Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...
I Dig Sports

I Dig Sports

The father-son dynasties powering England's future

Published in Rugby
Saturday, 25 January 2025 22:55

There are challenges that come with a famous family name though. These are young men carrying the preconceptions and expectations of others.

"I always get called Mike Friday's son, every time," says 18-year-old Friday with a smile.

"I want to make a name for myself as well. My dad has done everything he was really good but obviously I want to try and push on for myself.

"It is not about escaping his shadow. I just want to be seen as my own person as well, not just a son."

For Bracken it is about being more than a brother as well. Charlie, two years older, is also on Saracens' books and has represented England under-20s in the past.

Bracken says that being a wing rather than a scrum-half like Charlie and Kyran limits comparisons, though even if they do come he has the belief that he could hold his own against his father's heyday.

"I have been shown a few highlight reels and been told my dad used to be quicker than me I'm not sure that works anymore!" he says.

"I have also watched a few England games from the 2003 World Cup run. It is funny seeing how the game has changed so much in a short space of time, with the speed and the structure there is now.

"I wonder how good he would be today. I'm sure he would do alright."

The more pressing question for many England fans is how good this generation of youngsters can become after winning the junior version of both the Six Nations and World Cup in 2024.

Bracken, who is studying at Loughborough University, made his Saracens debut earlier this season in the Premiership Cup, while Friday appeared in the Premiership for the first time in December, coming off the bench in a victory over Newcastle.

Among the under 20s preparing for their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Thursday, they are now the wise, old heads.

"There are different faces from last time, but I am really enjoying the vibe and brotherhood we have got going," says Bracken.

"It has almost continued from last season and built again this season."

From babes-in-arms to brothers-in-arms, they won't be the last to follow their parents' stud marks towards the top.

Goaltender Gibson exits as Ducks beat Predators

Published in Hockey
Saturday, 25 January 2025 23:08

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Veteran goaltender John Gibson sustained an upper-body injury during the first period of the Anaheim Ducks' 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.

Lukas Dostal took over netminding duties at the start of the second period. Gibson made nine saves in the first period as the Ducks held a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. Dostal made 31 saves across the final 40 minutes, giving up only one goal, en route to the win.

It's the second time this season Gibson has left a game because of injury. He was hit in the right eye by a stick blade during a Dec. 23 game against the Vegas Golden Knights and sat out the next two games.

Anaheim coach Greg Cronin, in his postgame media availability, told reporters that, after the first period -- when Gibson was being evaluated -- he was preparing the team to return to the ice, so he didn't have a major update other than saying "I think he's going to be fine."

One of few proven netminders who has been mentioned in trade rumors as the regular season hits its stretch run, Gibson also was out for the first 12 games of the regular season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy.

Gibson came into Saturday's game with an 8-8-2 record in 20 games, a 2.76 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. He has 201 career victories with the Ducks and is five away from tying Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the most wins in franchise history.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Big picture: A first for Hurricanes, or Thunder's great revival?

Whoever prevails in the BBL final, the first to be hosted in Tasmania, it will be a terrific story. Hobart Hurricanes have never won the title, while Sydney Thunder, under the captaincy of David Warner, have gone from the wooden spoon last year to their best run in nine seasons.
Hurricanes have been the standout team this summer, something that looked unlikely after their first game when they were skittled for 74 by Melbourne Renegades. From there, however, Hurricanes were unbeaten through the next eight matches, losing only to Melbourne Stars when they were assured of hosting the Qualifier final. In that match, they overturned Sydney Sixers to earn hosting rights for the final.
Hurricanes have a very well balanced side, even if they have occasionally looked a batter light. Mitch Owen has been the season's breakout star after being elevated to opening the batting, responding with an eye-watering strike-rate of 191.11. Tim David has been a vital cog in the middle order, especially on home soil, with Hurricanes unbeaten in Hobart through the campaign.
But it has been their pace attack which has often set them apart. Riley Meredith has bowled with impressive pace (as did Billy Stanlake before injury), while in captain Nathan Ellis and overseas signing Chris Jordan, Hurricanes have two outstanding death bowlers, with their impact never clearer than in the Qualifier against Sixers.

But it hasn't quite been such a seamless run for Thunder, who had started strongly with four wins in five games before stumbling a little. By finishing third, they had to reach the final the hard way, but did it impressively with victories over Stars and Sixers. A potentially pivotal point in Thunder's season came on the night of the horrific collision between Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams, which left the pair in hospital and their team-mates shaken. But somehow, Thunder were able to get over the line against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, their fortress. It reinforced the close-knit nature of the squad.

Injuries, a Test call to Sam Konstas, and the usual coming and going of overseas names have tested Thunder's depth, but they have found answers at each turn. Warner is now one win away from having a very significant moment in his career after the leadership ban was overturned ahead of the season.

"This year challenged us in every way - injuries to key players, the demands of international tournaments, and the introduction of new faces to the team," Thunder coach Trevor Bayliss said. "But each time, the team rose to the occasion without making excuses. You can't ask much more of your team than that."

Players to watch: Tim David and Tanveer Sangha

Tim David has been the power surge king this season. He has scored 95 runs from 33 balls in the two-over period of fielding restrictions without being dismissed. The next best is Max Bryant's 68 off 30 deliveries with one dismissal. Particularly when chasing at their home ground, David's power means Hurricanes are never out of the game. The role he plays when batting first can be flexible depending on the base the top order has provided.
Tanveer Sangha has bowled very nicely since returning to the side after injury. In his three recent outings, he has figures of 1 for 18, 2 for 31 and 0 for 26. During the last of them, against Sixers, he dropped Moises Henriques, but deflected the ball on to the stumps to run Josh Philippe out. It will be a challenge for Sangha on a smaller playing area at Ninja Stadium, with some strong hitters likely to target the shorter boundaries. But Sangha has some tricks up his sleeve as well.

Team news: Teams may ponder batting depth

Hurricanes juggled their batting order again for the Qualifier, with Matthew Wade moving to No. 3. Chris Jordan potentially feels a place high at No. 7, leaving the onus on the top six to get the job done if that balance is retained.

Hobart Hurricanes (possible): 1 Mitch Owen, 2 Caleb Jewell, 3 Matthew Wade (wk), 4 Ben McDermott, 5 Tim David, 6 Nikhil Chaudhary, 7 Chris Jordan, 8 Nathan Ellis (capt), 9 Cameron Gannon, 10 Peter Hatzoglou, 11 Riley Meredith

Jason Sangha had a significant impact as he slotted back into the side at the top of the order, although Thunder's batting still looks a little thin. There may be a debate over whether three spinners is the way to go in Hobart, although overall, Hurricanes have the third-lowest run rate against spin this season, compared to the highest against pace. Warner confirmed that Ollie Davies would be in the squad, having overcome a thigh injury.

Sydney Thunder (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Jason Sangha, 3 Matthew Gilkes, 4 Sam Billings (wk), 5 Hugh Weibgen/Ollie Davies, 6 Chris Green, 7 George Garton, 8 Nathan McAndrew, 9 Tom Andrews, 10 Wes Agar, 11 Tanveer Sangha

The pitch for the Qualifier was on the slower side of what has been produced this season. Chasing has been the preferred option, but Hurricanes won against that script against Sixers. The forecast is for a warm day and a chance of a thunderstorm, although they are expected to clear by the evening. There is a reserve day for the final, but the first aim would be to complete a five-over match on Monday.

Lunch West Indies 163 and 129 for 5 (Greaves 5*, Noman 4-59) lead Pakistan 154 by 138 runs

West Indies produced perhaps the best batting performance of the series, led by a half-century from their captain Kraigg Brathwaite, to take control of the second Test, taking lunch at 129 for 5. A 50-run opening partnership and further resistance from debutant Amir Jangoo saw West Indies lead by 101 with nine wickets in hand at one point. Pakistan came back into the game in the final 45 minutes, striking four times to peg West Indies back and retain hopes of chasing a total below 200.
Brathwaite had challenged his side to be more aggressive, and led from the front. The tempo was set when he launched Sajid Khan over long-on for six in the fifth over before consecutive boundaries to start off Noman Ali's spell. It sent the message the duo wasn't going to have things their way, and Brathwaite kept reinforcing that in offence and defence.

Abrar Ahmed, too, saw his second ball whipped through midwicket for four, but Mikyle Louis was neither as positive nor as comfortable. That was how Pakistan got back into the game, drawing him into a prod towards the off side, Shan Masood taking a straightforward catch at short extra cover.

Brathwaite slapped Noman for six over long-on but found himself slowing down as he approached his half-century. Jangoo, though, motored along nicely, and when he helped himself to two boundaries off Abrar in an over, West Indies' lead approached three figures.

But Pakistan's spinners brought them back into the game. Brathwaite survived two raised fingers off consecutive deliveries with successful reviews but fell in the next over when he tried to charge Noman and ended up beaten by extra turn. It was a manner of dismissal almost identical to the one that would snare Kavem Hodge in the minutes before lunch. In the meantime, Sajid was getting into the game, too. He had dismissed Jangoo shortly after Brathwaite went walkabout, forcing the issue with a sweep when he appeared to have misjudged the flight and pitch of the delivery. It ended up taking a feather off the bottom of the bat to slip, and West Indies had two new batters at the crease.

The final over before lunch saw Pakistan strike a fifth time, Noman landing the ball in the footmarks and ripping it back into the pads. An enthused appeal - needed partially because Pakistan have burnt all three reviews - was successful, and while West Indies may still have the upper hand, their position is nowhere near as impregnable as it might have been an hour earlier.

The picturesque Bellerive Oval, renamed Ninja Stadium these days and nestled on the eastern shore of the Derwent River, has probably never experienced this type of bedlam before.

After more than 13,000 fans were whipped into a frenzy by ferocious 150kph bowling from speedster Riley Meredith, Hobart Hurricanes staved off a fightback from competition power Sydney Sixers in the qualifying final to lift into a first BBL home grand final.

Giddy fans in the terraces, many of whom were garbed in purple, were hysterical in rare scenes for a mostly downtrodden franchise. Hurricanes have never won a BBL title with Melbourne Stars the only other team with that dubious distinction.

Before the Sixers victory, Hurricanes had won just two finals matches in their history and none at home. Fans had also dropped off the 'Cane train' in recent years with crowds sparse in an oddity compared to the other one-team cities that enjoy massive support.

It was a far cry from the days when Hurricanes regularly attracted crowds of 16-18,000 during the BBL's peak in the middle of last decade. But Tasmanians are warming to this power-laden Hurricanes side that will start favourites against Sydney Thunder in Monday's decider.

Eager fans reportedly lined up outside Bellerive Oval for tickets at 5am, five hours before booths opened, on Saturday amid temperatures of only around 12 degrees Celsius.

"To play in front of a full Ninja Stadium the other day was pretty amazing," Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis told ESPNcricinfo. "To be able to have a final in front of a home crowd, I feel really privileged to be a part of it. This year was a point of pride for us, in trying to make a point of difference and get people to come down here."

It was a gut punch for Hurricanes, long derided as underachievers having missed finals two seasons in a row. Moments after the loss, Ellis got the team together for an on-field rallying cry.

"Boys, it's the first game of a tournament. The conditions probably didn't suit us tonight. Let's leave this here," Ellis told his team-mates.

It was only the second game of the season, but an under-pressure Hurricanes needed a confidence building victory at home against BBL powerhouse Perth Scorchers.

After Ellis elected to bowl, Meredith set the tone and shook up Scorchers' top-order before Mitchell Owen - relatively unknown to the wider public - lit a fuse under Hurricanes' season with an unbeaten 101 from 64 balls, including five monstrous sixes, to mow down the target of 156.

We've got some pretty imposing figures, but the biggest thing is the fact that Mitch [Owen] doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs. Tim David doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs

Nathan Ellis

A strapping seam bowling allrounder, Owen had shown flashes of his big-hitting capabilities well down the order across formats. But Hurricanes' hierarchy in the off-season devised plans to utilise him in the powerplay although Owen was only backed in as an opener days before the Renegades match.

It wasn't envisioned as some type of ingenious idea, but Owen's spectacular success - where he became the competition's most formidable batter in the powerplay - has unlocked a previously inconsistent batting order.

As the season wore on, Hurricanes have been able to strategise and bat around Owen's muscular hitting in the powerplay and Tim David's similar fireworks in the power surge and death overs.

With a staggering strike-rate this season of 191.11, Owen has continually given Hurricanes' fliers while David has dominated the backend with a strike-rate of 177.62.

It has created more defined roles for the other batters instead of the mishmash that existed in previous seasons. Opener Caleb Jewell has complemented Owen at the top of the order, performing the role as an anchor underlined by a strike-rate of 116.15.

Ben McDermott, who once clubbed consecutive BBL tons, has somewhat reined in his belligerent batting, while Matthew Wade has been adaptable and shifted between the top-order and the finishing role.
Among all of that, Indian batter Nikhil Chaudhary established himself as an important link between the destructive bookends of Owen and David. Chaudhary burst into BBL prominence last season with his flamboyant, 360-degree style of batting, but this season he's adjusted his game.

He's been able to absorb pressure in the middle overs and help build a platform for David to capitalise on. His statistics are modest, but Chaudhary has made seven scores this season between 20 and 42.

"We've got some pretty imposing figures, but the biggest thing is the fact that Mitch [Owen] doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs. Tim David doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs," Ellis said. "I think we've got a group that has such good experiences, such good players to adapt to situations. Guys like Caleb, Nikhil, they sort of go unnoticed but have been brilliant."

While overshadowed by the batting order, Hurricanes' attack has worked as a unit. Meredith's rockets gets them going with the new ball and, though naturally expensive at times, he has been more consistent this season.

Ellis' canny changes of pace and deadly yorkers - characteristics that puts him right on the fringe of Australia's white-ball teams - sees him often bowling the tough overs of the power surge and at the death. Chris Jordan also musters his wealth of experience to be a reliable option in the backend.

Spinners Chaudhary and Peter Hatzoglou have bowled tidily, conceding less than eight runs an over, to further reinforce a team where almost every player is contributing with their specific role.

"It's probably changed a little bit now, but throughout the tournament, you never saw Hurricanes players leading the wickets or leading the runs, but you saw us at the top of the ladder," Ellis said. "That was something that I was really proud of, something I was really staunch on. The fact that every win we had, it felt like 11 blokes had their thumbprint on it."

Much like the long-time formula for Scorchers and Sixers, Hurricanes have benefited from continuity with a core group of players who have been together for a while now.

They've gone through some tough times, but this playing group is on the cusp of creating history for Hurricanes as they reel in their long-suffering supporters.

"We've got a fair few guys who have played together a lot," Ellis said. "We enjoy each other's company and I think you can see that on the field. I think it's a really healthy environment. I know how big this game is for Tasmanian cricket. Hopefully we can be the first ones to bring home the silverware."

Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth

Broome's return lifts top-ranked Auburn past Vols

Published in Breaking News
Saturday, 25 January 2025 23:58

AUBURN, Ala. -- Miles Kelly hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining, and Johni Broome had 16 points and 13 rebounds in his return to the lineup as No. 1 Auburn extended its winning streak to 11 games by outlasting No. 6 Tennessee 53-51 on Saturday night.

Auburn (18-1, 6-0 SEC) was held to its lowest point total of the season by Tennessee's physical defense. Kelly's trey off a feed from Broome turned a two-point deficit into a one-point advantage.

Tennessee had a chance to retake the lead in the final seconds, but a 3-point try by Zakai Zeigler missed the mark.

Broome, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound fifth-year senior and preseason Associated Press All-American, was back in action for the first time since suffering what Tigers coach Bruce Pearl called a "significant sprain" to his left ankle during a win at South Carolina on Jan. 11. The forward secured crucial defensive rebounds on Tennessee's final two possessions.

"I just want to thank my trainers and my doctors and Johni Broome for living in the training room for two weeks. I didn't think he was going to come back tonight, in the middle of the week. And even here the day before, I knew he wanted to go," Pearl said after the victory. "I didn't think he was going to be effective. And he had a triple-double tonight: 16 points, 13 rebounds -- and he missed 12 shots.

"But I think the team really respected their leader for putting it on the line, and I don't know if we win if he doesn't come back."

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes didn't take any chances. He had his Volunteers prepared to see Broome, although, in the end, that didn't stop him.

"There was no doubt in our mind [Broome] was going to play," Barnes said. "We knew he was going to play. So, we prepared all week for him to be there."

Zeigler had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the Vols (17-3, 4-3). Chaz Lanier added 10 points, including a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the second half.

Both teams shot less than 32% from the field in the defensive slugfest.

"The last thing is that we've won four games now in the last possession -- four of the last six," Pearl said. "Last year, we had 20 wins by double digits. And so, whether this team is better or not or whatever we are, this league is better. And so, it's going be a battle every night. But we are happy with this one, because that's a great team."

Auburn will play at LSU on Wednesday.

Tennessee will look to bounce back when it hosts No. 9 Kentucky on Tuesday.

"I thought they fought all night long," Barnes said of his Volunteers. "And we went through just a couple minutes where we didn't quite stick to the details and gave them a few baskets that we wouldn't want to give them."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

George (pinkie) exits 76ers' win, will have MRI

Published in Basketball
Saturday, 25 January 2025 23:19

CHICAGO -- Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George exited in the second quarter of Saturday's 109-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls and did not return after jamming his left pinkie.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse said George was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Sunday to test for any further damage.

George's finger bent backward while attempting to grab the ball over Bulls center Nikola Vucevic during the second quarter. George did not play the final five minutes of the first half and shortly after he did not take the court to begin the third quarter, the Sixers ruled him out for the rest of the game. He played 13 minutes and went 3-of-6 from the field with nine points.

The Sixers were already without star Joel Embiid, who has not played since Jan. 4 because of a knee injury.

Philadelphia arrived in Chicago on the second night of a back-to-back and after a 132-129 upset win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at home Friday, which ended a seven-game losing streak. George scored 30 points Friday before appearing in a back-to-back for the first time in two weeks.

With Saturday's win, the Sixers pulled closer to the Bulls in the race for the final Eastern Conference postseason spot. Philly trails Chicago by one game for the No. 10 seed, which is part of the play-in tournament.

"We're piecing it together the best we can," Nurse said afterward.

Celts work to regain 'killer instinct' amid struggles

Published in Basketball
Saturday, 25 January 2025 23:19

DALLAS -- The Boston Celtics readily admit that the aftermath of their championship celebration has impacted their intensity this season.

"We were a lion last season, and some games this year we've looked like a house cat," center Kristaps Porzingis said after the Celtics' 122-107 win Saturday over the Dallas Mavericks. "We want to have that spirit as a team this year, and it's tough. Obviously we can't trick ourselves and make it [like] it's playoffs every game. It's tough, just human nature. But we know the group that we have and we know that we're going to bring it to the big games, but we need to bring it consistently and keep building on top of good wins like tonight."

The Celtics, who won 68 games last regular season and lost only three times during the postseason run to the franchise's record-setting 18th title, are second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 32-14 record. Boston jumped to a 21-5 start but is only 11-9 since then and sit 4.5 games behind the Cavaliers.

"We're definitely working towards getting our killer instinct back," said Porzingis, who scored 18 points in Saturday's win, his first game at the American Airlines Center since the Mavs traded him to the Washington Wizards at the 2022 deadline. "We want to have that. Some moments we've looked really good, some moments not so good. Some moments we've cruised a little bit."

Boston arrived in Dallas off an embarrassing blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on national television Thursday. There was a motivational quote written on the white board in the visitors' locker room that was attributed to star forward Jaylen Brown, although he didn't think that he actually uttered those particular words.

"Whatever it takes to inspire the team," Brown said.

Brown did, however, cite one of his favorite sayings that he believes applies to Boston's relative struggles this season: "Winter always turns to spring."

In this case, the saying reflects Brown's confidence that the Celtics will soon go on a dominant run. Boston hasn't had a winning streak longer than three games since November.

"It's coming. It's coming," said Brown, who had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists against the Mavs. "You just keep working. It's coming. You got to keep fighting if you want to be what you say you want to be, got to be tested and you got to pass those tests and be worthy of it. It's been hard. Shots are not going in. It's looked a little bit ugly at times. Our offense has been a little bit [off]. The energy hasn't been flowing the way it's used to, but that's all right.

"Just keep your mind, you keep your spirit lifted, you keep your teammates' spirit lifted and you come out and you play basketball, the tide will turn."

Curry ice cold in loss, says thumb 'not an excuse'

Published in Basketball
Saturday, 25 January 2025 23:19

SAN FRANCISCO -- Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry acknowledged his injured right thumb bothered him but said it wasn't the reason why he matched the worst shooting half of his career, missing all eight of his second-half shots in a 118-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night at Chase Center.

Curry shot 4-for-17, including just 2-for-9 on 3-pointers, to finish with 13 points and nine assists. While he keeps getting his shooting thumb banged up, Curry would not use the injury as an excuse.

"It sucks, but it's not an excuse for anything," Curry said. "Got to play through it. I went 8-for-8 with it [against the Sixers]. It's just something that has been lingering to the point that it gets hit every once in a while. It's one of those things, it is almost gone and then it gets knocked again. I will deal with it, but it shouldn't bother me like it did tonight."

Curry has been battling the thumb injury and pain in his knees, which the team has had to manage. Golden State (22-23) has held out Curry in a game during back to backs because of the knee pain, though he did play in the Warriors' most recent back-to-back set against Sacramento and Chicago.

"It's trending in the right direction," Curry said of his knees. "It's still something you got to stick with the maintenance and all that type of stuff. For me to play, it checked all the boxes. In terms of how it responds from game to game, if that continues, I like where I'm at."

Keeping the injured thumb from getting hit has been an issue for Curry. Before facing the Sixers on Jan. 2, Curry was listed on the injury report with a sprained right thumb. He made all eight of his 3-point attempts and scored 30 points in a win over the Sixers. He also drilled seven triples in a win at Minnesota on Jan. 15.

But there are times when Curry can be seen shaking his right hand after getting the thumb whacked during a game. The Lakers' defense was also a thorn in Curry's side Saturday.

The Lakers held Curry scoreless in the second half, contesting seven of his eight shots. For the game, Curry shot 1-for-9, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range, on contested shots.

"Obviously Steph didn't shoot it well," said Lakers center Anthony Davis, who had 36 points and 13 rebounds. "But I think a lot of that was on us -- our guards ... constantly getting into the ball, making it tough on him. So I think everybody played a part of the Steph Curry defense that we tried to play on him tonight."

With the Warriors in a stretch in which they play eight of nine games at home, Curry has said this span could "make or break" their season as Golden State tries to get back above .500 without the injured Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Green is considered week-to-week with a calf injury, and head coach Steve Kerr says Kuminga is not close to returning after suffering a severe ankle injury three weeks ago.

The most nagging injury on the team, however, is Curry's shooting thumb.

"I think every time it gets hit, it's like a step-back," Curry said. "It's just annoying. Obviously I am going to play through it, but I was joking with one of our doctors tonight, I didn't even want to mention it because it's like as soon as it gets 100 percent, it gets knocked again.

"Again, not an excuse. I try not to worry about when I am out there, but hopefully it will clear up sooner than later."

Benched Nurkic: No relationship with Budenholzer

Published in Basketball
Saturday, 25 January 2025 23:19

Unhappy with his status with the Phoenix Suns, center Jusuf Nurkic said he hasn't spoken with head coach Mike Budenholzer in two months, going so far as to say the two "don't have a relationship."

Nurkic, who started 23 games this season before being moved to the bench earlier this month, has not played since Jan. 7. He said Budenholzer didn't tell him he would sit out a Jan. 9 game against the Atlanta Hawks, and Saturday's 119-109 win over the Washington Wizards marked the ninth consecutive game he has missed.

"We don't have a relationship," Nurkic said of Budenholzer, according to the Arizona Republic. "So, it's fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else."

Nurkic, who is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds, was replaced in the starting lineup by Mason Plumlee when the Suns played at the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 6. It was his first time coming off the bench since the 2016-17 season, when he played for the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic became the starting center.

"It's hard to understand why," Nurkic said about Budenholzer moving him to the bench. "As you know, I try to do whatever they want from me. I play my role or whatever, but at the end of the day, it's the NBA."

With Nurkic out, Budenholzer has used three other centers in his rotation, including Plumlee and Nick Richards, whom the Suns acquired in a Jan. 15 trade. Richards has started the past three games and had 20 points and 19 rebounds in Saturday's win. Rookie Oso Ighodaro has also gotten minutes off the bench.

Budenholzer addressed Nurkic's remarks after Saturday's game.

"It's never easy in this league, Budenholzer said. "He hasn't played. I'm sure he's frustrated, so I respect that."

He added: "There's been conversations that have been had. There's been communication, but you know, we got three or four guys who play the same position. We're gonna go with who gives us our best chance. You've gotta earn your minutes, and that's been communicated."

Nurkic said he has nothing against the Suns' other big men.

"I'm glad Bud find somebody who he like he can play," Nurkic said of Richards. "I think that's refreshing for him to rotate four centers. I think that's something that's sustainable and that's the NBA. I have nothing against Nick. Any way I can help, but I'm glad they found someone who they want to play."

Shipped to Phoenix in a three-team trade before the 2023-24 season, Nurkic started 76 games that year, averaging 10.9 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Despite his situation, Nurkic said he believes he will be with the Suns after the Feb. 6 trade deadline but added that he will be prepared if he is moved.

"One door close, another will open eventually, sooner or later," Nurkic said.

He added: "It was what it is. Life is not fair."

Soccer

Hojlund, Garnacho lead United rout of Leicester

Hojlund, Garnacho lead United rout of Leicester

Manchester United's Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho ended goal droughts and Bruno Fernandes sc...

Howe amazed as Newcastle 'legends' end drought

Howe amazed as Newcastle 'legends' end drought

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNewcastle United manager Eddie Howe challenged his players to win m...

Slot: 'Hunger' not the issue in Liverpool cup loss

Slot: 'Hunger' not the issue in Liverpool cup loss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool head coach Arne Slot dismissed the idea Newcastle United'...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games

Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Paolo Banchero scored 24 points, Franz Wagner added 22...

Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- One game after Stephen Curry reached 4,000 3-point...

Baseball

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLeft-hander Framber Valdez was named the Houston Astros' Opening Da...

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis left...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated