, who turned 20 in August. “That’s how it is for a lot of great shooters.”

    Any trash talk?

    “Chirping back and forth,” Flagg said. “Just having fun.”

    The two leading candidates for Rookie of the Year finished the night with Flagg averaging 19.5 points per game, Knueppel 18.9. They’ll meet again on March 3 in Charlotte.

    It will be difficult to match their collective effort on Thursday night.

    “We’ll both be looking back on this night and this whole year in general the rest of our lives,” Flagg said.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Associated Press

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  • Blue Jackets beat Flyers 5-3 for third straight win

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Charlie Coyle had a goal and an assist and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-3 on Wednesday night for their third straight win.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kirill Marchenko, Eric Gudbranson, Sean Monahan and Mathieu Olivier also scored for the Blue Jackets

    • The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games and are tied at 57 points with the Flyers and Capitals for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division

    • Marchenko put the Blue Jackets back in front with 19.3 seconds left in the first, skating four-on-four, before Gudbranson made it 3-1 at 1:57 of the second period

    • The Blue Jackets head to Chicago on Friday night

    Kirill Marchenko, Eric Gudbranson, Sean Monahan and Mathieu Olivier also scored for the Blue Jackets to offset a hat trick by Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny.

    Elvis Merzlikins stopped 24 shots for Columbus and Zach Werenski had two assists, giving him 35 points in his last 21 home games.

    The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games and are tied at 57 points with the Flyers and Capitals for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division.

    Konecny’s hat trick was the third of his career and Dan Vladar made 26 saves in his first start after missing six games with a lower-body injury. Rasmus Ristolainen left with a lower-body injury in the first period and did not return in the Flyers’ second straight loss.

    Coyle gave Columbus the lead 38 seconds into the game before Konecny pulled Philadelphia even at 9:03.

    Marchenko put the Blue Jackets back in front with 19.3 seconds left in the first, skating four-on-four, before Gudbranson made it 3-1 at 1:57 of the second period, with his first goal of the season and a league-leading 39th by a Blue Jackets defenseman.

    Konecny pulled Philadelphia within a goal at 4:08 of the third period and completed his hat trick at 4:46 to tie it. His 38 points against Columbus are the most he has against any NHL team.

    Monahan put Columbus back in front to stay with 3:28 left in the third, and Olivier sealed the win with an empty-netter with 1:06 remaining.

    Up next

    Flyers: Visit Boston on Thursday night.

    Blue Jackets: Visit Chicago on Friday night.

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    Associated Press

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