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Brunson and Towns Ignite Madison Square Garden as Knicks Keep Playoff Dreams Alive

With a dominant Game 5 win over the Pacers, New York forces a do-or-die Game 6 and reignites hope for a stunning comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals

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Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns rally the Knicks in a must-win Game 5, keeping New York’s Finals hopes alive with a 111-94 win over Indiana. ( Source: NBC Sports )

The roar inside Madison Square Garden wasn’t just noise—it was belief, revival, and a refusal to bow out. The New York Knicks, with their backs pressed against the playoff wall, came out swinging Thursday night and landed a statement 111-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Leading the charge was Jalen Brunson, who delivered yet another postseason masterpiece with 32 points on an electric 12-of-18 shooting. This marked his 21st 30+ point playoff performance as a Knick—a franchise record and a beacon of consistency in one of the franchise’s most memorable playoff runs in decades.

Beside him stood Karl-Anthony Towns, bruised but unbowed. Playing through a sore left knee sustained in Game 4, the All-Star big man dropped 24 points and hauled down 13 rebounds, silencing doubts about his availability and underscoring his grit in one of the biggest games of his career.

“We had to answer the call,” Towns said postgame. “And we did it together.”

That “togetherness” was on full display. The Knicks held Indiana to their lowest scoring total of the postseason and suffocated Tyrese Haliburton, who had torched them with a triple-double in Game 4. This time, the All-NBA guard was held to just eight points, connecting on only two shots—thanks in large part to Mikal Bridges’ suffocating perimeter defense.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau made key tactical shifts, including sticking with Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup. Though Robinson only logged 20 minutes, his presence inside—racking up six points, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal—was instrumental in keeping Indiana out of rhythm.

Veteran role players Landry Shamet and Delon Wright also stepped up defensively, disrupting Indiana’s flow and helping swing momentum back in New York’s favor. Meanwhile, Cameron Payne, once a regular in the rotation, remained a healthy scratch for the third straight game—a sign that Thibodeau is zeroing in on defense-first lineups as the series tightens.

“Now, we’ve just got to replicate that same energy in the first quarter of Game 6,” Brunson said, his eyes set firmly on Indiana. “We’re not done yet.”

With the Garden crowd chanting “Knicks in 7!” from the opening tip to the final buzzer, New York has pulled the series back from the brink. Game 6 in Indianapolis looms large, and the possibility of becoming the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit suddenly feels less like fantasy and more like fate.

Sports

West Indies Explode in Final Overs as England’s Bowlers Crumble in Bristol Thriller

A late blitz by Shepherd and Holder lifted West Indies to a power-packed total despite England’s disciplined start in the second T20I

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Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder celebrate a brutal 31-run over that flipped the momentum in West Indies’ favor during the second T20I against England in Bristol.

The second T20I between England and West Indies at Bristol witnessed an explosive turnaround as the visitors launched a ferocious counterattack in the final overs, turning a shaky start into a commanding total. From a steady 116-3 at the end of the 15th over, the Windies unleashed their batting might, finishing with a resounding 190-5—thanks to the fireworks from Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder, who combined for 31 runs in a single over off Adil Rashid.

England’s paceman Luke Wood started the match with a dream delivery, dismissing Evin Lewis first ball with a pinpoint yorker. That opening salvo set the tone for a disciplined English attack in the early overs, with Wood returning to bag another wicket and finishing his spell with an impressive 2-9. Spinner Adil Rashid, who was lauded earlier for a magical leg-spinner that stumped Shai Hope just one run short of a half-century, saw his fortune reversed when Shepherd and Holder teed off in the 19th over.

Despite England captain Harry Brook’s clever rotation of bowlers and some energetic fielding—including a stunner by Wood to dismiss Powell—the tide began to shift once Powell and Shepherd got going. According to Sky Sports’ Ian Bishop, the Windies’ late surge “reminded everyone why they remain one of the most dangerous power-hitting lineups in T20 cricket.” Powell clattered multiple boundaries and a towering six off Carse, while Shepherd’s two maximums back-to-back off Rashid made spectators leap off their seats.

Until the 16th over, it looked like England might restrict the Caribbean giants to under 170, especially after smart bowling changes brought wickets at regular intervals. However, Shepherd and Holder, known for their explosive lower-order contributions, had other plans. Jos Buttler’s swift glove work brought a run-out that ended Shepherd’s furious innings, but the damage was done—West Indies had already climbed to 190.

A crucial moment came in the 18th over, when Mark Wood’s sharp bouncer forced a mistimed shot from Charles, who had anchored the innings with a composed 47. This briefly slowed the momentum, but Powell and Shepherd turned it back on with ruthless efficiency. The over that followed, Rashid’s last, was sheer carnage—highlighting just how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket.

Interestingly, this shift mirrors England’s broader white-ball journey. Since Harry Brook took over captaincy, the squad has shown a blend of aggression and tactical awareness, winning four on the bounce. But today, as West Indies flexed their muscles, it was clear England’s bowlers were under pressure like never before.

With Akeal Hosein’s return strengthening the West Indies lineup after earlier visa issues, and a batting order clicking just in time, the Caribbean side may have finally shaken off their rusty start to the series. England will now need a mammoth batting performance if they hope to match Bristol’s average first innings T20 score of 184—let alone chase 190.

As the dust settles on an innings of contrasting halves—measured patience up top and sheer violence at the back—fans are bracing for a blockbuster chase under the Bristol lights.

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Personality

Ronaldo’s Achievements That Prove He Is More Than Just a Footballer

From record-breaking goals to global influence, Cristiano Ronaldo has redefined greatness on and off the pitch

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Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates another historic goal, adding to a career filled with records, trophies, and unforgettable moments.

Cristiano Ronaldo, The Portuguese icon has spent nearly two decades crafting a legacy so immense, it stretches beyond mere statistics and into the realm of immortality. Whether it’s on the field with his goal-scoring feats or off it with his global influence, Ronaldo’s achievements have cemented him as one of the greatest athletes in history.

Ronaldo: The Portuguese Footballer

Ronaldo is the all-time leading goal scorer in men’s international football, surpassing the legendary Ali Daei. As of mid-2025, he has over 130 goals for Portugal, guiding them to their first major international title at Euro 2016, followed by the Nations League victory in 2019. His national team success is matched only by his club domination.

Across his illustrious club career, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has played for elite teams including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr. At Real Madrid, he scored a staggering 450 goals in just 438 appearances, winning four UEFA Champions League titles with the Spanish giants. His Champions League goal tally of 140+ remains unmatched, a testament to his consistent brilliance on the grandest stage of club football.

But Ronaldo’s greatness isn’t confined to goals alone. He has won league titles in England, Spain, and Italy — becoming the first player in history to do so. His trophy cabinet includes over 30 major titles, including multiple domestic cups and Super Cups. Individually, he holds countless records, including the most goals in a calendar year for club and country, and being the first player to score in five different World Cups.

Ronaldo

Off the pitch, Ronaldo’s achievements continue to astonish. He is the most-followed human on Instagram, with over 650 million followers, making him not just a footballer, but a global influencer. His CR7 brand spans fashion, fragrances, hotels, and fitness ventures, generating millions annually. In 2023, Forbes listed him as the highest-paid athlete in the world, combining earnings from his contract, endorsements, and businesses.

In recent years, he has also leaned into philanthropy, donating millions to children’s hospitals, cancer centers, and disaster relief efforts. Despite his celebrity status, Ronaldo remains grounded in hard work, discipline, and an unwavering drive to improve, even at the age of 39.

His fans call him the GOAT — Greatest of All Time, and his numbers back that claim. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a neutral admirer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements are a lesson in excellence, ambition, and legacy.

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MMA

Sean O’Malley Net Worth Takes a Hit but Remains Strong After UFC 316 Loss

Despite falling short against Merab Dvalishvili, “Suga” Sean O’Malley remains one of UFC’s highest-earning stars with a net worth to prove it

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Sean O’Malley
Sean O’Malley may have lost the belt, but his “Suga Show” brand continues to shine financially in the UFC spotlight.

Sean O’Malley may have tapped out in the Octagon at UFC 316, but his bank account is still winning. Known for his signature look, flashy knockout power, and huge fan base, the American MMA star has built a financial empire that most UFC fighters can only dream of.

Sean O’Malley:American Professional Mixed Martial Artist

According to multiple financial outlets and athlete valuation reports, Sean O’Malley’s net worth is currently estimated between $4 million to $6 million USD. Despite his recent third-round submission loss to Merab Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion continues to rake in revenue from multiple sources, both inside and outside the cage.

O’Malley, who previously held the 135-pound UFC title, has fought some of the sport’s biggest names and headlined several pay-per-view cards. His base salary per fight often exceeds $300,000, and when bonuses and PPV shares are included, that figure can easily cross $600,000 per event, especially for main events like UFC 292 (where he captured the title) and UFC 316.

What sets the Suga Show apart financially is his immense popularity among younger UFC fans. With over 3.5 million followers on Instagram and a successful YouTube channel, O’Malley has turned himself into a brand. He regularly earns income through social media sponsorships, apparel sales (like his “Suga” merchandise line), and collaborations with companies such as Venum, Monster Energy, and other MMA-related brands.

Sean O’Malley

Even in defeat, O’Malley remained graceful and charismatic. After UFC 316, he remarked, “I just feel super grateful I get to do this… I have a two-week-old and a four-year-old, a perfect wife. I’m excited to go home and spend time with them.” It’s that relatable attitude that keeps fans loyal — and loyal fans keep the cash flowing.

O’Malley’s earnings are also boosted by his smart business moves. He has hinted at launching CBD products, signed NFT deals in the past, and remains one of the most marketable athletes in the fight game. Many analysts believe his financial worth will only continue to grow, even if he doesn’t reclaim UFC gold immediately.

While his current focus may be on family and recovery, Sean O’Malley is far from finished — both as a fighter and a business-savvy entertainer. Whether it’s another title run or more brand expansion, the Suga Show remains a profitable enterprise in the world of MMA.

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