Eatman: Good luck finding a more insane game than this one.

 

 

LANDOVER, Md. – The game was tied 3-3 at halftime, and by the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter, it was just 13-9.

To put it into perspective, imagine a lot of people still somewhat sober around midnight or 1 a.m. But it’s that final hour – in this case, the last five minutes – that can flip the most ordinary situation upside down.

Make no mistake, this Cowboys-Commanders game was pure chaos.

Five touchdowns in the final five minutes? Are you serious? Two kickoff returns for touchdowns, including KaVontae Turpin’s remarkable fumble recovery, where he slowly jogged to the middle, then exploded with speed, spun, and dashed into the end zone for a touchdown that may go down as one of the greatest special teams plays in Cowboys history.

And to think, the drama wasn’t even over yet.

The first 55 minutes had all the feel of a classic NFC East showdown, with more mistakes than big plays. But the final five minutes? It was like a Wimbledon match, with back-and-forth action that left everyone in the stadium with sore necks.

Let me say this before we get too deep into the game: I’m often asked, especially on my daily Cowboys podcast Cowboys StoryLine, what my favorite game of all time is. I always bring up my first game covering the team in 1999, when the Cowboys came back from 21 down in the fourth quarter to beat Washington in Week 1. It had Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, and Rocket Ismail making huge plays. That game will never be topped, simply because it was my first one.

But right now, as I’m still trying to catch my breath, I’m going to say this latest game against Washington is a very close No. 2.

Who knows, 25 years from now, we probably won’t remember names like Cooper Rush, Turpin, Josh Butler, Luke Schoonmaker, or Chauncey Golston in the same way we do the Cowboys legends of the past. But I can promise you, we won’t see another game with this many back-and-forth plays in the final five minutes anytime soon.

Interestingly, the first comment I saw on Twitter was about how lucky the Cowboys were that Washington missed that extra point.

Here’s my response: The Cowboys have been called many things in recent weeks, but “lucky” certainly hasn’t been one of them.

Yes, Commanders kicker Austin Seibert missed a crucial kick to tie the game. But let’s not forget, he also missed another important kick earlier in the third quarter. Kickers can’t afford to let those mistakes creep into their heads – it’s hard to block that out.

Now, let’s flip the script and give some credit to Brandon Aubrey. His first two kicks on the day were a disaster – one blocked and the other hitting the upright. How did he respond? He drilled a 46-yard field goal before halftime that gave the Cowboys momentum, and then hit a 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, along with all his extra points, which we know were crucial.

If the Cowboys were fortunate that Washington missed their kick, let’s give them credit for nailing their own.

When you think about the full 60 minutes, the Cowboys were the better team. Are they the better team overall? The record might suggest otherwise, but if you watched this game closely, from offense to defense to special teams, the Cowboys outperformed Washington. Rush will never be as flashy as a guy like Jayden Daniels, who’s already a star in this league, but Rush was more efficient on Sunday, taking care of the ball and managing the game better.

Let’s not forget the players who weren’t available for the Cowboys. This was supposed to be the game where they got back key players like Jordan Lewis, Marshawn Kneeland, and DaRon Bland. Yet, they had to play without both starting guards, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and tight end Jake Ferguson. In total, 13 Pro Bowl-caliber players were inactive.

Think about it – some of the key contributors in this game were backups for those injured players. Josh Butler stepped up with 12 tackles, a sack, and three pass breakups filling in for Diggs. T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman brought toughness to the offensive line, helping the Cowboys run the ball effectively. And Schoonmaker had two crucial catches, including the 22-yard touchdown that should’ve sealed the game.

Of course, Rush is the next man up for Dak Prescott and had his best performance of the season. He wasn’t flashy, but he was solid and effective – exactly what the team needed.

Now, you can win with a backup quarterback if your defense plays lights out. It’s tough to swallow that they gave up the 86-yard touchdown in the final seconds, which spoiled what had been a stellar defensive effort. But overall, Mike Zimmer’s defense deserves a lot of credit for keeping Washington off the board for most of the game. It wasn’t perfect, but there’s plenty to build on, especially if they can get some injured players back.

As I’m typing this, I keep looking at the stat sheet, trying to convince myself that game actually happened.

But it most certainly did. This season has been full of surprises, week after week. And while most of them have worked against the Cowboys, this one was an unforgettable win.

Mahomes aims for 'calmer' finishes following another Chiefs walk-off victory.

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After the Kansas City Chiefs clinched their fifth walk-off victory of the season on Sunday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged he’s happy to take the wins however they come but would prefer them to be a bit less dramatic at the finish.

"You want to have some blowouts," Mahomes said following the Chiefs' 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers, which ended with rookie Spencer Shrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired. "You'd like things to be a little calmer in the fourth quarter. I’ve always said that, especially as you get closer to the playoffs, it's good to have these experiences so you know how to handle those moments."

"But I'd love to win a game before the very last play."

With a 10-1 record, the Chiefs have now won eight games by one score, tying an NFL record for the most such wins in the first 11 games of a season. Half of those victories have been decided in the final moments. Among them, one was settled by a blocked field goal, another by an overtime touchdown, one by an opposing receiver missing a critical foot placement in the end zone, and now two have been determined by field goals.

 

Mahomes guided the Chiefs on the decisive drive against the Panthers, beginning with two short pass completions before a pivotal 33-yard scramble that moved Kansas City into field goal range.

While Mahomes admits he's not the fastest or most elusive runner, he's effective when needed.

"He has a great feel for the game," said coach Andy Reid. "He knows where guys are based on the coverage and understands what they're trying to accomplish. He can also feel the pressure from the defense."

Mahomes has delivered some key runs in late-game situations during some of the Chiefs' most memorable victories. In Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, his longest run on the winning drive was 26 yards, and in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, it was 19 yards.

"It's not something I plan ahead of time," Mahomes explained. "It’s just when the moment comes, and you need to make a play, I try to do that. That's why these big runs tend to come later in games."

"You can’t always slide; sometimes you have to put your body on the line, knowing you might take hits. But we’ve been able to make some big runs at crucial moments."

Rookie Spencer Shrader, who joined the Chiefs two weeks ago as an emergency replacement for injured kicker Harrison Butker, stepped up with the game-winning field goal. Before joining the Chiefs, Shrader had kicked in two games for the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets.

"I knew an opportunity would come, so I stayed calm, knowing I'd be ready when the time came," Shrader said. "It's about trusting the team to get you in that position, and when you’re there, you just focus and make the kick."

Butker, a proven clutch performer, had made his own game-winning field goal earlier this season, a 51-yarder against the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the Chiefs had confidence in Shrader, coach Reid acknowledged the challenge he faced in a high-pressure situation.

"That's a lot of pressure for a new guy," Reid said. "He's coming in, replacing a future Hall of Famer. That’s not easy, especially in these types of games."

NFL Scores: Packers dominate depleted 49ers, Seahawks move into NFC West tie with win over Cardinals

The Green Bay Packers delivered a commanding 38-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, who were missing key players Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Josh Jacobs had an outstanding performance, notching his third career three-touchdown game and surpassing 100 rushing yards for the third time this season. Jordan Love contributed with two touchdown passes and no turnovers, while the Packers' defense forced three takeaways and limited the 49ers, led by backup quarterback Brandon Allen, to under 250 total yards. The win elevated Green Bay to 8-3, while San Francisco dropped to 5-6. The lone bright spot for the 49ers was the Seahawks' 16-6 victory over the Cardinals in Seattle. With the win, both Seattle and Arizona now sit tied at 6-5 atop the NFC West. Despite their struggles, the 49ers remain just one game back in the division and still have matchups remaining against the Cardinals and the 5-5 Rams. Geno Smith threw for 254 yards, including a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to secure the Seahawks' victory. In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos moved to 7-5 after defeating the Raiders in Las Vegas. Bo Nix passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns, both to Courtland Sutton, who tallied 97 receiving yards. With this win, Denver solidified its position in the AFC playoff race and heads into a pivotal stretch, with a late bye in Week 14 following next week's Monday Night Football showdown against the Browns.

Saquon Barkley: Hoping Daniel Jones Finds a Fresh Start and Success Like I Did

 Video link>>> https://www.nbcsports.com/watch/nfl/profootballtalk/daniel-jones-falls-to-qb4-on-new-york-giants-depth-chart

 

 

Saquon Barkley Hopes Daniel Jones Finds Success with a Fresh Start

Saquon Barkley departed the Giants in free agency and has thrived with the Eagles, while Daniel Jones is now leaving the team via the waiver wire.

Barkley, who currently ranks second in the NFL with 1,137 rushing yards and is a strong contender for Offensive Player of the Year, expressed his support for his former teammate.

 ... ...

“I’ve stayed in contact with him. Our friendship has remained close throughout my time here,” Barkley shared, via ESPN’s Tim McManus. “It’s tough to see how things played out for him with the Giants. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him—you won’t find many people with anything negative to say about him.”

Barkley added: “It’s the NFL. Hopefully, wherever he lands next, he’ll have a chance to work hard and succeed. Things didn’t work out for me there, but I’ve found success here. I hope he can find the same fresh start and thrive.”

The Giants announced Friday that Jones would be waived, though the move hasn’t been finalized yet. Given his contract, Jones is expected to clear waivers and enter free agency.

Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans with New Album *GNX*, Addressing Drake Feud and Lil Wayne Super Bowl Drama

 

 

Topline

Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise album, GNX, on Friday afternoon with no prior announcement, capping off a stellar year. The release follows his high-profile feud with Drake—widely considered a victory for Lamar—and features references to the conflict, including nods to his hit diss track, Not Like Us.

 

Key Facts

• Kendrick Lamar quietly released his 12-track album GNX on Friday afternoon, sharing the album cover on Instagram shortly after noon EST.

• The opening track, "Wacced Out Murals," addresses his feud with Drake, with the lyric: “Snoop posted 'Taylor Made,' I prayed it was the edibles / I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.” This references Snoop Dogg sharing Drake’s diss track "Taylor Made Freestyle" on Instagram earlier this year. Snoop later clarified he wouldn’t take sides, praising both artists for "raising the bar" in hip-hop.

• The album features "Heart Pt. 6," the latest entry in Lamar’s acclaimed Heart series, and shares its title with one of Drake’s diss tracks released in May.

• Lamar also addresses backlash for headlining the Super Bowl in New Orleans over hometown favorite Lil Wayne on "Wacced Out Murals." He raps: “I used to bump ‘Tha Carter 3,’ I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,” referencing Wayne’s 2008 album, and adds: “Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me.

  Key Background

  The release of GNX caps off a monumental year for Kendrick Lamar. Earlier this year, he ignited a fiery feud with Drake, releasing a string of diss tracks that many believe solidified his victory in the rivalry. His hit single "Not Like Us" became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning five Grammy nominations.

  The feud was marked by explosive allegations on both sides: Lamar accused Drake of pursuing minors and hiding a secret daughter—claims Drake denied—while Drake alleged Lamar had abused his wife, which Lamar has previously refuted.

  In June, Lamar celebrated his success with a star-studded Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles, featuring appearances by notable celebrities from the city. The event, widely seen as a victory lap following the Drake feud, included a bold moment where Lamar performed "Not Like Us" five times consecutively.

  In September, Lamar was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, scheduled for February. The decision sparked backlash from fans and artists like Nicki Minaj, Master P, and Cam’ron, who argued Lil Wayne deserved the spot in his hometown of New Orleans. Lil Wayne later admitted the perceived snub "broke" him, blaming his own expectations for assuming he would be chosen.

  News Peg

  Just ahead of the album drop, Lamar teased the release with a one-minute video on YouTube, featuring him posing alongside a Buick GNX. The album boasts production by Jack Antonoff, known for his work with major pop stars, and guest vocals from SZA.

Trump Selects Former Congressman and Fox Business Host Sean Duffy as Next Transportation Secretary

 

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has chosen former congressman and recent Fox Business co-host Sean Duffy to be the next Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Duffy, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, represented Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. He most recently co-hosted *The Bottom Line* on Fox Business, after joining Fox News as a contributor in 2020.

A network spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Duffy's final day as a Fox News employee was Monday. He made his last appearance on Fox Business on Wednesday, and later that week, he interviewed for the position of transportation secretary, according to a source.

 In a statement, Trump praised Sean Duffy as a “tremendous and well-liked public servant,” highlighting his reputation as “a respected voice and communicator in the Republican Conference” during his tenure in Congress.

“Duffy will prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness, and Beauty as he works to rebuild America’s highways, tunnels, bridges, and airports. He will ensure our ports and dams support our economy without compromising national security, and he will make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers,” Trump said.

While Duffy’s legislative career included serving as chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, he has limited experience in transportation policy.

If confirmed by the Senate, Duffy would oversee infrastructure projects involving companies led by Elon Musk, a close Trump ally. Musk's ventures have billions of dollars in federal contracts, including with the Department of Transportation, and Musk has been tapped by Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.

 The new head of the Department of Transportation will face a range of challenges, particularly in aviation safety, including ongoing quality control and manufacturing issues with Boeing. Other pressing matters likely to land on his desk include potential airline labor strikes and climate-focused initiatives, such as the expansion of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Founded in 1966, the Department of Transportation employs nearly 55,000 people and plays a critical role in overseeing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of the nation’s transportation systems.

Duffy would succeed Pete Buttigieg, who has led the department since February 2021. During the Trump administration, Elaine Chao served as transportation secretary until her resignation following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Before his political career, Duffy gained national attention as a cast member on MTV’s *The Real World: Boston* in 1997. He later competed on *Road Rules: All Stars*, where he met Rachel Campos, a cast member from *The Real World: San Francisco* who would become his wife. Campos-Duffy is now the co-host of *Fox & Friends Weekend* and previously worked alongside Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary.

Duffy resigned from his congressional seat in 2019, citing a desire to spend more time with his family following complications in his wife’s pregnancy with their ninth child.

During his time in Congress, Duffy introduced a bill aimed at expanding Trump’s presidential powers to impose tariffs, a move that earned praise from the former president, though the bill was dismissed by fellow Republicans at the time.

Prior to entering politics, Duffy served as district attorney for Ashland County, Wisconsin, from 2002 to 2008. He also had a career as a professional lumberjack athlete and served as a color commentator for ESPN.

Mixon and Texans' Defense Overwhelm Cowboys on MNF

 

Texans Top Cowboys 34-10 for First-Ever Win at AT&T Stadium

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Houston Texans secured their first-ever victory at AT&T Stadium on Monday night, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 and snapping a two-game losing streak.

Running back Joe Mixon was the star of the game, rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns. Houston took control early, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and their defense took over from there. The Texans sacked Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush five times, intercepted him once, and scored a touchdown on a strip sack.

With the win, Houston now holds a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South. The Texans have already beaten the Colts twice this season, and their next two matchups are against the struggling Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

 **Key Takeaways from Monday Night: Texans vs. Cowboys**

**Houston Texans (7-4)**

**Pivotal Play:**  
The game was effectively sealed early in the fourth quarter when defensive end Derek Barnett forced a strip sack on Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush. Right tackle Tyler Guyton recovered the loose ball but was quickly stripped again by safety Jalen Pitre. Barnett scooped it up and dashed into the end zone, extending Houston's lead to 27-10 and putting the game out of reach.

**Surprising Performance:**  
Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. stepped up in a big way, particularly in his matchups against All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Although Stingley doesn't typically shadow top receivers, he did so on several occasions against Lamb and excelled. Stingley allowed just two catches for 19 yards on 17 routes, added an interception, broke up two passes, and drew an offensive pass interference penalty. Cooper Rush's passer rating when targeting Stingley was a dismal 3.5, per Next Gen Stats.

**Troubling Trend:**  
Despite the win, the Texans' penalty issues continued to be a concern. Houston committed nine penalties for 69 yards, which allowed Dallas to stay within striking distance. A 77-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins on the first play was called back due to an illegal man downfield penalty on left tackle Laremy Tunsil. On another drive, a holding penalty on left guard Juice Scruggs stalled a potential touchdown drive, forcing the Texans to settle for a field goal. As the playoffs approach, cleaning up these mistakes will be critical.

**Next Game:**  
Sunday vs. Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET)

---

**Dallas Cowboys (3-7)**

**Season Outlook:**  
The Cowboys’ losing streak hit five straight games, and while their season isn't mathematically over, the outlook remains bleak. Quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury, and the offensive line took another hit with both guards, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, leaving the game in the fourth quarter.

This marks the Cowboys' longest losing streak since 2015, when they dropped seven straight on their way to a 4-12 finish. It's also tied for the longest losing streak of head coach Mike McCarthy’s career. In a grim historical note, the Cowboys have now lost their first five home games of the season for the first time since 1989—a year that saw them finish 1-15.

**QB Breakdown:**  
Cooper Rush showed some flashes but couldn’t overcome the mounting pressure. He finished with 354 passing yards, but a majority of that came in garbage time, including a 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin in the second quarter. Despite the yardage, Rush continued to struggle with consistency, and the fourth-quarter sack fumble returned for a touchdown only added to the Cowboys’ woes.

**Troubling Trend:**  
Dallas' defense, which had already been struggling against big plays, allowed a 45-yard touchdown run by Joe Mixon, the longest run allowed by the Cowboys this season. This play highlighted a broader issue, as Dallas entered the game ranked 31st in the league in run defense. The Cowboys have given up 28 passing plays of 20 yards or more and 38 runs of 10 yards or more this season.

**Troubling Trend (Part 2):**  
Dallas has now allowed points in 21 consecutive quarters, marking the longest streak in franchise history. The previous record was 19 quarters, set in the team's inaugural season in 1960. In yet another troubling stat, the Cowboys' defense has allowed a score on the opening possession of the second half in 8 of their last 10 games.

**Next Game:**  
Sunday vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET)

**How to Watch UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic – Live Stream, Fight Card, and Start Time**

Heavyweight Clash: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Headlines UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden**  

Fight fans, the wait is over! UFC 309’s main event delivers a historic heavyweight championship showdown as Jon "Bones" Jones (27-1-0) takes on Stipe Miocic (20-4-0) at the iconic Madison Square Garden this Saturday night.  

The action begins with prelims at 6 p.m. ET, leading into the highly anticipated main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view. Mark your calendars—this is a fight night you don’t want to miss!

**How to Watch UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic**  

- **Date:** Saturday, November 16, 2024  

- **Time:** Main Card at 10:00 PM ET  

- **Channel:** ESPN+  

- **Stream:** ESPN PPV (Order Now)  

### The Tale of the Tape  

**Jon Jones (27-1-0): The Comeback King**  

After a three-year hiatus, Jon "Bones" Jones returned to the octagon in dominant fashion at UFC 285, submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round to capture the heavyweight title. At 37 years old and fresh off recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, Jones is out to solidify his legacy as the greatest of all time.  

Jones is the ultimate mixed martial artist, combining surgical striking, world-class grappling, and a submission game that has humbled even the toughest challengers. With a 4.5-inch reach advantage over Stipe Miocic, the most decorated fighter in UFC history brings an arsenal of skills designed to keep his crown. 

FDA employees discuss options for managing RFK Jr., including the possibility of resignation.

 President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a significant health position in his upcoming administration.

By Berkeley Lovelace Jr.

Some staff members at the Food and Drug Administration are contemplating a quick departure as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is being discussed as a possible health official in the incoming Trump administration, according to three former and one current government official who were granted anonymity to speak openly about the sensitive matter. These former officials remain connected with current FDA employees.

Staff turnover often accompanies a new administration, with many FDA employees similarly considering departure before President-elect Donald Trump’s first term, said both a former and a current official. Back then, there were also uncertainties about what direction the FDA would take under the Trump administration.

Ultimately, however, "relatively little turnover" occurred, according to a former official, who added that Trump’s first term generally went smoothly for those who stayed at the FDA, enabling them to focus on new agency priorities, such as expedited drug approvals.

This time, though, there’s an additional layer of concern: Kennedy.

“With the first administration, more people adopted a wait-and-see approach. Now, between concerns about new post-employment restrictions and the risk of involuntary separation, more people are proactively considering their options,” one former official said.

The current official echoed that sentiment, estimating that "dozens" are likely weighing their choices.

It’s still unclear what specific health role Kennedy may assume in the administration—if any—but Trump has indicated he would let the former independent presidential candidate and vaccine skeptic “go wild on health.” Meanwhile, Kennedy has hinted at a possible overhaul of federal health agencies, including the FDA, telling NBC News the day after the election that “in some categories, there are entire departments, like the nutrition department at the FDA, that have to go.”

“The question now is whether the agency will have leadership that can continue advancing innovative new products or if it will bring in leadership that could disrupt the FDA’s ability to fulfill its core mission,” said one former official. The FDA did not respond to a request for comment regarding whether employees are considering leaving.

According to both a former and a current official, any talk of departures remains speculative at this point, and it’s unclear if anyone has actually left or is making firm plans to do so.

At a cancer research event on Tuesday, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf expressed “disappointment” with the election results and uncertainty about the agency’s future.

When asked if he anticipates a “mass exodus” of employees, Califf responded, “I think people are waiting to see.”

“We really don’t know what’s going to happen next,” Califf added. “It seems clear that this administration aims to change many things, but how that unfolds will depend on who fills key positions and how the policies develop.”

Trump has also indicated he may seek to end the so-called revolving door, where government officials leaving the agency move on to lobbying roles—a point of concern for some FDA staff who worry about future job prospects if they remain, according to one source.

Another individual expressed uncertainty about how such restrictions would work in practice or if Trump could apply them retroactively.

Additionally, several FDA staff members are nearing retirement eligibility, and “some may see this as an ideal time to make that transition,” one person noted. The FDA currently has over 18,000 employees.

It’s also possible Kennedy could be placed in a role with limited influence over the FDA’s core functions.

Last month, NBC News reported that the Trump campaign was considering Kennedy for a position to lead an initiative similar to “Operation Warp Speed” but focused on childhood chronic disease, referencing the COVID-19 vaccine development program during Trump’s first term.

Victor Wembanyama Sets Career-High with 50 Points in Spurs Victory

 

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 50 points, hitting a personal best of eight 3-pointers, to lead San Antonio to a 139-130 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.**

"My goal is for our future games and performances to overshadow this one," Wembanyama said. "I want this to eventually feel like just another game." But it was anything but ordinary.

Wembanyama’s 50-point feat is the first in Spurs franchise history to happen in regulation since David Robinson's legendary performance in 1994. At just 20 years and 314 days, he is now the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points and the tallest at 7-foot-4.

**Youngest Players to Score 50+ Points:**

| Player           | Date              | Age     | Points |

|------------------|-------------------|---------|--------|

| Brandon Jennings | Nov. 14, 2009     | 20y 52d | 55     |

| LeBron James     | Mar. 20, 2005     | 20y 80d | 56     |

| Devin Booker     | Mar. 24, 2017     | 20y 145d| 70     |

| Victor Wembanyama| Nov. 13, 2024     | 20y 314d| 50     |

| LeBron James     | Dec. 10, 2005     | 20y 345d| 52     |

Wembanyama’s previous career-high was 40 points, achieved in an overtime win against the Knicks last season. Starting strong on Wednesday, he was involved in four consecutive baskets within the first 67 seconds, helping the Spurs jump to a 13-3 lead.

Spurs forward Julian Champagnie praised Wembanyama’s effort: "When he brings that mindset, he’s unstoppable. Big credit to him—he took it personally tonight and balled out."

Wembanyama dominated the third quarter, scoring 19 points on a flawless 7-of-7 from the field, including 4-of-4 from deep, adding four rebounds, an assist, and a block. His 8-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc fueled nearly half of his points.

"They were good, rhythm shots," Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson noted. "The gravity he pulls is unique, and hitting shots from the outside only amplifies it."

Wembanyama ended the night 18-of-29 from the field with 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in 32 minutes, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 20 3-pointers and 13 blocks across a three-game span.

The Spurs' young star has now achieved a 50-point game, a 5x5 game, and a 10-block game, joining an elite list that includes Anthony Davis, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson.

Afterward, Wembanyama reflected on the accomplishment: "I'll celebrate for a bit tonight, but tomorrow we’re already focused on the Lakers. It’s a milestone, and I’m proud to be part of this ‘private club.’"

*ESPN Research contributed to this report.*

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Preview: Odds, Predictions, Key Matchups, and Betting Insights

 **Lakers vs. Grizzlies Preview: Odds, Predictions, Lineups, and Betting Insights**

The Los Angeles Lakers enter this matchup at 6-4 after two consecutive wins. The Lakers fell to Memphis earlier this season, losing 131-114, but notably, Anthony Davis was sidelined. Davis, who’s leading the NBA with 31.2 points per game and is 13th in rebounds (10.4 per game), is probable for tonight’s game.

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-4 despite significant injuries to key players. They’ll be without Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart for this matchup. However, Memphis has been on a roll, winning five of their last six games, with three of those wins coming in double digits. Their only recent loss was a close two-point game against the Nets (106-104).

In this preview, we’ll break down key details of the matchup, including projected lineups, team performance trends, player stats, and our best picks and betting advice.

---

**Game Details & How to Watch Lakers vs. Grizzlies**

- **Date:** Wednesday, November 13, 2024

- **Time:** 10:00 PM ET

- **Location:** Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California

- **TV/Streaming:** ESPN

**Current Game Odds (as of Wednesday afternoon)**

- **Moneyline:** Los Angeles Lakers (-275), Memphis Grizzlies (+225)

- **Spread:** Los Angeles -7

- **Total:** 232.0

**Projected Starting Lineups**

- **Memphis Grizzlies (7-4)**

  - PG: Scotty Pippen Jr. (Ja Morant out)

  - SG: Luke Kennard (Marcus Smart out)

  - SF: Jaylen Wells (Desmond Bane out)

  - PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.

  - C: Zach Edey

- **Los Angeles Lakers (6-4)**

  - PG: Austin Reaves

  - SG: Cam Reddish

  - SF: Rui Hachimura

  - PF: LeBron James

  - C: Anthony Davis

**Key Betting Trends and Insights**

- The Lakers are 6-4 ATS and undefeated ATS (4-0) as a home favorite.

- The Grizzlies are 6-5 ATS overall, with a 1-1 ATS record as a road underdog.

- Memphis has gone Over in seven of 11 games this season, while the Lakers are 5-5 on totals.

- **Recent Player Performances:**

  - LeBron James recorded a triple-double in his last game with 19 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds.

  - Anthony Davis had a modest game with 22 points and 4 rebounds in his last outing.

  - Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 24.2 points and 6 rebounds over his last five games.

**Notable Player Props for Lakers vs. Grizzlies**

- **Points Props:** Anthony Davis (O/U 28.5), Jaren Jackson Jr. (O/U 23.5), LeBron James (O/U 23.5)

- **Rebounds Props:** Anthony Davis (O/U 12.5), LeBron James (O/U 7.5)

- **Assists Props:** LeBron James (O/U 8.5), Scotty Pippen Jr. (O/U 6.5)

**Expert Picks & Predictions**

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) suggests the Lakers to exceed their first-half team total of 58.5 points, citing Memphis’ recent defensive stats against weaker offenses like Portland and Washington.

- **Moneyline:** NBC Sports sees potential value in Memphis ML (+225)

- **Spread:** Low confidence in Memphis +7

- **Total:** Low confidence in the UNDER 232.0

**Championship Odds Movements (BetMGM Insights)**

- **Favorites:** Celtics (+125) in the East and Thunder (+275) in the West

- **Biggest Liability:** Lakers and Celtics

For more detailed NBA picks and expert analysis, check out NBC Sports’ Expert NBA Predictions page.

Warriors vs. Mavericks Preview: Predictions, Odds, Expert Picks, Starting Lineups, Betting Trends, and Key Stats

https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-vs-mavericks-prediction-odds-212541817.html?

**Klay Thompson’s Return: Mavericks vs. Warriors Preview, Odds, Predictions, and Betting Insights**

Klay Thompson is set to make his highly anticipated return as the Dallas Mavericks face the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors come in with an 8-2 record, having won six of their last seven games. They wrapped up a successful five-game road trip (4-1) with a 127-116 victory over Oklahoma City on Sunday. This will be Golden State's fourth home game, where they hold a 2-1 record.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, are 5-5 and have dropped three of their last four games, including two recent losses to the Suns (114-113) and Nuggets (122-120). Dallas, who is 1-2 on the road, will be without starters Dereck Lively and P.J. Washington.

Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup, including how to watch, projected lineups, team performance, player stats, and expert betting insights.

**Game Details and How to Watch Mavericks vs. Warriors**

- **Date**: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

- **Time**: 10:00 PM ET

- **Location**: Chase Center, San Francisco, California

- **TV/Streaming**: TNT

**Current Odds for Mavericks vs. Warriors**

- **Moneyline**: Warriors (-140), Mavericks (+120)

- **Spread**: Warriors -2.5

- **Total**: 234.5

**Projected Starting Lineups**

- **Dallas Mavericks (5-5)**  

  - PG: Luka Doncic  

  - SG: Kyrie Irving  

  - SF: Klay Thompson  

  - PF: Maxi Kleber  

  - C: Daniel Gafford  

- **Golden State Warriors (8-2)**  

  - PG: Stephen Curry  

  - SG: De’Anthony Melton  

  - SF: Andrew Wiggins (day-to-day)  

  - PF: Draymond Green  

  - C: Trayce Jackson-Davis  

**Key Betting Trends and Stats**

- Golden State holds an 8-2 record against the spread (ATS), the second-best mark in the league.

- Dallas is 4-5-1 ATS this season and 1-0-1 ATS as a road underdog.

- Dallas leans toward the under (6-4), while Golden State has trended toward the over (7-3).

- Luka Doncic has scored 30+ points in three of his last five games.

- Steph Curry scored a season-high 36 points in his last outing.

**Player Props to Watch**

- **Highest Point Props**  

  - Luka Doncic O/U 29.5 Points  

  - Stephen Curry O/U 25.5 Points  

  - Kyrie Irving O/U 24.5 Points  

  - Klay Thompson O/U 15.5 Points  

- **Highest Rebound Props**  

  - Luka Doncic O/U 8.5 Rebounds  

  - Daniel Gafford O/U 6.5 Rebounds  

  - Draymond Green O/U 5.5 Rebounds  

- **Highest Assist Props**  

  - Luka Doncic O/U 8.5 Assists  

  - Stephen Curry O/U 5.5 Assists  

  - Draymond Green O/U 5.5 Assists  

**Expert Picks and Predictions for Mavericks vs. Warriors**

NBC Sports expert Vaughn Dalzell sees value in Klay Thompson’s return prop of Over 18.5 Points + Rebounds:  

“Though Thompson’s recent scoring has dipped, the added offensive role he’ll play in this game, combined with strong rebound opportunities, makes the over a worthwhile play.”

**Best Bets from NBC Sports Model**  

- **Moneyline**: Dallas (+120)  

- **Spread**: Low confidence on Dallas +2.5  

- **Total**: Low confidence in Under 234.5  

Stay tuned for more NBA predictions and analysis, and check out NBC Sports’ expert picks page for daily money line, spread, and total projections. Follow our experts on social media to get the latest insights and picks:

- **Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)**

- **Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)**

- **Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)**

- **Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)** 

Trump unveils his most "Make America Great Again" picks for a new White House term

 

CNN – It was a night of MAGA surprise and spectacle that even Donald Trump’s biggest supporters might not have expected.

On Tuesday, the president-elect announced a series of bold and unconventional Cabinet and staff selections, each one more unexpected than the last. These choices have heightened concerns among critics who fear his administration could lead the nation into uncharted territory.

In a notable move, Trump selected his new close ally Elon Musk, the innovative mind behind Tesla and SpaceX, to lead a newly created “Department of Government Efficiency.” Musk, known for his visionary ideas, will have the opportunity to rework governance and regulation while potentially benefiting from significant federal contracts for his businesses. This appointment has already raised new ethical concerns, with critics suggesting it could eclipse the conflicts of interest seen in Trump’s previous term.

Joining Musk in this department will be GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who appears intent on reducing the role of government. Ramaswamy made his views clear on X, the social platform owned by Musk, where he posted “SHUT IT DOWN,” signaling a strong stance against bureaucratic expansion. However, it remains uncertain how this new department, which Trump said would “offer external guidance to government operations,” will function in practice.

In an equally surprising choice, Trump tapped Fox News anchor and supporter Pete Hegseth for the role of Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran with a record of advocacy for veterans, lacks the extensive strategic experience typically expected in this role. However, his support for Trump and dedication to the MAGA movement likely played a role in his selection.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been named Secretary of Homeland Security. While she lacks direct experience in areas like counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and border enforcement, she has become a prominent figure within the MAGA movement and is known for her support of Trump.

Trump also chose former acting Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA. Ratcliffe, a loyal Trump ally, faced prior accusations of politicizing intelligence to favor Trump’s interests, sparking concerns about the agency’s future direction.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump appointed former presidential candidate and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, who has made controversial comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, could shift the U.S. approach in the region and impact prospects for a two-state solution.

These unconventional picks have solidified Trump’s intent to reshape his administration in line with the MAGA movement, raising both anticipation and alarm over his second term’s potential impact on U.S. governance.

Trump is claiming the spoils of his recent election victory.

 His appointments for the White House and Cabinet, some of the most unconventional in decades, reflect the sweeping mandate he won a week ago. His base, many of whom deeply resent Washington politics and seek retribution against elite circles, is energized. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat has left her supporters in dismay, worried the country could be headed for a turbulent and uncertain period.

For a brief moment on Monday, it appeared Trump’s approach might be more restrained than expected. His new chief of staff, Susie Wiles, seemed to be running a highly organized operation as the Cabinet picks were steadily announced. Reports from CNN and other outlets even suggested that Florida Senator Marco Rubio—a figure respected internationally—was a likely choice for Secretary of State.

But Tuesday night’s whirlwind of announcements from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate—including rumors that Elon Musk is involved in the selection process—hinted that the disruptive changes may be as intense as anticipated. The potential selection of Rubio, which comforted many allies wary of U.S. alliances, remains unofficial amid suggestions that Trump’s base might resist appointing an ex-critic with neo-conservative leanings.

A Wall Street Journal report added to the atmosphere of uncertainty, revealing that Trump’s transition team may introduce an executive order to create a “warrior board” with authority to recommend the dismissal of three- and four-star officers. This development has fueled fears that Trump could make substantial changes to military leadership, especially after campaign promises to consider using the military against political opponents.

**What Trump’s Moves Reveal**

Trump’s unexpected choices for top roles underscore a few clear strategies:

1. As the election winner, Trump has the right to select his Cabinet and staff, reflecting the democratic mandate he received.

2. By appointing figures like Musk, Kristi Noem, and Pete Hegseth, Trump is aligning with his base’s vision and reinforcing his image as an outsider who values loyalty.

3. His preference for staunch loyalists is also driven by frustration with establishment officials who constrained his ambitions during his first term.

4. His selections align with the ideological principles of his movement. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon, recently released from prison after a contempt of Congress conviction, famously stated that Trump’s mission was the “deconstruction of the administrative state”—a vision that now seems poised for acceleration.

However, Trump’s bold picks come with significant risks. While appointing outsiders to overhaul government agencies could fulfill his promises of reform, many of his choices lack deep expertise in the areas they’ll oversee, potentially leading to challenges as they attempt to reshape the very institutions they aim to transform.