The Seattle Storm were tired of being the WNBA’s most unpredictable team. After dropping three of their last five games to teams with losing records, the Storm finally found their rhythm again—thanks to a resurgent Skylar Diggins-Smith.

Returning from a one-game absence, the 5-foot-9 point guard did more than just put up numbers—she put on a show. Diggins poured in 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished three assists, and even blocked a shot from 6-foot-7 center Kamilla Cardoso, sending the crowd into a frenzy and her teammates off the bench in celebration.

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Just having some fun,” Diggins said after the game. “Obviously, I wasn’t here the last game, but just having a lot of fun with my teammates and us taking care of business tonight.

With the 95-57 dismantling of the Chicago Sky, the Storm improved their record and, more importantly, found the joy in the game that had been missing in recent weeks.

It’s fun when you execute,” said head coach Noelle Quinn. “That was kind of the theme of today—being disciplined and doing the right things consistently.

The Storm wasted no time asserting dominance. Seattle raced out to a 24-9 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Sky never led once in the game.

The highlight of the night came during the third quarter. After Diggins swatted Cardoso’s mid-range shot—a rare feat for a guard against a towering center—she turned to the bench and flexed both biceps. Moments later, she darted around a Ezi Magbegor screen and drained a three-pointer, punctuating it with a rock-the-baby celebration that quickly made the rounds on social media.

Sometimes we get so bogged down trying to win games,” said Quinn. “Let’s not forget to enjoy ourselves.

Seattle’s defensive intensity and offensive rhythm reached new heights during a 17-1 run that bridged the second and third quarters. What was a 33-26 lead ballooned into a 52-27 gap before the Sky knew what hit them.

We talked about trying to put together that full 40 minutes of defense,” Diggins said. “Sometimes we’re up 10 and we let teams go on a run. Today, we went the other way.

The Storm shot an impressive 53.6% from the field—third highest this season—and connected on 9-of-20 from beyond the arc. Jewell Loyd, Erica Wheeler (13 points), and Jade Melbourne also contributed to the long-range barrage.

Even more encouraging for the Storm? No starter played more than 25 minutes, giving the bench ample opportunity to build confidence and chemistry.

When everyone is contributing, it changes the vibe, the aura,” Quinn added. “There was great play from a lot of places today.

Skylar Diggins-Smith‘s leadership and swagger were infectious. Her presence on the court lifted Seattle out of its rut and reminded fans why she remains one of the league’s fiercest competitors. If this performance was any indication, the Storm might just be ready to surge into the postseason with momentum—and joy.

Fields, who signed a $40 million, two-year contract, is expected to be ready for the Jets’ Week 1 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN. But his absence from valuable preseason reps could slow his chemistry-building efforts with his new team.

When anybody goes down, there’s a lump in my throat,” said head coach Aaron Glenn. “I hate injuries for any player.

The incident happened at around 9:25 a.m. Fields rolled right and tossed an incomplete pass before limping off with the help of trainers. He was later seen walking into the Jets’ facility under his own power after a brief cart ride — a relief for fans still haunted by Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury in the 2023 opener.

He’s the starter… but the reps he’s missing matter

Fields has had a rocky recent NFL journey. After starting six games last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was benched for Russell Wilson. Now with the Jets, he’s learning a new offense and trying to mesh with unfamiliar personnel.

With Fields sidelined, veteran Tyrod Taylor — who boasts 58 career starts — is expected to lead the first-team offense. The Jets also have Adrian Martinez, the 2024 United Football League MVP, and rookie Brady Cook, although neither has thrown a pass in an NFL game.

If anything happens to Justin, I don’t think there’s any drop-off,” Coach Glenn said optimistically.

Meanwhile in Buffalo… James Cook is making his case for $15M

Over at the Buffalo Bills camp in Pittsford, a different kind of pressure is mounting. Running back James Cook, entering the final year of his rookie deal, has made it clear — he wants a contract extension, and he wants it big.

I deserve what I want, I need, and it’s going to eventually happen,” Cook told reporters Thursday.

Cook, 25, has gone public before, including a bold Instagram Live post where he pinned “15 mill [per] year,” a figure that would tie him with Derrick Henry as the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL.

General manager Brandon Beane says he loves Cook’s game and wants to “draft, develop, and re-sign our own,” but admits any deal must work under the team’s salary cap. Still, Cook isn’t backing down.

They drafted me for a reason,” Cook said. “I’m willing to be here and spend the rest of my career here.

It’s my job… I got to participate

To his credit, Cook isn’t holding out. He’s been a full participant in mandatory minicamp and training camp, saying he owes it to himself, his teammates, and his family.

By me participating, I’m showing my teammates I love the game and I’m willing to be out here,” he said.

Cook, who saw action on just 45% of offensive snaps last season, is aiming to earn more time on passing downs and third downs. With 2,638 rushing yards — the most among the 2022 draft class — and a franchise-record-tying 16 touchdowns last season, he’s got the stats to back up his ask.

Pressure building across both camps

While Fields’ injury appears less dire than feared, his setback is another reminder of how fragile training camp can be for a team already spooked by past quarterback disasters. And for Cook, the contract drama adds tension to a Bills team aiming to stay a contender in a competitive AFC.

Two teams, two stars, and two different types of pressure. Whether it’s medical scans or financial negotiations, both stories underline the stakes as NFL training camps get underway.

In one of the most surprising NBA off-season twists, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal have both made career-defining moves — one returning to his roots, the other chasing a championship.

Damian Lillard Returns Home to Portland

Nine-time NBA All-Star and franchise legend Damian Lillard, 35, has agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

What’s historic? This new contract gives Lillard one of the NBA’s only true no-trade clauses, joining LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.

After a season with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he suffered a torn Achilles during the first round of the playoffs, Lillard will rehabilitate during the 2025–26 season, using the time to prepare for a full return in Portland — the city where his heart, family, and legacy reside.

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Portland is home. It’s family. I’m not done yet,” Lillard told associates earlier this week.

The Trail Blazers waived him last year in a blockbuster trade to Milwaukee, acquiring Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and picks in return. Now, in an ironic twist, they’ve brought both Lillard and Holiday back — reuniting two elite guards with unfinished business.

With Lillard’s salary set to reach $70 million in 2025–26 (including Milwaukee compensation) and $141 million over the next two years, this reunion is both symbolic and strategic.

He still ranks:

• 1st in Blazers history in points (19,376)
• 1st in 3-pointers (2,387)
• 2nd in assists (5,151)
• And he has seven 55+ point games — unmatched by anyone in team history

The Blazers’ New Core: A Comeback Story?

Alongside Lillard, the Blazers now feature:

• Jrue Holiday
• Deni Avdija (from a Celtics pick swap deal)
• Robert Williams III
• Toumani Camara
• Multiple picks, including a 2029 first-rounder and two Bucks pick swaps

They closed last season with a 22-18 run, finishing in the top five defensively and 3rd in transition defense, per ESPN Research. The return of their cornerstone star could mark the start of a new era.

Bradley Beal Chooses Clippers Over Millions

Meanwhile, Bradley Beal, 32, is headed west too — joining the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $11 million contract, following a buyout from the Phoenix Suns.

Here’s the shocker:

Beal gave back $13.9 million of his remaining contract to leave Phoenix, per Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports.

Why the move? According to sources, James Harden personally recruited Beal to join forces with him and Kawhi Leonard in L.A., making the Clippers an instant Western Conference contender.

He wanted the right basketball fit,” said Bartelstein. “And the Clippers made the most sense — now and for his future.

Beal averaged:

• 17.6 points
• 4.3 assists
• 3.8 rebounds
• 50.5% FG and 40.7% from 3-point range for the Suns last season
  Despite his efficiency, injuries limited Beal to just 106 of 164 games in two seasons in Phoenix.

Now, with Norman Powell traded and Brook Lopez signed, the Clippers are building for a title run with added cap flexibility.

Suns Reset Under Mat Ishbia

Beal’s departure is part of a dramatic rebuild led by Suns owner Mat Ishbia. After last season’s disappointment, Ishbia traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a stack of draft picks, including Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Koby Brea.

Phoenix is now under new leadership with coach Jordan Ott and GM Brian Gregory, and they’re back under the salary cap threshold, giving them new trade and draft flexibility.

What This Means for the NBA Landscape

With Lillard back in Portland and Beal now in Los Angeles, the Western Conference playoff race just got a lot more interesting.

• The Blazers may not contend immediately, but they have the foundation of a gritty, defensively tough squad — and a returning legend.
• The Clippers, on the other hand, are pushing chips in — with Kawhi, Harden, Lopez, and Beal forming one of the most dangerous offensive cores in the NBA.

Meanwhile, the Suns are hitting reset — choosing long-term flexibility over short-term glory.

Two players. Two bold moves. One NBA offseason we won’t forget.