WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more

WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark drives past Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis on Sept. 4, 2024. (AP)
WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more
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Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever guards against Odyssey Sims of the Los Angeles Sparks in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 04, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Updated 05 September 2024
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WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more

WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more
  • Since June 1, Indiana is 17-8 and has victories over each of the league’s top three teams along
  • It also stopped the league’s longest streak of consecutive games played with a losing record at 189

INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides slept through her team’s historic playoff-clinching moment Tuesday night. Rookie guard Caitlin Clark watched the decisive game, then went to bed.
For the WNBA’s top-drawing team, the end to a seven-year playoff drought on a night it didn’t play seemed a little, well, unceremonious.
On Wednesday morning, the Fever’s world changed. The team that endured seven straight losing seasons, had won only 30 games over the previous four years and started this season 1-8 was the toast of Indianapolis.
“I usually go to bed by 9:30, 10 o’clock every night, but I did set my alarm for midnight to wake up and I actually just turned it off. Didn’t even look,” Sides said. “So this morning, I woke up to some really awesome text messages.”
Losses by Chicago and Atlanta gave the Fever their first postseason berth since Tamika Catchings retired in 2016, even if Sides wanted just one of those teams to win so the Fever could clinch it on their home court in front of another near-capacity crowd.
Still, nobody was all that upset, and the fans still had plenty to celebrate Wednesday night when Indiana beat Los Angeles 93-86 behind a triple-double from Clark, who also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 100 3-pointers in a season (she now has 102).
During pregame warmups, beaming smiles could be found on faces all around — Clark, the former Iowa star who has taken women’s basketball to unprecedented heights; Kelsey Mitchell, the seven-year veteran who will finally get her first taste of playoff basketball; and especially Sides, who on Wednesday was named WNBA coach of the month, a first for the Fever.
While this was the goal from the moment Indiana drafted Clark with the No. 1 overall in pick, it was never a gimme.
“Definitely, cool,” said Clark, who swept the league’s monthly honors for player and rookie of the month. “It doesn’t even have to come down to the wire for us, and I think that’s special. Like you can just relax and play basketball and have a lot of fun. Yeah, we accomplished that, but there’s still so much more left on the table.”
It’s not just Clark who realizes what’s possible.
Guard Erica Wheeler appeared in four playoff games during her first two WNBA seasons and it took her eight more to make it back. It’s been so long, the playoff format has changed, as has her role — playing behind Clark.
But as one of four Fever players with postseason experience, she can bring some important perspective.
“The job is not done,” Wheeler said. “We still have six, seven more games and we can’t think ahead like that. Me being a vet, I know that for a fact. So for me, it’s not time to think about the playoffs. You’ve got seven games left.”
Just three months ago, the postseason appeared unlikely.
A brutal early schedule coupled with Clark starting her pro career just five weeks after completing a 39-game college schedule contributed to Indiana’s early woes. The Olympic break gave Clark a much-needed breather and a young team time to figure out how to jell.
Since June 1, Indiana is 17-8 and has victories over each of the league’s top three teams — New York, Minnesota and Connecticut — along with a three-game season sweep of Phoenix, all while stopping the league’s longest streak of consecutive games played with a losing record at 189.
“We were able to keep it together and they focused on the things we kept talking about — creating good habits, relentless effort, togetherness and toughness,” Sides said. “We focused on those things and that’s what mattered.”
Having Clark didn’t hurt, either.
Clark continues to be the league’s feature attraction, routinely drawing sellout crowds and large national television audiences. Business Insider recently reported that this year’s secondary-market ticket prices had nearly doubled year over year — before the Olympic break.
Indiana also leads the league in home, road and overall attendance, and the Fever have appeared on each of the 13 highest-rated telecasts this year. It’s easy to imagine big audiences should Clark face record-setting rookie Angel Reese of Chicago, established stars Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner of Phoenix or Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart of New York in a playoff series.
Indiana is a league-best 9-2 in its last 11 games. And with five more home games and a regular-season finale at Washington, the Fever could cause the WNBA’s top teams some restless nights.
“It’s definitely a big moment for this place, but at the same time, I came in with the expectation this was going to happen,” Clark said. “For me, this isn’t a party. It’s great, I feel like it’s a great accomplishment, but there’s much more left to be done. Yeah, we made the playoffs, but I’m not just happy to be in the playoffs. I think we have the kind of team that can and advance going one game at a time.”


Rugby and judo take center stage in latest Saudi Games action

Rugby and judo take center stage in latest Saudi Games action
Updated 11 October 2024
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Rugby and judo take center stage in latest Saudi Games action

Rugby and judo take center stage in latest Saudi Games action

RIYADH: The rugby competitions of the Saudi Games concluded on Friday at the Riyadh Club, with 82 players from six clubs participating.

The Saudi Warriors team secured first place and the gold medal, while Jeddah's team earned the silver, and the Riyadh Falcons took the bronze. The winners were presented with their medals by Ali Al-Dajani, chairman of the Saudi Rugby Federation.

In the judo competitions, both men’s and women’s winners were awarded their prizes by Abdulaziz Al-Bassam, president of the Saudi Judo Federation.

In the men’s -81 kg weight category, Abdullah Hammad from Al-Ula clinched gold, while his teammate Suleiman Hammad won silver. Bronze medals were awarded to Abdulilah Al-Bali (Al-Ula) and Mohammed Al-Harbi (Al-Ittihad).

In the +81 kg weight category, Mohammed Al-Hajri (Al-Qadisiyah) took home the gold, with Naif Mazyou (Al-Ula) earning silver. Rakan Zaidan (Al-Tai) and Rakan Al-Dosari (Al-Qadisiyah) secured bronze.

In the 66 kg category, Abdulaziz Al-Bishi (Al-Ula) claimed the top spot with gold, while Issa Majrashi (Al-Ula) took silver, and Abdullah Al-Faraidhi (Al-Shabab) along with Abdulmajeed Khurrd (Al-Bajadiyah) received bronze.

For the women’s 63 kg category, Ghada Al-Otaibi (Al-Qadisiyah) emerged victorious with the gold medal, while Karen Shamas (Al-Ula) took silver. Bronze medals were awarded to Sandance Al-Sharif (Al-Bajadiyah) and Raghad Al-Zahrani (Al-Qadisiyah).

There was also action in handball, volleyball, equestrian, weightlifting, golf, gymnastics, rock climbing and triathlon.


‘Sure bet’ Zubimendi can replace injured Rodri: Spain coach

‘Sure bet’ Zubimendi can replace injured Rodri: Spain coach
Updated 11 October 2024
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‘Sure bet’ Zubimendi can replace injured Rodri: Spain coach

‘Sure bet’ Zubimendi can replace injured Rodri: Spain coach
  • “If Rodri is the best player then Zubimendi is the second best in this position,” De la Fuente told a news conference
  • “He’s got experience under his belt, he oozes security through every pore of his skin”

MADRID: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente backed midfielder Martin Zubimendi on Friday to deputise for injured star Rodri Hernandez in the months ahead.
Manchester City’s Rodri, a key player for his country, suffered a severe knee injury in September and will be out for the rest of the season.
Rodri was vital in holding midfield as Spain clinched Euro 2024 victory this summer but Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi, 25, also made a big impact in the final.
Zubimendi replaced the injured Rodri at half-time against England in the Berlin final as La Roja triumphed 2-1 with two goals after the break.
“Zubimendi has been playing (brilliant) games for a long time, if Rodri is the best player then Zubimendi is the second best in this position,” De la Fuente told a news conference.
“He’s got experience under his belt, he oozes security through every pore of his skin.
“Martin doesn’t get nervous... he’s a very mature player, so calm... Zubi is a sure bet, who never fails.”
Nations League champions Spain, second in group A4, host leaders Denmark on Saturday in Murcia, before welcoming Serbia to Cordoba on Tuesday.
They are also without Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal, who is also set to miss the season with a knee injury, and explosive winger Nico Williams with a minor knock, among others.
“We’re not going to cry, we’re not going to make excuses about missing players, the ones who are here are very good too, also the best (players in the world) for me,” continued the coach.
“Whoever is playing tomorrow in the place of Nico, or Rodri, or Dani, are absolutely great... they will give us more tactical richness.
“We’re not going to change anything in terms of our plan or our idea of football... the idea is very clear.”
De la Fuente said injuries were the “ugliest” part of football, but they also created opportunities.
“Nobody is irreplacable... those who get the chance, albeit for unfortunate reasons, it’s the time to take advantage of it,” added De la Fuente.


Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi called up for Kingdom’s clash with Bahrain on Tuesday

Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi called up for Kingdom’s clash with Bahrain on Tuesday
Updated 11 October 2024
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Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi called up for Kingdom’s clash with Bahrain on Tuesday

Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi called up for Kingdom’s clash with Bahrain on Tuesday
  • Green Falcons resumed training on Friday evening at their camp

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini has called up Al-Ahli’s defender Ali Majrashi for his side’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain on Tuesday.
After losing 2-0 to Japan in Jeddah on Thursday — their first defeat in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup — the Green Falcons resumed training on Friday evening at their camp in preparation for the Bahrain clash.
The two Gulf national teams face each other at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
It is believed that Mancini called up Majrashi as right-back Saud Abdulhamid will be unavailable due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards.
Mancini divided the players into two groups during training on Friday. The first group consisted of the players who had started the match against Japan, and they were assigned recovery exercises in the gym.
The second group included the rest of the players, who trained at the King Abdullah Sports City with warm-up exercises and passing practice. The players then went on to various tactical exercises and stretches.
The national team will continue their preparation program on Saturday with a closed training session at King Abdullah Sports City at 6 p.m.


Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ after ‘greatest rival’ Nadal’s retirement

Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ after ‘greatest rival’ Nadal’s retirement
Updated 11 October 2024
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Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ after ‘greatest rival’ Nadal’s retirement

Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ after ‘greatest rival’ Nadal’s retirement
  • He clashed 60 times with Djokovic, who edged their rivalry 31-29
  • “He remains the greatest rival that I ever had,” said Djokovic

SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic said Friday he was “overwhelmed” by the news of Rafael Nadal’s retirement and called the Spaniard “the greatest rival that I ever had,” but said he has no plans to stop.
Nadal announced Thursday that he will step back from tennis after the Davis Cup finals in November, ending his 22 Grand Slam-winning career.
He clashed 60 times with Djokovic, who edged their rivalry 31-29.
“He remains the greatest rival that I ever had. He has impacted me a lot as a player, my development, he has inspired a lot of people around the world,” said Djokovic, speaking after he beat 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in three sets to progress to the Shanghai Masters semifinals.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said that the news had come as a shock despite the Spaniard’s struggles with injury.
The 37-year-old Serb is now the last man standing from tennis’s golden era, with Roger Federer retiring in 2022, and Andy Murray calling it quits this year too.
“I’m playing, you know, still keep going... but part of me left with them, that’s for sure,” mused Djokovic.
“The era of the four musketeers, so to say, the four of us and all the rivalries we had was incredible,” he said.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed, to be honest, but, you know, I still have the desire to play.
“Fighting against a 19-year-old for two and a half hours on the court is something that still drives me... and I try to get the best out of myself.”


Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal undergoes surgery on his right knee

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal undergoes surgery on his right knee
Updated 11 October 2024
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Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal undergoes surgery on his right knee

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal undergoes surgery on his right knee
  • The Spanish club called the surgery successful
  • The player would start his recovery process in the coming days

MADRID: Spain defender Dani Carvajal has undergone surgery on his right knee, his club Real Madrid said Friday.
The Spanish club called the surgery successful and said the player would start his recovery process in the coming days.
Carvajal suffered his likely season-ending injury during a Spanish league game last weekend. He was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg.
Shortly after his injury, the club said it had agreed with the 32-year-old right back to extend his contract until June 2026.
Carvajal helped Spain win the European Championship in July.