Internet reacts to Bennedict Mathurin’s explosion in Game 3 win
Game 3 of the NBA Finals had a very unlikely hero.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was the star during his team’s Finals game victory on Wednesday. Mathurin came off the bench to lead all scorers with 27 points on 9/12 shooting. The career night from Mathurin lifted Indiana to a 116-107 victory in front of their home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. The Pacers now lead the best-of-seven series by a 2-1 margin.
Mathurin was scoring in all different kinds of ways during the game, getting to the rim, hitting midrange jumpers off the dribble, and even sinking two key three-pointers.
MATHURIN FOR 25 AND A NEW PLAYOFF CAREER HIGH!
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2025
Gives the @Pacers the lead in the 4th pic.twitter.com/MpQ8BK8vJ1
X users reacted to the out-of-nowhere performance from Mathurin with a number of great posts.
Bennedict Mathurin pic.twitter.com/U27StgURTh
— (@NewMediaSports_) June 12, 2025
Bennedict Mathurin Finals MVP pic.twitter.com/zHFnKNUJ8b
— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) June 12, 2025
bennedict mathurin tonight: pic.twitter.com/j6Un9qAuOk
— alex (@steven_lebron) June 12, 2025
The Mathurin Game. pic.twitter.com/eM4joJNwuW
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) June 12, 2025
Indiana also got some impressive contributions on Wednesday from some other bench players. TJ McConnell put up 10 points with five assists and five steals, and Obi Toppin also chipped in with eight points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
But it was Mathurin who was the most impressive of all, doing all of his scoring in only 22 minutes of action to boot. Mathurin’s Game 3 explosion was even more unlikely when you consider that he had scored just 23 points combined over his last three playoff games entering play on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old Mathurin was Indiana’s No. 6 overall pick in 2022 and has always had plenty of scoring talent. But he was in and out of the starting lineup this year, especially after Aaron Nesmith got healthy, and had even been involved in some unsavory on-court incidents earlier in the postseason.
None of that mattered on Wednesday though as Mathurin turned in the biggest game of his life to lead the Pacers to a crucial NBA Finals game victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taunted with 1-word chant by Pacers fans
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s reputation is preceding him at this point.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander was taunted by Indiana Pacers fans in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday. During the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., Gilgeous-Alexander successfully drew a foul on Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard.
The Pacers faithful were not at all pleased about the call and quickly burst out into a deafening one-word chant. They yelled “Flopper!” at Gilgeous-Alexander.
Pacers fans start a “Flopper!” chant after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 12, 2025
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/G3Yad1mq5F
Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly-minted NBA MVP, was not rewarded with free throws for the foul as it took place before he went into his upward shooting motion. He also had a somewhat modest first half overall, putting up 12 points on 5/12 shooting and earning just two total free throw attempts.
But opposing fanbases are thoroughly fed up with Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-baiting tactics. He drew 8.8 free throw attempts per game during the regular season, and that number has grown even further during the playoffs (where he is shooting 9.3 per game).
Gilgeous-Alexander shot eight free throws during his team’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers and followed that up with 12 free throws in a Game 2 win. That is more than enough for Indiana fans to label him as a “flopper,” and they are far from the only ones as well. During the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the home fans in Minneapolis hit Gilgeous-Alexander with a similar but slightly more creative three-word chant.
Knicks could consider surprise reunion with their former head coach
The New York Knicks are striking out with all their current NBA head coach targets right now, so they may have to turn to a former one.
Ex-Knicks head coach Mike Woodson is considered to be a “wild card” for the job, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reported Wednesday during an appearance on the “Knicks Film School” podcast. Begley says that the Knicks will likely “at least have a conversation” with Woodson and notes that Woodson has good relationships with Knicks owner James Dolan, president Leon Rose, and executive William Wesley.
You can watch the full clip of Begley’s remarks below.
Mike Woodson as Knicks coach again?@IanBegley: “Very strong relationship w Leon, Wes…I’d be surprised if didn't at least have conversation…I think he & James Dolan…on good terms. Wild card…Another one that’s at least on my mind”
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 11, 2025
MORE @KnickFilmSkool https://t.co/l0Hy9Xcfq5 pic.twitter.com/JU7a6WDQJs
Woodson, now 67 years old, was the head coach of the Knicks from 2012-14 (a period marked by the Carmelo Anthony-Amar’e Stoudemire partnership). In 2013, Woodson led the Knicks to a division title as well as their first playoff series victory since 2000. However, Woodson was fired in 2014 amid widespread rumors that he did not get along with multiple Knicks players.
Also previously an NBA head coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Woodson spent the last four seasons in the college ranks as the head coach at Indiana University. He went 82-53 (.607) overall with the Hoosiers (including two NCAA Tournament appearances) but stepped down at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Woodson has since landed a job as a lead assistant coach for a different NBA team. But it looks like there is at least a chance that Woodson could have a change of heart if he gets a call from the Knicks (who have kicked around the possibility of a head coaching reunion with Woodson in recent years past).
Lu Dort gets away with elbow to Tyrese Haliburton in Game 3 of Finals
Lu Dort pulled a Lu Dort during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.
The Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Dort got away with an elbow to the head area of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. During the first quarter of the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., Dort passed out of a three-point attempt and swung his arm backwards, catching Haliburton with his left elbow.
No foul was called though as referee James Capers (who was in the immediate vicinity) did not blow his whistle. The Thunder went on to miss a shot at the rim, igniting a Pacers fast break. Here is the video of the play.
Lu Dort elbowed Tyrese Haliburton in the face pic.twitter.com/nVmmpvm2ZF
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 12, 2025
Haliburton remained down for a few moments as play continued. But he was eventually able to get up to his feet and ultimately looked to be OK.
An All-Defensive First Team selection this season, Dort is known as one of the fiercest perimeter stoppers in the league (and also made a strong contribution offensively with three triples during the first quarter of Game 3). But Dort is also a very unpopular figure among opposing fanbases due to his history of seemingly dirty plays.
Dort, who is often tasked with defending rival superstars, has become fairly notorious for his overly physical and extracurricular style of play. In fact during a Thunder game earlier this season, Dort ended up getting ejected for a nut shot on a stationary opponent.
Report: Lakers to target ex-NBA rebounding leader in free agency
The Los Angeles Lakers may already have a play called in the huddle to address their paper-thin frontcourt.
Veteran NBA big man Clint Capela is expected to “sit pretty high” atop the Lakers’ target board in free agency this offseason, Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported this week. Irwin adds that Capela is considered to be “within reach” at $5.7 million (which is the value of the taxpayer’s midlevel exception that the Lakers will have at their disposal this summer).
Capela, 31, is an 11-year NBA veteran who led the league in rebounding during the 2020-21 campaign with 14.3 per game. Though Capela is slightly undersized for a center at 6-foot-10, his energy (especially on the offensive glass and as a rim protector) would be a real asset to the Lakers at this point.
With the Atlanta Hawks this season, Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game. Atlanta phased out Capela towards the second half of the season (replacing him in their starting lineup with 24-year-old Onyeka Okongwu), and now Capela will be free to leave as an unrestricted free agent if he so chooses.
Meanwhile, the Lakers sacrificed their depth down low by trading away Anthony Davis as part of the Luka Doncic blockbuster last February. As a result, they opted to go small for extended stretches during the first-round playoff loss to Minnesota (and managed to alienate one of the only true centers left on their roster in the process).
The Lakers might want to shoot for a younger and higher-ceiling big man than Capela, especially since there are some options for them on the trade market. But for the $5.7 million MLE, Capela makes for a strong candidate.
Former No. 3 overall pick to undergo Tommy John surgery
The MLB-best Detroit Tigers are getting a harsh reality check this week.
Detroit announced on Wednesday that pitching phenom Jackson Jobe is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Jobe has UCL damage in his pitching elbow and will need to have the procedure as a result.
The 22-year-old right-hander Jobe landed on the injured list at the end of May with what was initially diagnosed as a Grade 1 flexor strain. However, further evaluation with doctors on his elbow revealed that Jobe is actually dealing with a UCL injury that will require surgical reconstruction.
Jobe was the No. 3 overall pick (out of high school) during the 2021 MLB Draft. After spending his first couple of seasons in the minors, Jobe was called up last September and made a contribution out of the bullpen as the Tigers made it to the ALDS (marking their first playoff appearance in a decade).
Once regarded as the top pitching prospect in baseball, Jobe had been coming into his own this season as a full-time starter for Detroit. He was 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 10 total starts. Jobe had also been sitting in the 96-97 mph range with his fastball and in the 95 mph range with his sinker (per FanGraphs).
The rotation has been an area of strength for the 44-24 Tigers this season, especially with reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal leading the way and the likes of Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize providing support. But with Jobe now looking at an absence that will cost him the rest of 2025 and likely all of 2026 as well, the worst-case scenario has materialized for the talented young hurler (as he becomes the latest notable MLB pitcher to get the Tommy John blow).
Pope Leo shows off his White Sox love with hat at Vatican
Pope Leo is not hiding his love of the Chicago White Sox.
Pope Leo XIV was photographed sporting a White Sox hat at the Vatican during his weekly general audience. The White Sox proudly shared the photo via their X account.
.@Pontifex representing his favorite squad 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lyJG42S529
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 11, 2025
Prior to being elected the new pope last month, Pope Leo XIV was named Cardinal Robert Prevost. He grew up in Chicago, Ill., and was a White Sox fan. A false rumor was spread initially saying he was a Cubs fan, but that error was quickly corrected. Later, some folks even dug up footage that showed Pope Leo attending a White Sox World Series game in 2005.
The White Sox entered play on Wednesday with a 23-44 record, which had them last in the AL Central. They had won four of their last five games though, so maybe Pope Leo can bring them some good fortune.
Fabio Fognini had insults for Corentin Moutet during handshake
Fabio Fognini did some name-calling toward Corentin Moutet during a handshake between them after their first-round match at the Stuttgart Open in Germany on Tuesday.
Moutet won the match 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 to advance to the second round of the event. Their handshake at the net was nasty afterwards. Fognini tried to get Moutet to look at him but Moutet would not engage.
“Look at me, you little pig. You’re a piece of sh-t,” Fognini said to Moutet in French, which is Moutet’s language.
Spicy handshake 🌶️@moutet99 wins the battle of the entertainers 6-4 6-7 6-3 vs Fognini 🍿#BOSSOPEN pic.twitter.com/75P18ZH0rW
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 10, 2025
Both players are known for their confrontational ways and conflicts on the court, so it’s not too surprising there were some fireworks after the match. The big surprise is that Moutet did not engage what we have seen from him in the past.
Moutet, 26, is currently ranked No. 91 in the world. Fognini is ranked No. 89 but has been ranked as high as No. 9 during his career. He is known for being a hot head.
Everyone said the same thing about Knicks’ latest failed target
The New York Knicks have been rebuffed once again in their latest attempt to speak to a current NBA head coach, and their failed attempts are starting to provoke a reaction from many.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that the Knicks requested permission to interview Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder for their head coaching vacancy. The Hawks “firmly denied” that request.
Another one: The New York Knicks have requested permission to speak with Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, but were firmly denied, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025
This marks at least the fourth current head coach the Knicks have tried and failed to interview. That includes Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who is seen as the team’s most prominent target.
The attempt to interview Snyder opened the Knicks up to widespread criticism on social media. Many mocked the team for their focus on other NBA head coaches that are already employed elsewhere, while others felt that the requests make them look desperate and lacking a plan after firing Tom Thibodeau.
So they fired their coach with absolutely no plan for the next hit except pray some team lets theirs go?
— japtaa⚡️ (@DubsBetterr) June 11, 2025
The Knicks: pic.twitter.com/y2RZmTBCfv
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) June 11, 2025
The Knicks entire coaching search concept being “let’s see what teams don’t like their coach enough to just let him leave” is hilarious https://t.co/yqwNUkngXM
— Tucker (@SportingLogical) June 11, 2025
Knicks drunk DMing coaches “you up?” is hilarious https://t.co/lkshuvTVI2
— vic (@CountOnVic) June 11, 2025
Well…there are still 25 other current NBA head coaches for the Knicks to ask about before they run out of those options. So, that's something!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 11, 2025
Even Kevin Garnett could not help but mock the Knicks for the series of rejections.
Everytime the Knicks asks for permission to interview 😭😭😭
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) June 11, 2025
This is crazy 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/yY5WqX07L8
One could certainly argue that the Knicks are casting a wide net in their coaching search and doing their due diligence. A series of high-profile rejections from rival teams would seem to undermine the argument that they had a clear plan after firing Thibodeau.
The Knicks had their reasons for seeking out a new head coach. However, there does not appear to be a leading candidate a week after they made that decision, and their search has mostly made headlines for who they cannot speak to than anything else.
3-time Pro Bowl Za’Darius Smith names the team he wants to sign with
Three-time Pro Bowl defender Za’Darius Smith is still on the free agent market, but he knows where he would like to land if it were up to him.
Smith wants to return to the Detroit Lions after finishing the 2024 season there. He had praise for the coaching staff and players, and views it as a place where he can contend for a Super Bowl to cap off his career.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith told Tyler Dragon of USA Today at the 2025 BET Awards. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
The Lions could benefit from some edge rushing help, but have yet to work anything out with Smith. The team traded for him to help fill the void after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury, but have yet to prioritize the position this offseason with Hutchinson on his way back for 2025. However, having Smith as an insurance policy may not be a bad idea.
The 32-year-old Smith had four sacks in eight games for Detroit last season after the trade. He has 69 career sacks in 10 NFL seasons, and as he indicated, would be a quality rotation option and leadership piece for the Lions if they found a place for him.
Davante Adams takes a shot at his former teams
Davante Adams certainly seemed to have a pointed message to at least one of his former teams when commenting on his decision to join the Los Angeles Rams.
The veteran wide receiver raved about the environment around Rams practices on Tuesday, pointing out that coaches and teammates are all in a good mood. He used that as an opportunity to contrast the situation with the “dark cloud” he has experienced at other teams in recent years.
“Everybody’s in a good mood. It’s not like a dark cloud over the building. And I’ve experienced that quite a bit over the last few years,” Adams said. “So, it’s a glaring difference when you come into a building like this.”
Davante Adams said he feels "rejuvenated" this offseason in LA.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) June 10, 2025
"Everybody's in a good mood. It's not like a dark cloud over the building. And I've experienced that quite a bit over the last few years. So, it's a glaring difference when you come into a building like this."
Adams spent most of the last three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before finishing last season with the New York Jets. Neither organization has had much success lately, so it is entirely plausible that he could be referring to either of them.
Critics might argue that Adams might have contributed to those dark clouds, especially with the Raiders. So far, however, he seems to love working with the Rams, and is working on developing a rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Only time will tell if that lasts.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could keep Bucks waiting on trade decision
The Milwaukee Bucks may not have much clarity on the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation for the majority of the offseason.
In an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania suggested that speculation on Antetokounmpo’s future will go well beyond the NBA Draft at the end of June. Charania indicated that Antetokounmpo will want to see how the offseason progresses before making any firm decision on his future, which could keep the Bucks in limbo until July or August.
“His status will not be tied to the NBA Draft. It won’t be tied to free agency,” Charania said of Antetokounmpo. “It’s much more likely that his future plays out into July and into August, in terms of him seeing the landscape of not only the Bucks, but seeing the landscape of the league, seeing what other teams do. When you’re a star of that caliber, the league moves how you want it to move. The league will move if you’re ready to ask for a trade.
“Around the league, there is a level of skepticism, because Giannis Antetokounmpo has been loyal. Does he really go through with it? There is a difference between being open-minded and, from what I’m told, actively exploring other options, and asking for a trade. He’s in the process of figuring out exactly what he wants to do.”
Shams on Giannis:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 11, 2025
"His status will not be tied to the NBA Draft, it won't be tied to free agency. It's much more likely that his future plays out into July and into August. There's a difference between being open-minded and from what I'm told exploring other options" pic.twitter.com/a3i8f22z1l
In other words, if Antetokounmpo feels the Bucks are falling behind, he could act even after the start of free agency. That could certainly make Milwaukee’s offseason difficult, though it does seem likely that the team will proceed as if he plans to stay.
The furthest anyone has really gone with Antetokounmpo is the suggestion that he is being “open-minded” about his future. That still appears to be the case, and it may stay that way for weeks to come.
PJ Tucker addresses retirement rumor
PJ Tucker on Wednesday posted a message on social media to address any rumors about him retiring.
The 40-year-old posted on his Instagram Story that he will not be retiring and that he plans to continue playing.
“Since we are in the era of not doing any fact checking and just repost what we hear from uncredited sources smfh i (sic) have to take time out of my vacation to set the record straight so yall can stop sending me the dumb s-it!” Tucker wrote, profanity censored by LBS.
“Never have a mentioned retirement or even given any indication that may be a thing.. I’m 40 years young 100% healthy, able, and will continue playing the game I’ve dedicated my lief to… HOOPIN!!!!!!”
PJ Tucker says he’s NOT retiring
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX ) pic.twitter.com/UYcW5RR6IS
Tucker still was playing in the NBA this season despite his age. He had interest from different teams down the stretch in the regular season and signed with the Knicks. He only played in three games for them. Tucker was added to help keep the team in line and guide them during the postseason, almost like a coach. The Knicks, like many other teams, valued Tucker for his leadership. He is hoping teams will still value that about him for the 2025-2026 season.
Tucker has played 13 seasons in the NBA and began his NBA career in 2006-2007 with the Toronto Raptors. His best statistical season came over a decade ago in 2013-2014 when he averaged 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Tucker also finished 12th in Defensive Player of the Year voting that season.
Aaron Rodgers forced to make equipment change after joining Steelers
Aaron Rodgers will have to make a change to his equipment after joining the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers admitted on Tuesday that he will need a new helmet for the 2025 season. He has worn a Schutt helmet throughout his career, but the model he used with the New York Jets in 2024 has been banned by the league for falling short of the necessary safety standard.
Rodgers had to try multiple helmets before taking part in Tuesday’s practice, but did not sound enthusiastic about any of them.
“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers said. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standards.”
Aaron Rodgers was trying on multiple helmets in the #Steelers’ equipment room today. He’s working to find a new one this season.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 10, 2025
“I can’t stand the helmet. I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standards.” pic.twitter.com/DJ1WlfnF5L
The Schutt Air XP Q11 Rodgers wore last season was “not recommended” by the league in 2024. It has been moved to the prohibited list for 2025, forcing the veteran quarterback to find something new. He is not happy about that, but is at least willing to go through the process.
A player’s choice of helmet is no small thing, though some take it much further than others. Given Rodgers’ prominence, he should have no short of options to find a fit that works for him.
Rodgers would have had to pick a new helmet on any team, but the Steelers also forced him into another significant change, albeit one he was able to sort out quickly.
Report: Mario Lemieux looking into buying Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux is part of a group that is looking into purchasing the team, according to a report.
TSN hockey reporter Pierre LeBrun reported on Wednesday that Fenway Sports Group has been looking to sell a partial share of the Penguins. Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Premier League team Liverpool, bought a majority share of the Penguins in 2021. LeBrun says the group of Ron Burkle, David Morehouse and Lemieux are looking into buying back the team.
Hearing from sources that the group of Ron Burkle, Mario Lemieux and David Morehouse are investigating the possibility of buying back the Penguins from Fenway Sports. Burkle and Lemieux sold the Penguins to Fenway in 2021. Fenway has been looking to sell a partial share. Will be…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 11, 2025
Lemieux has owned a fractional share of the Penguins since selling to Fenway in 2021.
The franchise icon Lemieux had a long ownership history with the team. The Penguins filed for bankruptcy in 1998. Lemieux purchased the team at that time to bring them out of bankruptcy. He later became the first player/owner in history
Lemieux, 59, is a Hall of Famer. He was a 9-time All-Star, 3-time Hart Trophy winner, and 2-time Stanley Cup winner during his playing career.
Joe Flacco delivers the perfect social media hot take
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco is one of the old men of the NFL, and he delivered the perfect take on social media Wednesday.
Flacco discussed how social media has changed since he entered the league in 2008, and how Instagram is the only platform he has grown comfortable using. He has particular ire for TikTok, questioning why anyone would want to use it.
“No TikTok dances. The fact that people want to get on their phones and show people — that’s embarrassing,” Flacco said. “You’re an adult. Be an adult. I can’t wrap my head around that. I get it, you have kids and you want to have fun with your kids. Have fun with your kids in private. That’s what I think.”
Joe Flacco has thoughts on social media, including TikTok dances. A pretty entertaining 2 minutes of video here #Browns pic.twitter.com/6MV6Y5IqrP
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) June 11, 2025
Flacco turned 40 in January and he certainly sounds his age here. Safe to say he probably did not think highly of the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster’s TikTok dances before games a few years back. One has to wonder how he feels about new teammate Shedeur Sanders, too.
The Browns brought Flacco in to compete for the starting quarterback job, and he has a chance to win it against the likes of Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders. He played in eight games for the Indianapolis Colts last year, throwing for 1,761 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Flacco knows he is not cool. At this point, he is embracing it, and that is probably the best and most entertaining thing he can do.
Kiké Hernandez wore interesting helmet while pitching for Dodgers
Kiké Hernandez made a pitching appearance for his Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, and he wore an interesting helmet while doing so.
Hernandez came in to pitch during the bottom of the sixth inning of his Dodgers’ 11-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego, Calif. His team was down 9-0 at the time, and the Dodgers were already making it a “bullpen game,” so having him pitch fit in with the theme. Hernandez was making his third appearance as a pitcher this season, and the helmet he used captured attention.
Now in to pitch for the Dodgers: Kiké Hernández… In the 6th inning 😳 pic.twitter.com/GL8GdVQ3Od
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 11, 2025
Hernandez was using what’s called a pitcher’s helmet. These are new products that MLB wanted to come up with to help protect pitchers against comebackers to the head.
BoomBang created the pitcher’s helmet. They describe the product as a “low-profile, composite cap-helmet hybrid made of carbon fiber with advanced energy-absorbing materials and breathable moisture-wicking liner.” It is a half-helmet and designed to protect against line drives to the head.
It’s smart of Hernandez to use the helmet considering he’s not a pitcher and the likelihood of opponents hitting the ball against him hard are high.
Hernandez went 2.1 innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks. He has a 2.08 ERA and 1.85 WHIP this season. He made four pitching appearances last season and had a 4.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.
Padres star Jackson Merrill had some great comments about Hernandez after the game.
Knicks’ stance on potential Kevin Durant trade revealed
If Kevin Durant wants to go to the New York Knicks, he might find himself disappointed in their level of interest.
The Knicks are not planning to pursue a trade for Durant, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. While Durant might have some level of interest in playing for the Knicks, that feeling reportedly is not mutual. The Knicks reportedly are “not in the mix” for him.
Durant is widely expected to be traded by the Phoenix Suns this offseason, with the team likely to help facilitate a move to Durant’s preferred landing spot. The Knicks have been named as one of several teams involved in discussions about a Durant trade, but those discussions may have already been cut short.
The Knicks had been viewed as a logical landing spot for Durant in light of how close they came to the NBA Finals. The team has a solid core in place led by Jalen Brunson, though the team has largely exhausted its supply of future draft picks in assembling that core. That might be one reason the Knicks are reluctant to make such a massive move.
There is also some uncertainty surrounding where the Knicks stand at this point. Their search for a new head coach has run into a significant roadblock, and they do not have an immense amount of roster flexibility right now. This might not be a great time to launch an all-out pursuit of Durant. Instead, the Knicks might prefer to focus on running it back with their current core under a new coach.
Reports have indicated that Durant may prefer to go to a different team anyway, leaving the Knicks on the fringes.
MLB players anonymously named 1 team they do not want to play for
Major League Baseball players are definitely not eager to play for one specific team, at least based on the results of The Athletic’s anonymous player survey.
Players were asked which organizations have good and bad reputations among their peers, and unsurprisingly, the Athletics came in first. 39 of 115 respondents said the A’s have a bad reputation, with players citing their reluctance to spend money and the fact that they are currently playing games in a minor league stadium.
“I had a buddy who was traded to the A’s as a minor leaguer. … He went to Oakland and said the way they were fed, the places they stayed were just not good,” one player said.
The Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies also scored poorly, but the A’s led the pack. Considering how they have been perceived in recent years, that is not a huge surprise. The stadium, in particular, is drawing poor reviews among some players, and they will be there for two more seasons beyond this one.
The A’s did make an effort to spend some money during the offseason. That did not convince players that they are making a serious change to their long-term business model. The fact that they entered play Wednesday at 26-43 will not help, either.
Jim Harbaugh underwent 2 significant medical procedures
Jim Harbaugh has had a tough offseason that involved a lot of trips to the doctor, but the Los Angeles Chargers coach insists he is now good to go for his second year with the team.
Harbaugh told reporters at the start of minicamp on Tuesday that he underwent a cardiac ablation and had hip replacement surgery after the 2024 season. Both procedures were successful.
Harbaugh said he has now been given a clean bill of health.
“The doctors can’t find anything wrong with me. A-grade,” Harbaugh told the media, via ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
The heart ablation was related to a health scare Harbaugh had during Week 6 last season. The Chargers were facing the Broncos in Denver when Harbaugh briefly left the sideline and went into the locker room. It was later revealed that he was having symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia.
Harbaugh, 61, noted that the issue was nothing new for him. He also underwent a minor procedure back in 2012 in order to address the issue when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
The hip surgery was also to address a lingering issue that caused Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, to walk with a limp.
The Chargers went 11-6 in Harbaugh’s first season last year and made the playoffs, where they lost to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. Harbaugh is aiming to lead the team on a deeper run in 2025. Hopefully he will no longer have to worry about his heart or his hip in Year 2.
