Sports
Nuggets win 11th straight as reserves outlast Thunder counterparts
Apr 10, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (17) lines up a three point basket attempt in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Jonas Valanciunas amassed 23 points and 17 rebounds, both season highs, and Julian Strawther added 22 points as the host Denver Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-107 in a matchup of benches on Friday night.
Denver (53-28) clinched at least the fourth seed in the Western Conference with its 11th straight win. The Nuggets can still capture the No. 3 seed with a win Sunday in San Antonio or a Los Angeles Lakers’ loss.
Denver rested its entire starting five and Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson, both of whom have been sidelined with hamstring strains.
Oklahoma City (64-17) has secured the top overall seed.
The only starter dressed for either team was Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, who was required to play at least 20 minutes in each of the final two games to qualify for postseason awards, according to coach Mark Daigneault.
Dort played 20:27 and scored five points.
Denver’s David Roddy scored 16 of his season-high 21 points in the fourth quarter. Jalen Pickett and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 13 points each and Bruce Brown added 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Nuggets.
Branden Carlson led Oklahoma City with 23 points. Jared McCain and Kenrich Williams added 15 apiece, Nikola Topic and Brooks Barnhizer contributed 14 points each and Aaron Wiggins finished with 13 points.
The lack of star power showed in the first half when both teams struggled to make shots. Hardaway, who entered the night ninth in made 3-pointers with 221, missed all six of his attempts in the first half before making his only three attempts from deep in the second half.
Denver led 59-51 at the half and pushed the lead back to nine on Brown’s 3-pointer near the midpoint of the third quarter, but the Thunder got within 80-79 on two free throws by Barnhizer late in the third.
Denver took a 90-85 advantage into the fourth and Roddy sparked a surge, driving for a dunk and then a layup and hitting a step-back 3-pointer to give the Nuggets a 100-85 lead.
The hosts led by as much as 23 down the stretch.
The Nuggets knocked down 21-of-43 shots (48.8%) from behind the arc and 49 of 93 (50.5%) from the field.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Texas AG launches probe into FIFA's ticket practices
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at Texas Tech University’s chapter of Turning Point USA’s event for speakers at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock, Texas, Oct. 7, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into FIFA over alleged deceptive ticketing practices for World Cup matches in his state.
Paxton announced his probe into international soccer’s governing body Tuesday, claiming that FIFA misled fans about the location and quality of seats sold for upcoming matches.
“I will work to ensure that FIFA is engaging in ethical and honest business practices so that Texas fans are treated fairly,” he said in a statement. “Sports have a unique power to bring people together, and FIFA must understand that Texans take their competition — and their consumer rights — seriously.”
Seven matches are taking place at Houston’s NRG Stadium and nine are being played at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, including a semifinal on July 14.
In one example provided by Paxton’s office to USA Today, a fan purchased “Category 1” seats expecting premium views of the field. However, Paxton’s office said FIFA allegedly later adjusted the seat maps to move the fan’s seats to “Category 2,” which have worse views of the action.
FIFA did not respond to a request for comment from USA Today.
State attorneys general in California, New York and New Jersey have launched similar investigations.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Victoria Mboko, Serena Williams' doubles partner, injured
Mar 24, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Victoria Mboko (CAN) hits a forehand against Karolina Muchova (CZE) (not pictured) on day eight of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Serena Williams’ London comeback may have ended prematurely Wednesday when doubles partner Victoria Mboko sustained a knee injury while playing singles at the HSBC Championships.
Mboko grabbed at her left knee after slipping on the grass at the Queen’s Club and was forced to retire. The 19-year-old Canadian was trailing 6-2, 3-4 to Karolina Pliskova, who advanced to the quarterfinals.
“She was improving as the match was going, so it would have been a nice match, but I wish her only the best,” Pliskova said. “Of course, this is not the way I want to win, so hopefully she’s going to be fine for Wimbledon.”
Playing for the first time in nearly four years, the 44-year-old Williams paired with Mboko to win their first doubles match on Tuesday with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 result against third-seeded Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe.
Williams and Mboko are scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals on Thursday night.
Mboko, ranked No. 9 in the world, was the No. 3 seed in the singles draw. It was the first retirement of her career at the WTA Tour level.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner in singles, had not played professionally since the 2022 U.S. Open.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Wave sign Spanish GK Sandra Panos to 3-year deal
Sep 4, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; Club America goalkeeper Sandra Panos (1) looks on before the match against Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images The San Diego Wave announced the signing Wednesday of decorated Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Panos.
Panos, 33, arrives from Liga MX Femenil side Club America on a three-year deal through the 2028 NWSL season.
She previously starred at FC Barcelona as a three-time Champions League winner and five-time Liga F champion.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Sandra to San Diego,” sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said. “She is a world-class goalkeeper with experience and leadership at the highest levels of the game, which will be a tremendous addition to our team. Bringing a player of her caliber to the Wave reflects the ambition of our Club as we continue working toward winning a championship, and we’re thrilled to have her join this team.”
Panos allowed just 13 goals in 72 matches across three seasons at Club America from 2024-26.
She earned 54 caps with the Spanish national team from 2012-22, including four starts at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
–Field Level Media
Texas AG launches probe into FIFA's ticket practices
Victoria Mboko, Serena Williams' doubles partner, injured
