Anthony Edwards scored 33 points, Julius Randle added 27 points and seven assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves won their fourth straight, 131-114 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
Minnesota’s winning streak was punctuated by a wire-to-wire victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. All four wins have been by double-digits.
Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels had 20 points apiece for the Timberwolves, Reid adding nine rebounds. Rudy Gobert grabbed 16 boards and added a pair of blocks.
Ty Jerome, playing in his first game of the season after recovering from a right calf strain, led Memphis with 20 points and six assists but could not prevent the Grizzlies from losing their sixth straight.
GG Jackson added 19 points and Jaylen Wells had 15.
Memphis has struggled of late, its losing streak coming amid injuries and reports the team is willing to trade star guard Ja Morant before Thursday’s deadline. Morant was one of seven Memphis rotation players who sat out against the Timberwolves. Memphis did get the return of Jerome, signed as a free agent last summer.
Memphis had long-range shooting problems in the first half, making only one of its first 18 attempts from outside the 3-point arc. In the third quarter, Minnesota extended a 58-49 halftime lead to 92-73, making 12 of its first 16 shots in the quarter. The Timberwolves lead entering the fourth was 97-79.
Minnesota kept the lead at double-digits and coasted home after extending the advantage to 22 points with 3:46 remaining.
The teams will face each other Monday night in Memphis.
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”Video above: Philadelphia 76ers player injured in hit-and-run“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia hosts New Orleans.The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.Sixers coach Nick Nurse declined ahead of Saturday’s game to discuss details of the conversation he had with George after the suspension was announced. Nurse said he hadn’t noticed any personal issues with George, even as mental health concerns were addressed in the statement.“I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, with that scoring average third-highest on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.“I think there’s been a lot of circumstances that have been really unfortunate,” Nurse said. “I also feel like he’s played pretty well this year. Borderline very well, considering he’s played such a critical role for us. Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team. I think he’s done what we’ve need him to do.”Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.It’s certainly not any better now.“As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse said. “We’re to help him. The organization is in any way possible. And try to get past it as soon as we can, get through it the best way we can, and then go from there.”George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.The 76ers will go through the deadline while they are on a five-game West Coast road trip that starts Monday at the Los Angeles Clippers.“You get the punch to the gut, but listen, me, I’ve got to lead the charge here,” Nurse said. “We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.
The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”
Video above: Philadelphia 76ers player injured in hit-and-run
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.
He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”
The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia hosts New Orleans.
The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.
George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.
Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse declined ahead of Saturday’s game to discuss details of the conversation he had with George after the suspension was announced. Nurse said he hadn’t noticed any personal issues with George, even as mental health concerns were addressed in the statement.
“I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”
George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, with that scoring average third-highest on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.
George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.
“I think there’s been a lot of circumstances that have been really unfortunate,” Nurse said. “I also feel like he’s played pretty well this year. Borderline very well, considering he’s played such a critical role for us. Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team. I think he’s done what we’ve need him to do.”
Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.
It’s certainly not any better now.
“As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse said. “We’re to help him. The organization is in any way possible. And try to get past it as soon as we can, get through it the best way we can, and then go from there.”
George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.
George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.
The 76ers will go through the deadline while they are on a five-game West Coast road trip that starts Monday at the Los Angeles Clippers.
“You get the punch to the gut, but listen, me, I’ve got to lead the charge here,” Nurse said. “We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”
He vehemently disagreed with JT Orr’s officiating on inbounds plays, and described Orr’s decision to give Green a technical foul with 8:44 left in the second quarter as insulting for reasons that went beyond basketball.
“I find it very ironic that I got a technical foul for telling a Caucasian referee not to put his hand in my face,” Green said. “As a Black man in America, don’t put your hand in my face. I said “Hey, don’t put your hand in my face” and I got a tech, so I thought that was the most interesting part of the night.”
Green and Orr had engaged in a minutes-long dialogue throughout the quarter, and Green continued the conversation even as Orr went to the scorers’ table to begin a replay review on a missed Pistons foul on Green.
“Draymond, this is your chance to stop talking to me,” is what Green recalled Orr telling him, with Green responding, “Bro, don’t put your hand in my face.”
The NBA did not respond immediately to a request for comment by the Bay Area News Group.
“Everybody wants to talk about holding the line of respect, but that line needs to be held both ways,” Green said. “If the line won’t be held both ways, it won’t be held from my way, because we’re all men and we can all make decisions and choices. So let that be the last time that happens.”
One point of contention between Green and Orr was how the official allowed Piston Ausar Thompson to handle the ball after made Detroit baskets.
“He told me that Ausar Thompson can hold the ball, and look to see who to give the ball to after a made basket, and he said that’s not a delay of game,” Green claimed, noting that the decision allowed Detroit to slow down Golden State’s ability to get the ball inbounds quickly.
Green also said that Steph Curry, who left the game in th third quarter with a sore knee, was called for a delay of game for doing exactly what Thompson did.
When Green brought up the difference in how the same situation was officiated, he said Orr had a sheepish response.
“Same referee though, JT Orr. then, he’s like ‘Oh maybe you have a point,’” Green said. “No (expletive), you can’t change the rules in the middle of the game.”
The Warriors will play their next game at home on Tuesday against Philadelphia.
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves matched a season high with 22 3-pointers in a 123-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
Jaden McDaniels scored 21 points including 5 of 5 from 3-point range for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid added 18 points off the bench for Minnesota and connected four times from behind the arc.
Minnesota’s 22 3-pointers equaled the second-most surrendered by the Thunder this season. The Wolves shot 46.8% (22 of 47) from deep.
Minnesota has won three straight after snapping its season-long five-game losing streak. Oklahoma City has lost three of its last four games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 30 points for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren added 15 points, while center Isaiah Hartenstein scored 11 points in his return to action after missing 16 games with a calf injury.
Despite getting leading rebounder Hartenstein back, the Thunder were outrebounded 46-36.
Minnesota was without veteran point guard Mike Conley. Bones Hyland saw extended playing time with Conley out, scoring nine points in 23 minutes.
A handful of careless turnovers by Minnesota allowed the Thunder to get back to within 13 points at 105-92. Donte DiVincenzo’s 3-pointer stopped the run, and both teams eventually emptied their benches.
The Timberwolves turned 16 Thunder turnovers into 30 points. Minnesota turned the ball over 20 times.
Minnesota found a rhythm from deep in the first quarter. The Wolves connected on 8 of 15 shots from 3-point range to take a 14-point lead after one. Edwards scored 12 of his 26 points in the first quarter.
Timberwolves players wore black T-shirts reading “STAND FOR MINNESOTA” during the pregame warmups in response to the fatal shootings by federal agents that have occurred in Minneapolis in recent weeks.
All day Thursday, the Sixers’ messaging was clear: they could not take a perceived easy matchup against Sacramento lightly. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid certainly did not.
But something has shifted this year. It’s like a jolt of energy hit the locker room. The team’s chemistry is the best it’s been in a while—guys are genuinely enjoying playing together, supporting each other, and buying in. Leading the charge? Joel Embiid, who’s playing like an All-Star again.
All-Star bench players haven’t been revealed yet, and while it’s tough to crack the East frontcourt with how stacked it is, Embiid is right there in the conversation. Besides Nikola Jokic, he’s basically the only center averaging over 25 points per game league-wide right now. If he keeps this up, he should be a lock.
With a healthy Embiid leading the way, and Tyrese Maxey playing at an MVP-candidate level next to him, this Sixers team has no real ceiling. The roster mixes young upside with Hall of Fame-caliber vets like Paul George, and the pieces are starting to click. We’re sitting in a solid spot in the standings, and the Eastern Conference looks weaker than usual—especially with stars like Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and Tyrese Haliburton dealing with major injuries that are keeping them sidelined or limited.
The trade deadline is right around the corner, and it’s a must that the Sixers act as buyers. Daryl Morey needs to add the right depth or a missing piece to maximize this win-now window before those other teams get their guys back healthy.
After two months of debate, whispers, and will-they-won’t-they about whether the Milwaukee Bucks would trade superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, it feels like we’ve finally reached the boiling point.
Less than a week before the NBA trade deadline, all signs point to the Bucks finally believing it might be best for both parties if they split before the end of the season. The Bucks were expected to try to look for a significant trade deadline acquisition to pair with the Greek centerpiece. Those aspirations have been dashed, however, by Antetokounmpo’s recent calf strain.
At 18-27 and barreling down to the bottom of a soft Eastern Conference, the Bucks are on the verge of a needed rebuild, and they could officially begin it in the next few days if they trade the former MVP.
While the usual suspects that have been linked to Antetokounmpo, like the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors, are all expected to make their best offer, a surprise team from the shadows might have the best offer on the table for the reeling Bucks.
NBA insider Chris Haynes, along with other sources, believes that the Atlanta Hawks, who recently traded former face of the franchise Trae Young to Washington, are a team to watch as the Antetokounmpo market develops.
The Hawks have a young, exciting squad, and the addition of a superstar like Antetokounmpo could be the final piece that pushes them from frisky underdog to full-fledged title contender in an open Eastern Conference.
And when it comes to the Bucks looking towards the future, the Hawks might have the greatest asset of all in the trade discussions.
The New Orleans Pelicans traded the Hawks their first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which, at the moment, gives them the third-best odds in the lottery. Freshman prospects Cameron Boozer (Duke), AJ Dybantsa (BYU), and Darryn Peterson (Kansas) are all looked at as potential generational talents, so getting a top-three selection is paramount for the teams trying to launch their future.
Milluwake, seventh currently in lottery odds, could possibly dream of grabbing two of the “Big 3” freshmen in a world where the team falls even further down the standings without their best player.
Although other teams can offer better current players than the Hawks, that might not matter if the Bucks are enamored of the upcoming prospect class that has turned heads in college basketball.
Flashier franchises are vying for Antetokounmpo. But the Hawks might swoop down from the skies and snatch him right under the noses of the Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
David Adelman couldn’t make sense of what he was watching, but he could make out the neighborhood. Minneapolis was his first NBA home. He knew the city well. Just not in this ravaged state.
“That’s a great community of people,” the first-year head coach of the Nuggets said. “I lived there for five years. And it was just so weird to see exactly where it was in the city, because I knew exactly where it was. And from the drone shot, it looked like a war zone. And that’s the country we live in.”
Before the Nuggets hosted the Pistons on Tuesday night, Adelman took a moment to reflect on the unrest in Minneapolis and the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was fatally shot by federal agents last Saturday.
“Just as a human being, that’s really hard to watch,” he said. “I’d say beyond that, if you want to look at this in layers, how do you explain it to your kids? It’s tough. My kids are of an age where they know what’s going on. Watching that video and trying to explain it to them makes you realize that I don’t know what the hell is going on either.”
The NBA postponed last Saturday’s game between the Timberwolves and Warriors “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after the shooting of Pretti, according to a statement from the league.
The game was made up on Sunday, with anti-ICE chants echoing through Target Center at the end of a pregame moment of silence for Pretti. The day before Pretti’s death, mass protests had been held in Minneapolis speaking out against the federal government’s deployment of ICE to enforce Donald Trump’s immigration policy. Renee Good was shot and killed on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis amid the crackdown.
“For the second time in less than three weeks, we’ve lost another beloved member of our community in the most unimaginable way,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said through tears on Sunday. “As an organization, we are heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch. We just want to extend our thoughts, prayers and concern for Mr. Pretti, family, all the loved ones and everyone involved in such an unconscionable situation in a community that we really love, full of people who are, by nature, peaceful and prideful. We just stand in support of our great community here.”
Adelman, 44, was an assistant coach for the Timberwolves under his father, Naismith Hall of Famer Rick Adelman, from 2011-16. It was his first job in the NBA in a career that eventually led him to Denver, where he replaced Michael Malone as the Nuggets’ head coach in April.
In Denver, protesters held a rally against ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policy on Sunday at the Capitol.
“It’s not about politics,” Adelman said. “It’s about human beings just taking care of each other, even if you don’t agree with each other. So yeah, extremely hard to watch. … I just hope we can figure it out. It’s supposed to be a bipartisan country. Hopefully, we can do that, come together. Whatever your main political views are, let’s not shoot each other.”
THIS BLOG CONTAINS LINKS FROM WHICH WE MAY EARN A COMMISSION. Credit: hyeonjukim-Pixabay
The definition of a “winning edge” in professional sports has undergone a radical transformation, and Philadelphia has quietly become the global epicenter for this evolution.
As we navigate the 2026 season, the city’s major franchises—the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers—have moved far beyond traditional weight rooms and basic ice baths.
The relentless “it’s a Philly thing” mentality now includes a sophisticated, data-driven approach to keeping stars on the field while ensuring the next generation of talent is more resilient than ever before.
The focus has now shifted from mere physical output to the microscopic management of recovery, cognitive load, and biological longevity.
Holistic Mental Health and Onrise Integration
Philadelphia’s professional sports scene has become a leader in destigmatizing mental health, treating it as a foundational pillar of performance rather than a separate issue. The recent partnership between the MLBPA and providers like Onrise signifies a broader trend: providing unlimited, athlete-specific mental health resources to both current and former players.
Locally, the Philadelphia Union Academy was an early adopter of this model, recognizing that the pressure of professional development starts young. This holistic approach focuses on building resilience and “psychological flexibility,” helping athletes navigate the intense scrutiny of the Philly fan base. By integrating mental performance coaches who specialize in trauma-informed care and high-pressure psychology, teams are ensuring their players have the tools to handle the “boos” as well as the “cheers.”
The city’s teams are also addressing mental health conditions with the same rigor they apply to physical injuries, providing confidential counseling services and creating environments where seeking help is normalized rather than stigmatized. When athletes face challenges that exceed the scope of team resources, connecting with a reputable mental health treatment center ensures they receive the specialized, long-term care necessary for a sustainable career and a healthy life.
Furthermore, recognizing the pressures amplified by social media, several Philadelphia franchises have implemented digital wellness programs that help athletes manage their online presence and protect their mental well-being from the constant scrutiny of the digital age.
Biometric Personalization and the Rise of the Digital Twin
The era of “one size fits all” training is effectively over in Philadelphia. Teams are now utilizing advanced biometric tracking to create what sports scientists call a digital twin of each athlete. By aggregating data from wearable sensors that monitor heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, and even glucose levels in real-time, staff can simulate how a specific player’s body will react to a high-intensity practice versus a recovery day. This trend is particularly evident with the 76ers, who use these insights to manage the “player load” of their core stars.
Instead of a standard practice, an athlete might be prescribed a hyper-specific movement protocol based on that morning’s “readiness score.” This level of personalization allows the training staff to predict potential soft-tissue injuries before they occur, shifting the medical department from a reactive role to a proactive, predictive powerhouse.
Cognitive Load Management and Neural Priming
Physical fatigue is easy to spot, but mental fatigue is the hidden opponent that often decides games in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia teams are increasingly investing in cognitive load management, using neuro-tracking software to monitor an athlete’s mental stamina. This isn’t just about focus; it’s about the speed of decision-making under pressure.
Instead of a standard practice, an athlete might be prescribed a hyper-specific movement protocol based on that morning’s “readiness score.” This level of personalization allows the training staff to predict potential soft-tissue injuries before they occur, shifting the medical department from a reactive role to a proactive, predictive powerhouse. The sophisticated data collection methods employed by Philadelphia teams now extend beyond physical metrics to include comprehensive wellness indicators that inform every aspect of player management.
The Professionalization of Sleep and Circadian Alignment
Credit: hyeonjukim-Pixabay
While Philadelphia is a city that never stops, its athletes have never been more protective of their rest. Sleep has been rebranded as the ultimate performance enhancer and a critical component of stress reduction. The Eagles and Phillies have led the way in integrating circadian rhythm specialists into their travel departments. These experts manage everything from the specific spectrum of light in the locker rooms to the exact timing of meals during West Coast road trips.
We are seeing a move away from traditional “red-eye” flights in favor of schedules that maximize deep-sleep cycles. Some athletes now use smart beds and mouth-taping techniques, which is a trend that gained massive traction in 2025, to ensure nasal breathing and optimized oxygen intake during rest. By treating sleep as a scheduled, measurable part of the job, Philly teams are finding they can significantly cut down on the inflammation and brain fog that typically plague professional rosters.
Hyper-Targeted Nutrition and Metabolic Flexibility
This isn’t just about “eating clean”; it’s about eating for a specific phase of the week. An athlete might follow a high-protein, anti-inflammatory protocol on recovery days and a precision-carbohydrate loading phase 24 hours before a match. This trend also includes a shift toward “functional fiber” and gut health, with fermented foods and high-grade probiotics becoming staples in the team kitchens to support the immune system and overall energy levels.
Additionally, teams are now screening for and addressing eating disorders as part of their comprehensive nutrition programs, recognizing that disordered eating patterns can significantly impact both performance and long-term health outcomes.
AI-Driven Injury Prediction and Movement Analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from the front office to the sidelines. By using high-speed cameras and computer vision, Philadelphia’s sports science departments can analyze an athlete’s biomechanics in three dimensions without the need for cumbersome sensors. This technology identifies subtle “mechanical leaks” in a pitcher’s delivery or a skater’s stride that could lead to long-term joint wear.
The Phillies, in particular, have leaned into this to preserve their pitching staff, using AI to compare a pitcher’s current mechanics against their “healthy baseline” in real-time. If the AI detects a 2% shift in hip rotation or arm slot, it flags a potential fatigue-related injury risk. This data allows coaches to make informed decisions about pulling a player before the “snap” happens, fundamentally changing the philosophy of injury prevention in the city.
Recovery Technology
While ice baths are still a staple, the recovery suites at the NovaCare Complex and the 76ers Training Complex now resemble something out of a sci-fi film. The trend has shifted toward “active recovery” technologies like whole-body cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and smart compression gear that uses sensors to adjust pressure based on blood flow.
One of the most significant shifts is the use of therapeutic lasers and exosome-inspired treatments to accelerate soft-tissue repair. These technologies aim to stimulate cellular healing at a much faster rate than traditional rest alone. We are also seeing the rise of “hydrotherapy 2.0,” where underwater treadmills and resistance jets allow injured athletes to maintain cardiovascular fitness and muscle memory without placing any weight on healing joints or ligaments.
The “Muscle as Medicine” Longevity Model
Strength training in Philadelphia has moved away from the “bodybuilder” aesthetics of the past toward a model focused on longevity and functional robustness. This “muscle as medicine” philosophy treats lean muscle mass as a protective organ that regulates metabolism and hormonal health. For veteran players in the twilight of their careers, the focus is on preserving bone mineral density and power output through high-velocity, low-impact training. This trend is especially vital for the Flyers, where the physical toll of the NHL requires a unique blend of explosive power and joint stability.
By prioritizing “eccentric” loading and isometric holds, Philly teams are building the best athletes who are not just bigger, but “harder to break,” extending the peak performance years of the city’s favorite stars.
Female-Centric Sports Science and Hormonal Optimization
With the explosive growth of women’s sports, Philadelphia is at the forefront of female-specific sports science. This trend focuses on the unique physiological needs of women. This includes “cycle syncing,” where training intensity and nutritional intake are adjusted based on an athlete’s hormonal fluctuations to maximize performance and minimize the risk of ACL injuries, which are statistically more common in female athletes.
As the city prepares for potential new professional women’s franchises, the local medical community is already pivoting toward this specialized care. It ensures that the “Philly tough” mantra is backed by science that understands the female body’s specific requirements for recovery and power.
Community-Based “Social Fitness” and Team Cohesion
The final trend isn’t found in a lab, but in the culture of the locker room. There’s a growing realization that “social fitness”—the sense of belonging and community—is a massive driver of physical health. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can be mitigated by strong social bonds and a positive team environment. Philadelphia coaches are increasingly focusing on “psychological safety” and collective activities that lower the psychological barrier to hard work.
Whether it’s the Eagles’ “family-first” culture or the Phillies’ legendary clubhouse chemistry, teams are beginning to measure “cohesion” as a metric of health. They understand that a happy, connected athlete recovers faster, trains harder, and performs better under the intense pressure of a Philadelphia playoff run.
Conclusion
The landscape of athlete health in Philadelphia is no longer just about who can lift the most or run the fastest.
It’s a sophisticated, multi-disciplinary effort that treats the human body as a complex, integrated system.
By embracing everything from AI-driven biomechanics to the professionalization of sleep, Philly’s teams are setting a new standard for the rest of the sporting world.
The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the court after the postponement of their game against the Golden State Warriors the day before, the focus clearly distracted by a community in crisis.
“Their group was suffering. The vibe in the stands, it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the 111-85 victory on Sunday. “You could feel the somber atmosphere. Their team, you could tell they were struggling with everything that’s been going on and what the city has been through.”
Before the game, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch’s voice cracked and faltered as the he expressed on behalf of the team a heartbreak for the community’s collective fear and pain from the ongoing immigration crackdown, following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a federal officer.
Finch presents a straightforward, no-nonsense approach in his public statements and rarely reveals much emotion, but he was clearly moved by the situation in Minneapolis. The game between the Timberwolves and Warriors was postponed by 24 hours, after Pretti was killed on Saturday.
“I’m more than a resident. This is my home. I love living here. I love being a part of this community. I’ve been embraced from day one. People have been amazing. It’s sad to watch what is happening,” said Finch, who was hired by the Timberwolves five years ago. “On the human level, certainly as somebody who takes great pride in being here, I know a lot of our players feel the same. They all love being here, and it’s just hard to watch what we’re going through.”
Afterward, Finch called it a “ghost of a performance” after his team’s lowest final score in more than four years. Kerr said he thought it was impossible for the fans and players to focus on the court.
“They came to the game to try to forget about stuff, I guess, but I don’t think anything went away from the city and for their team,” Kerr said.
The Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Pretti prior to the national anthem, just as they did for Renee Good before their game on Jan. 8, the day after she was fatally shot by a federal officer. The Trump administration in December launched what the Department of Homeland Security declared the largest immigration enforcement operation in history and earlier this month announced a surge of more officers to push their force past 2,000.
The NBA announced Saturday that the rescheduling decision was made to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after Pretti was killed during a confrontation in a commercial district less than 2 miles south of Target Center. Finch said on Sunday that the Timberwolves pushed for the postponement to respect the public grieving process.
“Playing basketball just didn’t feel like the right thing to do,” Finch said, thanking the NBA and the Warriors for their support.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, long one of the league’s most outspoken coaches, was measured but clearly moved as he expressed his own sympathy.
“This has always been a great stop on the NBA tour. I love the city of Minneapolis. People here are wonderful, and it’s very sad what’s happening. I feel for the city. There’s a pall that’s been cast over the city. You can feel it. A lot of people are suffering, and obviously a loss of life is the No. 1 concern. Those families will never get their family members back,” Kerr said.
Tens of thousands of people swarmed downtown Minneapolis on Friday in protest of the tactics and presence of immigration officers, a crowd the Warriors could see from their hotel as it moved toward Target Center. A smaller protest march took place downtown before the game Sunday.
Plenty of other voices were raised around the sports world on Sunday.
Women’s basketball star Breanna Stewart held a sign with “abolish ICE” printed on it during introductions at her Unrivaled league game. Minnesota Frost fans during a PWHL game chanted “Ice out now!” The NBA Players Association issued a statement in support of the protests in Minnesota and urged its members to speak up. Former Timberwolves standout Karl-Anthony Towns posted on social media his condolences for the families of Good and Pretti and said, “This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are.”
The Timberwolves joined the region’s four other major league men’s sports teams in signing a letter with the CEOs of more than 60 companies based in Minnesota, calling for “immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.”
Perspectives in a polarized country vary wildly on what constitutes constitutionally protected protesting and what becomes violent political disruption, and Kerr seemed to sense that tension as he spoke before the game on Sunday.
“People are so angry. There should be an appeal to our better angels to look after one another and to recognize what’s happening. We’re being divided by media for profit, by misinformation. There’s so much out there that is really difficult for all of us to sort of reconcile,” Kerr said. “And so in times like these you have to lean on values and who you are and who you want to be, either as an individual or a country.”
After the game, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards acknowledged the heaviness of the situation even though he’s not closely attuned to the details.
“I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me. So I’m behind whatever they’re with,” Edwards said. “Me and my family are definitely praying for everybody.”
Teammate Julius Randle echoed a similar sentiment.
“I’m not political at all. I don’t get into any of that stuff, but it’s tough, regardless of whatever is going on. Somebody loses their life, you never want to see that,” Randle said, adding: “Been nothing but a joy living here, so things like this happening in the community, it’s tough.”
Stephen Curry scored 26 points to lead the Golden State Warriors past Minnesota 111-85 on Sunday, the fifth straight loss for the Timberwolves and their longest skid in more than three years.
Curry added seven assists and four of his team’s season-high 20 steals after being listed as questionable to play because of knee soreness. Moses Moody added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Warriors (26-21), who moved within 1 1/2 games of the Timberwolves (27-19) for seventh place in the Western Conference.
Brandin Podziemski had 12 points, six assists and four steals for the Warriors, who have won seven of their last 10 games.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 32 points and 11 rebounds after the game was postponed a day following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal immigration officers.
There was a pregame moment of silence held for Alex Pretti, and a subdued crowd found little to cheer as the Timberwolves stumbled to their lowest final score in more than four years since a 104-84 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at home on Nov. 5, 2021. This was their first time under 100 points this season.
The Timberwolves found a burst of energy for a 10-0 run to close the first half, capped by a 3-pointer from Edwards that cut Golden State’s lead to 47-46. But they started the third quarter as flat as they did the first and trailed by double digits for the final 16:15 of the game. The last skid this long for the Timberwolves was six games from Dec. 21-31, 2022.
Forwards Julius Randle (11 points) and Jaden McDaniels (three points) combined to shoot 4 for 19 from the floor for the Timberwolves.
After the rematch here on Monday night, Golden State plays at Utah, and Minnesota plays at Dallas, both on Wednesday.
The first half of Sixers-Knicks on Saturday afternoon was the dream of Sixers fans. The second half was a nightmare they have experienced many times before.
A little over 24 hours after a federal immigration agent shot and killed Alex Pretti amid protests a few miles away from Target Center, causing the postponement of Saturday’s game between the visiting Warriors and the Wolves, the longtime Golden State coach gave his first public statements on the situation.
“I love the city of Minneapolis, and people here are wonderful. And it’s very sad, what’s happening, and I feel for the city,” Kerr said. “There’s a pall that has been cast over the city. You can feel it, and a lot of people are suffering. Obviously, loss of life is the No. 1 concern. Those families will never get their family members back. And you know, when all the unrest settles down, whenever that is, those family members won’t be returning home, and that’s devastating.”
Kerr said Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy alerted him Saturday morning that the league was considering postponing the game.
He also received calls from both Wolves coach Chris Finch and veteran forward Joe Ingles, who let Kerr know that the Wolves players were “feeling really uneasy” about the situation.
“I told Chris and Joe, ‘We trust you guys. We trust the league, whatever makes the most sense,’” Kerr said. “So ultimately, obviously, the game was postponed. I totally agree with the decision. Everything should be about safety and concern for not only the players and the fans, but everybody here in Minneapolis with what’s going on.”
BCA officers stand near the scene of a fatal shooting that took place yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Ultimately, the NBA postponed the game just under three hours before tipoff. Kerr’s teams have previously gone through sudden postponements.
The Warriors coach was just a rookie on the Phoenix Suns when his team had its game cancelled in Miami during the riots of 1989. Over three decades later, the Warriors’ games against the Jazz and Mavericks were postponed after the sudden death of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević.
The Warriors arrived in Minneapolis on Friday afternoon and watched as tens of thousands of people marched down the streets to protest the protracted presence of federal immigration officers in the city.
Though protests did not break out near the arena on Saturday, they were in full force a few hours before tipoff on Sunday afternoon. Hundreds held signs expressing displeasure at Immigration and Customs Enforcement being in the city, and chants rang through the crowded streets.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters on Saturday that a 37-year-old man was killed on Saturday morning but did not identify him, citing limited information about what led up to the shooting. The man was identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrate after Conley scores during the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The protests continued inside the arena.
During a moment of silence held in honor of Pretti, several fans could be heard yelling “(expletive) ICE,” although no physical signs or written messages in opposition to immigration personnel were seen in the lower bowl.
During a break in the action with about five minutes left in the first half, chants of “ICE out” were heard while De’Anthony Melton was shooting free throws. In the third quarter, several members of the Target Center’s dunk crew entertainment team were seen wearing “ICE OUT” shirts.
When the game was being played, neither team was very sharp. The Timberwolves, understandably, appeared to lack focus during the first half, turning the ball over 16 times in the first 24 minutes.
The Warriors led 47-46 at halftime as both sides seemed to just go through the motions, and Golden State pulled away in the third quarter after outscoring the home team 38-17. The Warriors (26-21) snapped a two-game skid, which was the same number of games the team had played without Jimmy Butler, who was lost for the season on Monday with a torn ACL.
Steph Curry scored 26 points, passing John Havlicek and tying with another Celtic great, Paul Pierce (26,397), for 19th on the all-time scoring list.
Teammate Moses Moody scored 19, while Brandin Podziemski put in 12 points. Anthony Edwards poured in 30 points for the Timberwolves, while former Warrior Donte DiVincenzo scored 22.
The teams will play again here on Monday at 6:30 PT.
Kerr decried the death of Good when it occurred several weeks ago, blasting the federal government during an impassioned monologue.
But on Sunday, Kerr struck a message of unity, asking his fellow Americans to respect one another.
“It’s hard to decipher what’s real and what’s not, what’s true and what’s not true,” Kerr said. “People arguing over the exact same video and saying, ‘This happened. No, that happened.’ It is a confusing time to be alive and to be an American, and so what I would appeal to everyone is to remember what our constitution stands for, what our values are, and what that means to how we treat each other and our fellow citizens.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The league announced the decision was made to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after a 37-year-old American citizen was killed by officers on a street in a commercial district less than two miles from Target Center, the downtown arena where the Timberwolves play.
The man who was killed was identified by family as Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration, The Associated Press is reporting.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said agents shot and killed him after they tried to disarm him but were “violently resisted.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said police believe he was a lawful gun owner.
The Warriors vs. Timberwolves game will now be played on Sunday. The two teams are also scheduled to play on Monday night.
According to the report, Jeanie Buss soured on James after the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook in 2021, a move the team made to satisfy the superstar but one that backfired. Buss reportedly was upset with the way James dismissed his part in pursuing Westbrook and blamed others after the move failed, according to ESPN.
“Quite frankly, I don’t really get involved in that, or the reports, or whatever the case may be,” James said after Thursday night’s loss to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome. “I’ve seen a lot of it, obviously, but I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest. … (there’s) gonna be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.”
“My whole mindset was like, how can I get that feeling back to the Lakers organization,” he said. “And then I was able to do that along with, you know, 14, 16, other guys winning the championship, bringing the championship here. That’s always been my mindset.”
James said winning, not headlines, stories or podcasts, is what drives him, now in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season.
“They don’t bother me. I’m 41 years old, and I watch golf every day. I don’t care about an article,” James said. “I don’t care how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally and you know what I’m about, these guys know what I’m about, and that’s all that matters. I don’t – I can care less how somebody feels about me.”
James said he thought he and Buss had an amicable relationship, so the news that she was upset caught him off guard.
“I thought it was good, but, you know, somebody could see it another way,” James said. “There’s always two sides to the coin.
“How I represented this franchise, and what I wanted to do to represent this franchise from when I got here until now, has been with the utmost respect and honor and dignity. And I would say loyalty.”
James added that he has not spoken to Buss since the story was published but said he has never had the type of relationship with a team owner where he would talk one-on-one very often. That includes Dan Gilbert in Cleveland and Mickey Arison in Miami.
“It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” she said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Buss also changed the image on her Instagram profile to a photo of her and James embracing after the 2020 championship win.
The ESPN story also surprised James, who said he never heard about it before it was published.
“Don’t make something out of it that it’s not,” he said. “It’s always been mutual. It’s always been respect, it’s always been a great partnership … don’t make this more than what it is. I don’t care.”
“My whole mindset is restoring excellence.”
LeBron James (23 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB) shares his thoughts on tonight’s 112-104 loss vs. LA Clippers. pic.twitter.com/xlDRoWSqh0
Coby White scored 22 points, Josh Giddey added 21 off the bench, and Jalen Smith converted two clutch free throws late to lift the Chicago Bulls to a 120-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
Chicago overcame a 14-point, first-half deficit and also withstood a 13-0 run from Minnesota in the fourth quarter. White hit a clutch 3-pointer from the corner to keep it a one-point game with 1:06 to play.
After White’s corner 3-pointer, Minnesota committed a pair of costly turnovers in the final minute. Jaden McDaniels lost the ball out of bounds for Minnesota, and Chicago’s Tre Jones made a layup at the other end with 31.1 seconds to play. Smith then converted at the line with 11 seconds remaining, and Minnesota failed to hit a shot in its next possession.
Julius Randle, who was on the injury report with left foot soreness, had a team-high 30 points for Minnesota, but also committed a late turnover. Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid each added 20 points, and McDaniels scored 16 in the loss.
After White was whistled for a travel with 2:08 to play, both teams traded baskets in the ensuing possessions. Edwards hit a shot in the lane and Smith responded with a dunk. McDaniels then converted a corner 3-pointer to put Minnesota up 115-111. But that ended up being the last points scored by the Timberwolves. Chicago went on a 9-0 run in the final 1:06.
The loss was a season-high fourth in a row for Minnesota. Chicago has won three straight.
Fouls were an issue for Minnesota. Edwards got into early foul trouble and finished with five fouls. The Bulls shot 33 free throws — hitting 27 — compared to 15 attempts at the line for the Wolves.
During a timeout, the Warriors’ forward walked back to the locker room with team athletic trainer Drew Yoder with 3:52 left in the second quarter of the Warriors’ 123-115 loss to the host Mavericks on Thursday night.
At the 4:28 mark, Kuminga appeared to roll his left ankle and buckle his knee on a fastbreak layup that led to a foul on Brandon Williams. Kuminga briefly sat down in a courtside chair on the baseline before getting up and walking to the free throw line.
He shot two free throws, and then played the next three possessions before being subbed out. Kuminga then walked back to the locker room under his own power.
The Warriors later diagnosed Kuminga with left knee soreness, and said he would not return.
“I just talked to Jonathan, and he said he’ll get an MRI tomorrow,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “It was both the knee and the ankle, and we’ll see how bad it is.”
The Warriors later said that Kuminga had not yet decided whether or not he would get an MRI.
Kuminga, 23, had requested a trade earlier in the month and was presumed to be out of the rotation entirely after not playing in 16 consecutive games.
He had begun the year as a starter, being a part of the first five during the team’s initial 12 games after signing a two-year deal and ending his restricted free agency. But a combination of poor play and middling team results led to Kerr removing Kuminga from the starting lineup.
Kuminga then saw a combination of injuries and uneven performances lead to lessened playing time before eventually falling out of the rotation altogether.
However, after Jimmy Butler tore his ACL against the Heat on Monday, Kuminga suddenly found himself back in the team’s immediate plans.
He responded by scoring 20 points in 21 minutes against Toronto on Tuesday’s loss to the Raptors.
Before exiting the Mavericks game, Kuminga had scored 10 points in nine minutes and made all three of his shot attempts and each of his four free throws, and was a stellar plus-18 in his short stint.
But after Kuminga went back to the locker room, he was not among the players who warmed up after the halftime break. The Warriors ruled him out shortly afterwards.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg (32), Dwight Powell, center left, and Max Christie (00) defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Missing their two best scoring wings, the burden fell on the guards to carry the offense. Fortunately for the Warriors, the team received a vintage Steph Curry performance to keep them in the game.
The soon-to-be 38-year old torched the Mavericks to the tune of 38 points, making 8 of 15 3-point field goals. De’Anthony Melton provided a more athletic complement to Curry’s long-range showmanship, scoring 22 in 23 minutes.
But with the team trailing just 102-101 with 6:49 left fourth quarter, Draymond Green was called for a flagrant foul when he elbowed Stanford alum Dwight Powell as the Maverick big man was cutting to the rim. A few seconds later, Green was reviewed for another flagrant after a hard foul on Max Christie, but it was ruled a normal foul.
“It wasn’t his night, and he’d be the first to tell you,” Kerr said.
The stoppages helped the Mavericks gain momentum, leading to a 11-0 run over the next two minutes to help Dallas pull away. Green fouled out with 3:50 left after contesting a shot by Williams. Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 30 points, while Bay Area legend Klay Thompson scored six points.
The Mavericks outrebounded the Warriors 54-35.
The Warriors (25-21), now on a two-game losing streak, will travel to Minneapolis to play the first of a two-game baseball-style series with the Wolves on Saturday.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 22: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors calls to his team during the first quarter of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 22, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg (32), Dwight Powell, center left, and Max Christie (00) defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) is fouled driving to the basket by Dallas Mavericks’ Dwight Powell, left, and Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg (32) and Ryan Nembhard (9) look on in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas will return from a right calf strain and play in Denver’s game Thursday against the Wizards.
Valanciunas, 33, missed 11 games. Starting center Nikola Jokic remains out with a left knee injury, but he traveled with the team for the start of its three-game road trip and went through a pregame shooting routine in Washington with a sleeve over his left leg.
While the Nuggets wait for Jokic to return, Valanciunas will play limited minutes.
“(He helps us) impacting the paint — the offensive rebounding, able to wall up at the rim defensively,” coach David Adelman said. “Allows us to get back to, defensively, what we’ve been doing early in the year as opposed to lately with all these guys out. So it’ll be great to have him back. … Another body is such a big deal for us right now with the guys being worn down a little bit.”
Injured wings Cam Johnson and Christian Braun also traveled with the team.
Bam Adebayo scored 25 points, Norman Powell added 22 and the Miami Heat cruised to a 130-117 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.The Heat have won three of their last five and led by double digits the entire fourth quarter. Andrew Wiggins added 19 points, while Pelle Larsson had 16 points and a team-high nine assists.Simone Fontecchio scored 15 points off the bench on five 3-pointers. Miami shot 50% from 3-point range, hitting 21 of 42.Miami guard Tyler Herro (ribs) and center Kel’el Ware (hamstring) missed the game, leaving the Heat without two key rotation players. Ware — who is averaging a team-high 9.8 rebounds — missed his first game of the season.Sacramento has dropped two straight games after winning a season-high four in a row. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 23 points, while Russell Westbrook added 22 on 9-of 14 shooting.Malik Monk scored 18 points, while Dylan Cardwell added 12 rebounds.The Heat took a 77-64 lead at halftime on the strength of a 45-point second quarter that included nine 3-pointers. Miami made 15 of 24 shots (62.5%) from behind the arc before the break.Miami snapped a streak of four straight road losses that all came by at least 12 points.Up nextHeat: At Portland on Thursday.Kings: Host Toronto on Wednesday.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Bam Adebayo scored 25 points, Norman Powell added 22 and the Miami Heat cruised to a 130-117 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.
The Heat have won three of their last five and led by double digits the entire fourth quarter. Andrew Wiggins added 19 points, while Pelle Larsson had 16 points and a team-high nine assists.
Simone Fontecchio scored 15 points off the bench on five 3-pointers. Miami shot 50% from 3-point range, hitting 21 of 42.
Miami guard Tyler Herro (ribs) and center Kel’el Ware (hamstring) missed the game, leaving the Heat without two key rotation players. Ware — who is averaging a team-high 9.8 rebounds — missed his first game of the season.
Sacramento has dropped two straight games after winning a season-high four in a row. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 23 points, while Russell Westbrook added 22 on 9-of 14 shooting.
Malik Monk scored 18 points, while Dylan Cardwell added 12 rebounds.
The Heat took a 77-64 lead at halftime on the strength of a 45-point second quarter that included nine 3-pointers. Miami made 15 of 24 shots (62.5%) from behind the arc before the break.
Miami snapped a streak of four straight road losses that all came by at least 12 points.
