Kyrie Irving has belatedly issued an apology following the Brooklyn Nets' decision to suspend him indefinitely for his repeated failure to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs".
Irving declined to apologise for last week's social media post about a book and movie with alleged antisemitic tropes, nor answer explicity when asked if he was antisemitic during a Thursday press conference.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had expressed his disappointment on Thursday that Irving had "not offered an unqualified apology".
The franchise responded later on Thursday with a press statement confirming Irving would be suspended for a minimum of five games with no pay, adding he is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets".
Approximately four hours following that announcement, the seven-time All-Star posted an apology on Instagram.
"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize," Irving wrote.
"I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary.
"I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti-semticism [sic] by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with.
"I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all.
"I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am."
Kyrie Irving has been suspended indefinitely by the Brooklyn Nets, but for a minimum of five games, in light of the All-Star's unapologetic response to the widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing an antisemitic film.
Irving spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since a controversial press conference on Saturday after last week sharing a social media post about a book and film leading to condemnation, including from the franchise owner Joe Tsai who said it was "full of antisemitic disinformation".
The 2016 NBA champion on Thursday stopped short of apologising for the social media post, instead speaking with ambiguity when directly asked if he had any antisemitic beliefs.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was disappointed Irving had "not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post.
Irving and the Nets had on Wednesday each donated $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.
But after Thursday's press conference, the Nets moved to suspend Irving for a minimum of five games and without pay, having been left "dismayed" by his latest comments.
"Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the Nets said in the statement.
"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity - but failed - to clarify.
"Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team.
"Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
Irving had said he had take responsibility for sharing the social media post, that has since been deleted, but ultimately stood his ground again.
"I didn't mean to cause any harm," Irving said. "I'm not the one that made the documentary.
"Again, I'm going to repeat. I don't know how the label becomes justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over again but this is not going to turn into a spin-around cycle - questions upon questions.
"I told you guys how I felt. I respect all walks of life and embrace all walks of life. That's where I sit... I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from."
The Houston Astros are one win from a World Series championship after fine pitching displays from Justin Verlander and Ryan Pressly held off the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 in Game 5 on Thursday.
Verlander claimed his first-ever World Series victory in his ninth start with six strikeouts across five innings before Pressly's five-out save at Bank Citizens Park.
The Astros' defense came up big when it mattered too, with first baseman Trey Mancini making a huge play from Kyle Schwarber's low line drive to close the eighth inning, along with outfielder Chas McCormick leaping and holding a J.T. Realmuto shot on the wall for the second out in the ninth.
Houston go 3-2 up ahead of Game 6 at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, with the Game 5 winner when the World Series has been tied going on to win 30 of the previous 45 editions.
Jeremy Pena, who had three hits for the game, drove in Jose Altuve in the first inning, before Schwarber's leadoff homer over right field squared it up.
In the fourth, Pena blasted Phillies' starter Noah Syndergaard over Schwarber's head at left field for his fourth homer this postseason, becoming the first rookie shortstop to hit a blast in World Series history.
Altuve, who got on base three times, plated in the eighth inning from Yordan Alvarez's ground ball which first baseman Rhys Hoskins tried to charge.
Jean Segura's RBI single drove in Nick Castellanos in the bottom of the eighth, but Pressly held his nerve after replacing Rafael Montero, with Mancini's clutch play on first base closing the inning.
Alec Bohm's brilliant double play ended the Astros' ninth, but the Phillies were denied despite Bryce Harper getting on base for the fourth time in the game, with McCormick plucking a great catch before Castellanos hit to Pena who threw to Mancini to close it out.
The Philadelphia Eagles reached 8-0 for the first time in franchise history with a 29-17 victory on the road over the under-manned Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Thursday.
Jalen Hurts claimed his 11th straight regular-season win, which is the longest streak in franchise history, completing 21 of 27 passes for two touchdowns and 243 yards with no interceptions.
Hurts has multiple touchdowns in three consecutive games for the first time in his career, but the Eagles also did damage with their rushing game.
Running backs Miles Sanders, 17 carries for 93 yards, and Kenneth Gainwell both scored touchdowns. The latter's TD was the Eagles' 16th rushing TD of the season, which is the franchise's most through eight games since 1949.
The Texans pushed the Eagles in the first half, with quarterback Davis Mills finding Teagan Quitoriano for their first opening drive score of the season, but the visitors hit back, with Sanders scoring after Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert had combined for a 16-yard gain.
Sanders' 25-yard gain led to Gainwell's touchdown in the second quarter, with a huge run by impressive Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce, who made a career-high 139 yards on 27 carries, leading to Chris Moore squaring the game up at half-time with a TD.
Mills, who made 13 of 22 passes for 154 yards, threw one of two interceptions to C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the third quarter, leading to A.J. Brown's TD when wide open from Hurts' 17-yard pass.
Hurts and Goedert combined twice in the same drive leading to the latter's fourth-quarter TD. Goedert finished the game with 100 yards on eight receptions.
Stephen Curry's 39 points were not enough to prevent the Golden State Warriors from slumping to their fourth straight defeat as Jalen Suggs lifted the Orlando Magic to a 130-129 victory on Thursday.
The reigning champions, who led by 16 points at one stage, had gone into the final minute with scores tied but Suggs drained a three-pointer, followed by making a steal, sinking one of two free-throws to make it to a two-score game.
Suggs finished the game with 26 points with nine assists, while rookie Pablo Banchero contributed 22 points with eight rebounds.
Curry scored 39 points on eight-of-15 three-point shooting with nine assists for Golden State. Klay Thompson found form with seven triples in his 27-point haul.
The Magic scored 33-of-46 points from the free-throw line, compared to Golden State's 10-of-15.
The result means the Warriors fall to 3-6, having lost three of their past four games to sides who missed last year's playoffs. Golden State are also 0-5 on the road.
Jokic records another triple-double
Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic's third triple double of the season and 79th of his career helped the Denver Nuggets to a 122-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jokic scored 15 points with 13 rebounds and 13 assists as Jamal Murray contributed 24 points including four three-pointers for Denver who improve to 5-3.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points but only four in the final quarter when OC went seven-for-22.
Eighth seed Daria Kasatkina claimed her first win at this year's WTA Finals after fighting back for a comprehensive straight-sets victory over Coco Gauff in Fort Worth on Thursday.
Kasatkina trailed 4-1 in the first set but rallied to win the opening frame in a tiebreak, before dominating the second set to win 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 in one hour and 40 minutes.
The victory is Kasatkina's 41st of the year and 25th on the hard-court surface this season. Kasatkina is 29-0 this season when she wins the first set.
Gauff has now suffered two singles losses and two doubles defeats in Fort Worth this week, producing an erratic performance, where she committed 34 unforced errors compared to the Russian's 10.
Kasatkina had to earn the victory, with the first set lasting 66 minutes, as the eighth seed rallied from 3-0 down in the tiebreak to take the frame with her third set point.
The second set was more dominant, with Kasatkina claiming it in 35 minutes, although it included five straight broken games. Kasatkina converted her first match point from another Gauff error.
BREAK POINTS WON
Kasatkina - 6/10
Gauff - 5/8
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Kasatkina - 2/2
Gauff - 1/2
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Kasatkina - 10/10
Gauff - 25/34
Iga Swiatek moved onto the verge of sealing her place in the final four of the WTA Finals as she cruised to a 6-3 6-2 triumph over Caroline Garcia at Fort Worth on Thursday.
Garcia was the only WTA Finals player to have beaten Swiatek this year, but the world number one swept her aside with an impressive display in one hour and 23 minutes.
Swiatek remains yet to lose a set at Fort Worth and will qualify for the semi-finals should Coco Gauff fail to beat Daria Kasatkina in two sets, or if Kasatkina wins.
Garcia managed the first break in the third game of the opener, but Swiatek broke back immediately before finding another at 4-3 up, kicking on from there to take the opening set.
The Pole was excellent in the second set, breaking Garcia twice to secure another victory and inch closer to the final four.
Swiatek gets some measure of revenge for the 6-1 1-6 6-4 defeat to Garcia at the Warsaw Open quarter-finals in July, her only loss on clay over the season.
A Kasatkina win against Gauff will see Swiatek advance as group winner, while a Gauff win in three sets will seal her progression but leave her position in the group undecided.
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Swiatek - 17/8
Garcia - 16/14
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Swiatek - 1/2
Garcia - 3/3
BREAK POINTS WON
Swiatek - 4/5
Garcia - 1/6
Will Gordon shot four straight birdies on his way to holding a one-stroke lead from Russell Henley on the opening day at the PGA World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba on Thursday.
Gordon, who lost his PGA Tour card in his rookie season two years ago, shot a nine-under-par 62 including an eagle on the par-five fifth hole at El Camaleon Golf Club in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Henley is eight under, having also peeled off four consecutive birdies from the 10th to the 13th holes, while he finished his round with two more birdies to edge into second behind Gordon.
Scott Piercy, Francesco Molinari, Harris English and Sam Ryder are all one further stroke behind at seven under.
Viktor Hovland, who is chasing a third straight Mayakoba crown, is six under alongside Scottie Scheffler, who is hoping to re-claim the world number one ranking from Rory McIlroy.
The two-time Mayakoba champion started with two bogeys in his first eight holes, but rallied with four birdies before an eagle firmly put him in contention. Scheffler had less drama in his bogey-free round, with five birdies.
Another former Mayakoba winner, Matt Kuchar, put together four straight birdies from the fourth to the seventh holes, but is five under with two bogeys stalling his progress.
One of the pre-tournament favourites, two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, struggled with four bogeys for an opening-day even-par 71 to be nine shots off the pace.
Tony Finau is three under, fighting back with four birdies on a bogey-free back nine after a triple bogey on the second hole.
Kyrie Irving has been suspended indefinitely by the Brooklyn Nets, but for a minimum of five games, in light of the All-Star's unapologetic response to the widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing an antisemitic film.
Irving spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since a controversial press conference on Saturday after last week sharing a social media post about a book and film leading to condemnation, including from the franchise owner Joe Tsai who said it was "full of antisemitic disinformation".
The 2016 NBA champion on Thursday stopped short of apologising for the social media post, instead speaking with ambiguity when directly asked if he had any antisemitic beliefs.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was disappointed Irving had "not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post.
Irving and the Nets had on Wednesday each donated $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.
But after Thursday's press conference, the Nets moved to suspend Irving for a minimum of five games and without pay, having been left "dismayed" by his latest comments.
"Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the Nets said in the statement.
"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity - but failed - to clarify.
"Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team.
"Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
Irving had said he had take responsibility for sharing the social media post, that has since been deleted, but ultimately stood his ground again.
"I didn't mean to cause any harm," Irving said. "I'm not the one that made the documentary.
"Again, I'm going to repeat. I don't know how the label becomes justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over again but this is not going to turn into a spin-around cycle - questions upon questions.
"I told you guys how I felt. I respect all walks of life and embrace all walks of life. That's where I sit... I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from."
Novak Djokovic remained on course for a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title after booking his quarter-final place with victory over Karen Khachanov.
The six-time champion avenged his defeat by Khachanov in the 2018 Championship match by running out a commanding 6-4 6-1 winner.
That gave Djokovic his 11th straight victory in the French capital, where he is unbeaten since that 2018 defeat, while he has also won each of his last 11 Tour-level matches.
The Serbian, who has triumphed in Tel Aviv and Astana during that streak, set up a last-eight clash with Lorenzo Musetti after the Italian came from behind to stun third seed Casper Ruud 4-6 6-4 6-4.
The Naples champion recorded his maiden top-five victory at the seventh attempt, while he hit 37 winners to advance to his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.
Meanwhile, world number one Carlos Alcaraz won five out of seven break points as he breezed past Grigor Dimitrov 6-1 6-3 to reach the last eight in Paris for the first time.
There, he will play Holger Rune after the Stockholm champion defeated seventh seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame Corentin Moutet 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to reach his 14th quarter-final of the season, where he will face Tommy Paul after the American denied Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4 6-4.
Felix Auger-Aliassime was a commanding 6-1 6-3 victor over Gilles Simon. The eighth seed will take on Frances Tiafoe, who defeated Alex De Minaur 6-3 7-6 (7-5).
James Harden faces a month on the sidelines after the Philadelphia 76ers star suffered a tendon strain in his right foot, according to reports.
The 33-year-old point guard played for 35 minutes in the 121-111 defeat to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, scoring 24 points and adding 10 assists and five rebounds.
However, according to ESPN, he will miss a long stretch now, with the injury detected during the Wizards game and confirmed in tests on Thursday.
Harden joined Philadelphia in February from the Brooklyn Nets in a multi-player trade and this season he has averaged 22 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds through nine games.
The Sixers are 4-5 for the campaign so far.
Harden is a 10-time All-Star and was named MVP in the 2017-18 NBA season.
With Harden on board for the closing games of the 2021-22 campaign, the Sixers reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the playoffs, where they were beaten 4-2 in the best-of-seven series by the Miami Heat.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he is disappointed that Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving "has not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post.
Irving sparked outrage by tweeting a link to a film that contains antisemitic material last Thursday.
Both Irving and the Nets on Wednesday said they would each make donations of $500,000 after the seven-time All-Star posted a link to controversial film 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America'.
That money will go towards causes and organisations "that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities."
Silver said in a statement on Thursday: "While we appreciate the fact that he [Irving] agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicise."
NBA boss Silver added that he will be meeting with Irving in person next week to discuss the situation.
Irving said last weekend he would not "stand down" and pointed to the "historical complexities" of African heritage in America, but he subsequently deleted the social media post that sparked the uproar.
In Wednesday’s joint-statement from Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League, Irving said: "I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalised and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility.
"I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light."
Jock Campbell will make his first Australia start as one of four changes made by Dave Rennie for the Test against France on Saturday.
Campbell replaces Tom Banks at Stade de France, while Nic White gets the nod over Tate McDermott at scrum-half following the narrow win over Scotland last weekend.
The absence of Allan Alaalatoa with concussion sees tighthead prop Taniela Tupou come into the side and Lalakai Foketi is back at inside centre in Paris.
Will Skelton is picked for the first team this year, but the towering lock has been named among the replacements.
Romain Ntamack and Cyril Baille are named in a France side that includes 11 alterations from the team that started a win over Japan in the second Test in July.
Fly-half Ntamack and prop Baille have been troubled by injuries, but the duo will take on the Wallabies.
The Six Nations will be without the injured Paul Willemse and Melvyn Jaminett, so Thibaud Flament starts in the second row and Thomas Ramos plays at full-back.
France team: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (captain); Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament, Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt.
Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Dany Priso, Sipili Falatea, Romain Taofifenua, Kilian Geraci, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert.
Australia team: Jock Campbell, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Tom Wright, Bernard Foley, Nic White; James Slipper (captain), David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Rob Valetini.
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Matt Gibbon, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Hunter Paisami, Reece Hodge.
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has recalled a slate of first-choice names to the All Blacks team to face Wales on Saturday, demanding "high intensity" for the tussle in Cardiff.
There are just three changes from the side that beat Australia in Auckland nearly six weeks ago, but the visitors make more wholesale swaps from the side that edged Japan 38-31 last weekend.
Aaron Smith will line up for his 113th Test, to become the All Blacks' most capped back, moving ahead of Dan Carter, while Sam Whitelock will get his first run as captain following Sam Cane's tour-ending injury.
Beauden and Jordie Barrett return to the side, joining brother Scott, with Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax forming the front row.
There is no Brodie Retallick, however, following his red card in New Zealand's victory over the Brave Blossoms.
Foster said: "Playing Wales on the road always represents an exciting challenge. We have a number of players returning to the side and we know we will need to play with a high intensity against this physical Welsh team.
"Last year the roof at Principality Stadium was open due to COVID regulations but this time it will be closed. It will ensure an amazing atmosphere for fans and players."
Wayne Pivac's hosts welcome back Leigh Halfpenny after a year-plus absence through injury, while Dragons winger Rio Dyer is handed a surprise debut.
New captain Justin Tipuric also comes into the side following his own lay-off, as does winger Ken Owens, while Will Rowlands and Adam Beard form the second row.
It means Alun Wyn Jones, the world's most capped player, is among the replacements as he looks to stretch his own record of 165 matches.
Pivac is backing newcomer Dyer to make an instant impact.
"Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly. He's thriving in this environment," Pivac said. "He's a young man that's bringing some form with him into camp.
"He scored some great tries and he's full of confidence. That means a lot to a young guy playing his first Test match in front of a big crowd. There's no better way to start your career, so we wish him well."
Wales team: Halfpenny, Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Dyer, Anscombe, Williams; Thomas, Owens, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Tipuric, Reffell, Faletau.
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Lewis, Wyn Jones, Tshiunza, Hardy, Priestland, Watkin.
New Zealand team: B Barrett, Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke, Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, S Barrett, Frizell, Papali'i, Savea.
Replacements: Taukei'aho, Tu'ungafasi, Newell, Vaa'i, A Ioane, Weber, Havili, Lienert-Brown.
Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each make donations of $500,000 in the wake of a social media post from the seven-time NBA All-Star that sparked outrage.
Irving tweeted a link to controversial film 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' last Thursday.
Nets owner Joe Tsai condemned the star guard for promoting a film he alleged to be "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".
Irving said last weekend he would not "stand down" and pointed to the "historical complexities" of African heritage in America, but he subsequently deleted the social media post that sparked the uproar.
A number of fans wore 'Fight Antisemitism' T-shirts, with the 30-year-old facing a furious backlash.
Irving and the Nets have decided to donate $1million between them towards causes and organisations "that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities."
A joint-statement from Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said: "The events of the past week have sparked many emotions within the Nets organisation, our Brooklyn community, and the nation.
"The public discourse that followed has brought greater awareness to the challenges we face as a society when it comes to combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take on this challenge and we recognise that this is a unique moment to make a lasting impact.
"To promote education within our community, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each donate $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.
"The Nets and Kyrie Irving will work with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), a non-profit organisation devoted to fighting antisemitism and all types of hate that undermine justice and fair treatment for every individual. This is an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry."
Irving said: "I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalised and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility.
"I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
ADL chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt said: "At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight the oldest hatred is to both confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds. With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding.
"At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call out the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes – whatever, whoever, or wherever the source – as we work toward a world without hate."
Cristian Javier received a welcome pep talk from his parents after playing his role in the first ever combined no-hitter in postseason history as the Houston Astros tied the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at 2-2. Opening pitcher Javier went through the first six innings without conceding, with relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly playing their role as the Astros ran out 5-0 winners in Game 4. Javier became only the second pitcher in World Series history to have no hits allowed in six or more innings, joining Don Larsen, who achieved the feat with the New York Yankees back in 1956 with a perfect game in Game 5 against the Brooklyn Dodgers. The 25-year-old spoke after the game about how some conciliatory words from his parents after the Phillies took out Game 3 7-0 played a pivotal role in his showing. "Let's try to stay positive," Javier said were the words from his mother and father, who had flown from the Dominican Republic to Philadelphia. "God willing, you'll throw a no-hitter. "This is the best gift I could have ever given my family, my parents. To me, it's even more special knowing that they were able to see that in person."
It was only the third occasion of a no-hitter in any postseason game in MLB history. Coincidentally, the last instance also took place at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park home, with Roy Halladay leading the way for the Phillies in the 2010 National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Coincidentally, the Reds were coached at the time by now Astros manager Dusty Baker.
"That's what's strange about life. I remember being on the other end of that. It was the seventh inning, and it seemed like it was the second inning, and I looked up on the board, and it's the seventh inning already," Baker reflected.
"Then you're trying not to be no-hit, and then you're trying to win the ballgame and, yeah, that's pretty remarkable."
Game 5 takes place at the same venue on Thursday.
Jason Kidd says it is "special" to be mentioning Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic in the same conversations as greats Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan after a seventh straight 30-point game to start the season.
Only on three occasions has a player achieved such a feat, with Chamberlain accounting for two of those – the last of which was in 1962-63. The only other player to have accomplished it was Jack Twyman.
The legendary Michael Jordan was the last player to do six games with 30 points at the start of the season back in the 1986-87 campaign.
Doncic put up 33 points and 11 assists as the Mavs defeated the Utah Jazz 103-100 to move to 4-3 for the season and head coach Kidd waxed lyrical about his go-to man.
"I think it's special when you talk about M.J. and Wilt," Kidd said.
"It's rare air. We get to see that on a nightly basis, so that's pretty cool. A 23-year-old kid that's at this level.
"It just shows the focus that he has. He's carrying the team and putting the team in position to win."
For his part, Doncic is focused on helping the team succeed rather than celebrating his brilliant streak.
"I don't know. I'm trying to win games," Doncic said.
"The player that scores more, you're going to win the game. I think today was one of the best games that I've played. Not forcing a lot. Sharing the ball.
"I always hear Wilt Chamberlain, so he's always there. It's great. I just wished to play in the NBA. This is really a dream for me. Couldn't be happier just to play basketball, to do my job, and that's it."
While the rest of his teammates should come back from a bye week refreshed, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is feeling anything but.
Allen, who has only suited up for two of his team's seven games this season, experienced a setback with his injured left hamstring during a training session and may not be healthy enough to play on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
''I don't think it was a re-strain or anything. Just some more scar tissue is trying to break off,'' Allen said. ''Whenever it's ready to heal, just let it do its own thing.''
Allen injured his hamstring in the season opener and missed the next five games before returning for a Week 7 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He played 23 first-half snaps against the Seahawks and finished with two catches for 11 yards.
''I felt great. It wasn't like training camp,'' said Allen on how he felt during the game. ''I definitely felt ready to play.''
After missing practice on Monday and Wednesday, Allen is questionable for Sunday. He wouldn’t put a timetable on his return but said that he did not want to come back until there was absolute certainty in his health.
"I definitely don’t want to do the halfway thing again," he said. "Just want to come back 100 percent and not be worried about it."
Allen’s absence Sunday would loom even larger because the Chargers could be without receivers Mike Williams (ankle) and Joshua Palmer (concussion protocol).
With all the injuries to receivers, Austin Ekeler leads NFL running backs with 53 receptions. It is only the third time a running back has at least 50 catches through his team's first seven games.
Dejounte Murray showed exactly why the Atlanta Hawks pulled the trigger on their big offseason trade, carrying his new team to a 112-99 road win against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
Murray, 26, was a first-time All-Star this past season with the San Antonio Spurs, before the Hawks traded for him in a deal centred around three first-round draft picks.
There were eyebrows raised at the time about if Murray could fit and produce next to another All-Star point guard in Trae Young, but he continued to exceed expectations in a starring performance against the Knicks.
He finished with a game-high and career-high 36 points on 14-of-27 shooting, hitting five of his 12 three-point attempts while adding nine assists, six steals and four rebounds.
His performance came at a good time for the Hawks, with Young struggling on his way to 17 points on seven-of-22 shooting after briefly leaving the game due to a nasty scratch to his eye
It is the first time this season Murray has surpassed 26 points in a game – also setting season-highs for field goal makes and attempts, three-point makes and attempts, and steals.
Also finding his footing with a new team, the Knicks' Jalen Brunson was comfortably his side's best performer, finishing with an efficient 20 points (eight-of-15 shooting) and five assists.
Since arriving with the Knicks, Brunson is averaging career-highs in points (18.2), assists (7.2), rebounds (4.2) and steals (1.3).
Bucks remain the NBA's last undefeated team
It was smooth sailing for the Milwaukee Bucks in their 116-91 home win against the Detroit Pistons, moving to 7-0 for the season as the only team without a loss.
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is making a strong case as the favourite to win his third, continuing his blistering start to the season with 32 points (11-of-24 shooting, 10-of-12 free throws), 12 rebounds, five steals, four assists and two blocks.
He was supported in style by Jrue Holiday, who hit 11 of his 16 shots on his way to 26 points and seven rebounds.
Doncic mounts his own MVP case
Antetokounmpo's biggest challenger for this year's MVP trophy appears to be Luka Doncic, who carried his Dallas Mavericks to a 103-100 win over the Utah Jazz.
In the win, which lifted the Mavericks to 4-3, Doncic shot 60 per cent from the field for his 33 points (12-of-20), leading the game in points and assists (11). Doncic has now scored at least 30 points in each of his team's first seven games, becoming the first player to do so since Wilt Chamberlain in 1962-63.
Still yet to break into the starting lineup after being acquired from the Houston Rockets, Christian Wood put in a strong showing off the bench, scoring 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting with 10 rebounds.
Garland returns in Cavaliers' overtime win
All-Star point guard Darius Garland returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup and played a big part in their 114-113 overtime win at home against the Boston Celtics.
Having not played since suffering an eye injury in the Cavs' season-opener, Garland did not miss a beat, dishing a game-high 12 assists to go with his 29 points (nine-of-20 shooting) in 42 minutes.
Running-mate Donovan Mitchell showed there were plenty of shots to go around, chipping in 25 points (11-of-27) with six assists in the first real look at the Cavaliers' two-pronged attack using their All-Star backcourt.
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