Freshman Fireworks, Pro Bowl Surprises, and an NFC Clash for the Ages
Let’s start where the action was loudest - on the hardwood and in the trenches - because last night delivered the kind of drama that reminds us why we watch in the first place.
Freshmen Put on a Show in College Hoops
If you’re not paying attention to this year’s men’s college basketball freshman class, now’s the time to tune in. Arizona, still undefeated at 21-0, survived a thriller on the road against BYU, 86-83. But this wasn’t just about the final score - it was about the future of the sport on full display.
Arizona’s Brayden Burries dropped 29 points, showing poise beyond his years. On the other side, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa - a name already buzzing in NBA front offices - poured in 24.
These two didn’t just trade buckets; they traded statements. And while Arizona walked away with the win, BYU proved they’ve got a real one in Dybantsa.
This freshman class isn’t just good - it’s shaping up to be historic.
NBA Stars Go Off - Luka and Mitchell Lead the Way
In the NBA, Luka Dončić did what Luka does - 46 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds in a Lakers win over the Bulls. The Lakers, now 28-17, remain one of the league’s most complicated puzzles.
They’re talented. They’re erratic.
They’re maddening. And yet, when Luka’s in this kind of groove, they’re also dangerous.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell reminded everyone why the Cavaliers are still a threat in the East. His 45-point outburst helped the Cavs improve to 28-20, and more importantly, reasserted their identity as a team that can make noise when it matters. After a rocky start to the season, Cleveland’s finally finding its rhythm - and Mitchell is leading the charge.
Shedeur Sanders Named to Pro Bowl - Yes, Really
Here’s one that might make you do a double take: Shedeur Sanders is heading to the Pro Bowl.
Yes, the Browns rookie quarterback - who had a bumpy ride in limited action this season - is officially a Pro Bowler, stepping in as an injury replacement for Drake Maye, who’s prepping for the Super Bowl. Sanders’ numbers?
Seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and an 18.9 QBR. For context, the league median QBR among qualified passers sat between Bo Nix (58.4) and Caleb Williams (58.3).
That’s a steep drop.
Still, the Pro Bowl nod is real. And while Sanders’ rookie year didn’t quite live up to the hype, the league has seen young quarterbacks turn things around before - especially when they land in the right system. For now, though, this selection is more eyebrow-raising than celebratory.
Quick Hits from Around the Sports World
- Alex Freeman to La Liga: The USMNT defender is leaving Orlando City for Spanish powerhouse Villarreal. A big leap for the 20-year-old.
- White House Sports Meeting Postponed: A scheduled sit-down between President Trump and major sports commissioners was delayed due to snow.
- Philip Rivers Bows Out: The former Chargers QB has removed himself from consideration in the Bills’ coaching search.
- Mike McDaniel to Chargers: It’s official - McDaniel is the new offensive coordinator in L.A. Now we wait to see what kind of creativity he brings to Justin Herbert’s offense.
- Rasheed Walker Arrested: The Packers tackle was taken into custody at LaGuardia Airport on a gun charge.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto Joins Team Japan: The ace is suiting up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, making an already stacked rotation even more dangerous.
- Clippers Blogger to Eat His Words - Literally: Robert Flom once tweeted he’d eat his post if the Clippers went 15-3 at any point this season. They just did. Time to pass the ketchup.
Was That NFC Title Game the Real Super Bowl?
Here’s a conversation worth having: Did we already witness the best game of the postseason - maybe even the best series of the NFL season - before the Super Bowl even kicks off?
The Rams and Seahawks just wrapped up a trilogy that might go down as one of the greatest in league history. Three games, separated by just three total points: Seattle 88, L.A.
- Their Week 16 showdown?
A 38-37 overtime classic. Both teams finished 11-3 heading into that game.
Both ranked top-10 in offense and defense. And according to DVOA - a stat that measures efficiency on every play - these were the top two teams in the league this year.
For the Rams, the end came too soon. The locker room vibe after Sunday’s loss was disbelief.
This was a Super Bowl-caliber team - undone by one glaring weakness: special teams. That’s a brutal way to go out.
And then there’s Cooper Kupp. The former Rams Super Bowl MVP, cut last offseason, signed with the Seahawks… and caught the game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship to eliminate his old team.
You can’t script this stuff - or maybe you can. Either way, it was pure drama.
We’ll see how the actual Super Bowl plays out, but this Rams-Seahawks trilogy? That felt like the real heavyweight bout.
Tonight’s Watch Guide
NBA: Bucks at 76ers, 8 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
Milwaukee’s season has been a rollercoaster, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is right in the middle of it. The Bucks are talented, but something’s been off.
Tonight’s matchup with Philly could be another data point in a season full of questions.
**Soccer: USWNT vs. Chile, 10 p.m.
ET (TBS/HBO Max/Universo/Peacock)**
Trinity Rodman is back and already making an impact.
The U.S. women’s national team is rolling out a younger, less experienced lineup - but Rodman brings the firepower. Chile, ranked 47th in the world, shouldn’t pose too much of a threat… but that’s why they play the games.
Around the Sports World
- Minnesota’s Heartbreak: Timberwolves writer Jon Krawczynski penned a powerful column on the city’s emotional response to the death of Alex Pretti. A must-read.
- Senators’ “Heated Rivalry” Jerseys: Flying off shelves for good reason. Julian McKenzie has the full story on how these fan-favorite threads came to life.
- Mikaela Shiffrin’s Redemption Tour: She’s the most decorated skier ever, but the memory of crashing out at the last Olympics still lingers. Can she flip the script this time?
- Women’s CBB Check-In: Duke’s on an 11-game heater - but is it real or just a scheduling quirk? Sabreena Merchant breaks it down.
- NASCAR Nixes the Roval: The hybrid road-oval course is out. Jeff Gluck explains why this move is a win for the sport.
- Yasiel Puig’s Legal Battle: Once one of MLB’s most electric players, Puig is now facing trial. A dramatic turn in a once-promising career.
- Bob Knight’s Iconic Rant Turns 35: “I’m f-ing tired of losing to Purdue.” A legendary moment that still echoes in Indiana basketball lore.
That’s it for now. Whether you’re watching rising stars, playoff legends, or Pro Bowl surprises, this week’s got a little something for everyone.