"USA Basketball: Joel Embiid and Jrue Holiday to Rejoin Starting Lineup Against Puerto Rico in 2024 Olympics"

 

After Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton were kept on the bench for the entirety of Team USA's Olympic opener against Serbia, Joel Embiid also didn't see the court in the Americans' win over South Sudan on Wednesday. This victory clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for the U.S.

Before reaching the quarterfinals, the Americans have one more game left in their Group C round-robin schedule against Puerto Rico on Saturday. For this match, it appears Steve Kerr will revert to his original starting lineup of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, and Embiid.

Kerr has strategically adjusted the lineup based on matchups in the first two games, and his plan has worked well. Against Serbia, he played a bigger lineup featuring Embiid, opting for two-big bench lineups, which led to Tatum sitting out to make room for the return of Kevin Durant.

Against the smaller, faster South Sudan team, Kerr prioritized having more wings on the floor, which allowed for Tatum's inclusion along with the defensive mobility and athleticism of Anthony Davis in place of Embiid.

The specific lineups against Puerto Rico may not be critical due to the significant talent discrepancy. However, it is important for the Americans to use every opportunity to build cohesion with the units they plan to rely on in the quarterfinals, where one bad game can end their run, and in the medal rounds, where the stakes are equally high.

Overall, the Americans have played superb basketball through the first two games, consistently applying defensive pressure and re-establishing leads when necessary. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Bam Adebayo, Derrick White, and Anthony Davis have all had dominant stretches.

For Embiid, his performance against Serbia was limited. Like Curry, who has also struggled, Embiid is not the focal point of the offense, and defense is not his strong suit in this faster-paced environment. However, he will be back in the starting lineup on Saturday, providing another opportunity to make an impact as the Americans aim for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

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Posted in: 2024 Paris Olympics Today news

2024 NFL Division Rankings by Quarterbacks: Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson Propel AFC North to the Top"

 

Sure, here’s a rewritten version of the article:

--

Some NFL teams have elite quarterbacks, while others do not. But which of the league's eight divisions boast the most collective talent under center? In other words, which divisions are most entertaining based on their combined star power at the quarterback position? And which ones are likely to be the most competitive?

We've ranked all eight divisions, from least to best, as the 2024 NFL season approaches:8. NFC South

- **Kirk Cousins (Falcons)**

- **Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers)**

- **Derek Carr (Saints)**

- **Bryce Young (Panthers)**

It's no surprise that this division is generally considered the weakest. Cousins is a reliable pocket passer but is aging, coming off a serious injury, and adjusting to a new team. Mayfield is scrappy but inconsistent. Carr is resilient yet streaky, still seeking a big-game breakthrough. Young, while promising, is still a major projection after a slow start with limited support. Betting on any one of these quarterbacks is risky.

7. AFC West

- **Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)**

- **Justin Herbert (Chargers)**

- **Aidan O'Connell (Raiders)**

- **Bo Nix (Broncos)**

This division is top-heavy. Mahomes is already Hall of Fame-bound with his third Super Bowl title in five years, making him a must-watch every game. Herbert has elite arm talent and size but has been held back by questionable coaching. The rest is uncertain: O'Connell showed promise as a rookie but might be replaced by Gardner Minshew, and Nix, despite a solid college career, is an unknown at the pro level. This division is essentially a two-horse race.

 6. AFC South

- **C.J. Stroud (Texans)**

- **Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)**

- **Will Levis (Titans)**

- **Anthony Richardson (Colts)**

This is the Division of Young Potential and Question Marks. Stroud is aiming to meet MVP expectations after a standout rookie season. Lawrence, despite some inconsistencies, has shown flashes of brilliance. Levis and Richardson have the physical traits and potential to be game-changers but lack experience and have injury concerns. If they all stay healthy, this division could be electrifying.

5. NFC North

- **Jordan Love (Packers)**

- **Jared Goff (Lions)**

- **Sam Darnold (Vikings)**

- **Caleb Williams (Bears)**

This division has seen significant changes. Love ended his first season as a starter with one of the most promising arms in the NFL. Goff has revived his career with the Lions, leading a balanced offense. Darnold may be a placeholder for rookie J.J. McCarthy but has potential in a solid setup. Williams, yet to play an NFL game, is highly touted for his natural play-making ability. This division could rise in the rankings quickly.

 4. NFC East

- **Jalen Hurts (Eagles)**

- **Dak Prescott (Cowboys)**

- **Daniel Jones (Giants)**

- **Jayden Daniels (Commanders)**

This division has strong top-tier talent with potential lower down. Hurts has proven he can lead a team to the Super Bowl with his running and passing abilities. Prescott is consistently one of the NFL's smartest pocket passers. Jones has had issues with turnovers and injuries but has led a playoff run. Daniels, while wiry, could bring major excitement. Expect at least two playoff teams from this group.

 3. NFC West

- **Brock Purdy (49ers)**

- **Matthew Stafford (Rams)**

- **Geno Smith (Seahawks)**

- **Kyler Murray (Cardinals)**

This is the "Just Win" division, at least at the top. Purdy has been remarkably effective as San Francisco's quarterback, combining efficiency with athleticism. Stafford, despite nearing the end of his career, still has a powerful arm. Smith has shown a knack for clutch performances. Murray, though erratic, is elusive and now has some support around him. This division should be highly competitive.

 2. AFC East

- **Josh Allen (Bills)**

- **Aaron Rodgers (Jets)**

- **Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)**

- **Jacoby Brissett (Patriots)**

This division is filled with boom-or-bust potential. Allen is a dynamic playmaker, excelling as both a scrambler and deep-ball thrower. Rodgers, despite health concerns, is a master precision thrower in a talented lineup. Tagovailoa is one of the league's best accurate passers but needs to prove himself on the big stage. Brissett is a capable bridge quarterback until rookie Drake Maye is ready. This group could produce multiple Pro Bowlers.

 1. AFC North

- **Joe Burrow (Bengals)**

- **Lamar Jackson (Ravens)**

- **Deshaun Watson (Browns)**

- **Russell Wilson (Steelers)**

This division boasts top-tier talent and depth. Burrow is a cool and composed passer, thriving under pressure. Jackson is always a threat with his legs and showed improved passing in 2023. Watson has had issues with availability but has shown flashes of his Pro Bowl form. Wilson, although not at his peak, brings experience and may be succeeded by the dynamic Justin Fields. This division is tough and competitive, making it a top choice.

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Paris 2024: Gabriel Medina and the Power of Nature Capture the 'Olympics Moment' at Teahupo'o"

 

Certainly! Here’s a revised version of the article:

-"That's the picture of the Olympics," exclaimed a cameraman when shown this shot of Gabriel Medina.

The powerful waves of Teahupo'o propelled the Brazilian surfer skyward during the third day of the Paris 2024 Olympic surfing competition.

The three-time world champion, often hailed by many names over the years, earned a new one today: Superman, as he soared through the sky.

Our stunning photograph, captured by photographer Morgan Maassen, was taken during Medina's third heat at the Olympic Games in Tahiti.

The 30-year-old came agonizingly close to a perfect score, earning a 9.90 on his second wave, despite raising ten fingers to the judges in anticipation of a perfect 10.

"Felt amazing to get some good waves, and I almost got a 10, so I was really happy with that. It's truly a dream come true to compete in waves like this for the Olympics. It was part of my dream, and today I'm realizing it. I'm very happy to be a part of this," Medina told olympics.com.

Facing Japan's Kanoa Igarashi in the fifth heat of the day, the conditions were massive and powerful.

"When it's like this, you just focus on yourself. There are waves for everyone, and you've got to go for it. There's no different strategy. You just have to surf, show what you've got, and stay focused on your goal," he said.

"I'm happy because I got many waves and the conditions were excellent. It's not often you get the chance to surf these kinds of waves. It's rare, so you have to make the most of every moment."

Medina advances to the quarter-finals, where he will compete against fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca.

"I will relax, sleep, and wait for the next round. I hope the conditions will be as good as today. It was incredible. Now it's time to begin again and take it step by step," he explained.

The notoriously private surfer understands the many eyes on him and embraces the responsibility.

"I believe what I'm doing in my life is the legacy I'll leave. That's why every time I catch a barrel, I try to do it as best as possible because it's important to be a role model for kids.

"It's a way to help create better people in the world, and every time I'm in the water, I'm thinking about this. I have to do my job, and I'm happy with that. Everywhere I go, I receive a lot of love. Kids love me, and it's a great way to live," said Gabriel Medina.

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USA Gymnastics Reports Simone Biles Returned to Normal Practice After Calf Pain

 American gymnastics star Simone Biles practiced normally today after experiencing calf pain during qualifiers the day before, according to USA Gymnastics.

Biles, 27, is set to compete in all four finals, the team confirmed.

Yesterday, Biles was seen with part of her leg taped. Her coach, Cecile Landi, noted that Biles “felt a little pain in her calf” but never considered withdrawing from the competition.

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Posted in: 2024 Paris Olympics Today news

Some Competitors Leaving the Olympic Village to Stay in Hotels

If you build it, they will come—but they might not stick around.

The cramped accommodations inside the Olympic Village at the Paris Games have prompted some athletes to seek alternative lodgings. Several have opted to leave their assigned quarters for hotel rooms.

In a TikTok video, Team USA tennis star Coco Gauff gave her followers a brief tour of the tight spaces where women were managing their hair and makeup. "10 girls, two bathrooms," Gauff noted in a text overlay, accompanied by sound effects from horror films like “Pearl” and “Hereditary.”

A TikTok user commented, “I would go to a hotel,” to which Gauff responded, “All the tennis girls moved to a hotel except me. So now just 5 girls, two bathrooms.” She added, “Well, it’s only 5 girls now, so I have the room alone. Roommates are very chill.”

The exact reasons for the tennis players’ departure from the village remain unclear.

Minimalist sleeping arrangements are a longstanding Olympic Village tradition. According to past Olympians interviewed by NBC News, the rooms are typically small, a design choice Mark Spitz once described as a “low-cost IKEA look.”

This year’s rooms are designed with climate consciousness in mind, featuring cardboard beds and no installed air conditioning—though some athletes have brought their own portable AC units.

In response to questions about coping with the cardboard, Gauff explained that she had a solution: “The archery team lent me a mattress topper.”

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Posted in: 2024 Paris Olympics Today news

What Does Romania’s 200m Freestyle Gold Winner Want to Be Called? Chlorine Daddy

 It’s not bragging if you have the Olympic gold to back it up: Romania’s David Popovici, who proudly goes by the nickname “Chlorine Daddy,” secured gold in the men’s 200-meter freestyle in Paris.

At 19, Popovici from Bucharest claimed Romania’s first gold medal of the Paris Games. In the Tokyo Games of 2020, he finished fourth and missed out on a medal.

Another of his nicknames is “Magician,” as listed in his Olympic profile.

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A Special Surprise for Backstroke Ryan Murphy After His Bronze Medal Swim

 U.S. swimmer Ryan Murphy dedicated his bronze medal in the 100 backstroke to his soon-to-be daughter. During his victory lap, Murphy learned the gender of his child, who is due in January, when his wife held up a sign that read, "Ryan, it's a girl."

“That was the first time I heard the gender. We honestly both thought it was going to be a boy,” Murphy said.

Murphy finished third with a time of 52.39 seconds, trailing Italy's Thomas Ceccon and China's Xu Jiayu.

"That's a really talented field. My initial reaction was, 'yeah, I want to win,' but getting third behind Thomas and Xu, who are both incredibly talented, is something to be proud of," Murphy said.

"We’re seeing a lot of parity in swimming worldwide. The competition is fierce, especially on the men’s side. It’s going to be exciting in the coming days, and we have some strong chances at gold."

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