COWBOYS CHARGED, RAIDERS RACKED: FINES FOR KOONCE, PICKENS, OVERSHOWN MADE
The NFL fines Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce and Cowboys' George Pickens & DeMarvion Overshown for Week 11 infractions. Plus, can the Raiders' offence overcome the Browns' elite defence led by Myles Garrett?
The Week 11 game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys wasn't exactly a textbook example of clean football. With the whole world tuned in to watch on Monday Night Football, a few rule violations occurred that prompted the NFL to take action.
The league has officially announced disciplinary measures for three players involved in the game. First up is Malcolm Koonce, a defensive end for the Raiders, who will be docked $12,172 for an instance of unnecessary roughness. This penalty was a result of him hitting Tyler Guyton, an offensive lineman for the Cowboys, in the helmet after a play had concluded.
George Pickens, a wide receiver for the Cowboys, is facing a more substantial fine of $26,085 for unsportsmanlike behaviour. In the second quarter, following a touchdown, Pickens embraced the Raiders’ goalpost, an action prohibited under league rules. Given his history of similar infractions, his penalty is notably higher than Koonce's.
Pickens isn't the only member of the Cowboys to receive a fine. DeMarvion Overshown, a defensive lineman, has been penalised $8,166 for delivering a late hit during the second quarter. These penalties shouldn't come as a shock. It was widely anticipated that both Pickens and Koonce would be fined for their respective actions. Overshown’s foul wasn't as blatant, so it was less certain whether he would be penalised. Nevertheless, the NFL is cracking down on penalties, so players will continue to be fined for not always following the rules. Pickens is in danger of a huge fine next time if he messes up again.
Raiders Offence Faces Another Tough Test
The Raiders’ offensive unit was hoping to find its rhythm against the Cowboys’ struggling defensive squad. Yet, they only managed to score 16 points in the defeat. The road ahead isn’t getting any easier, particularly with the Cleveland Browns boasting one of the NFL’s stingiest defences.
Myles Garrett, the Browns’ star defensive end, is considered the frontrunner for the defensive player of the year award, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly understands the significant threat he represents.
“Looking at Myles, the remarkable thing is his physical presence,” Kelly commented on Thursday. “He’s a sizeable guy at roughly 270 pounds, yet he possesses the agility of a linebacker. Observing his movements, it’s clear that very few individuals of his size can move with such fluidity. … I doubt there’s anyone who can truly replicate Myles in practice, especially given that he’s already recorded 15 sacks through 10 games. At this rate, he’s on pace to potentially break the league’s all-time sack record. He’s among the best we’ll encounter this season.”
Raiders Need Big Game From Ashton Jeanty
Given Garrett's dominance, making it difficult for the Raiders to effectively pass against the Browns, their main chance of putting up points relies on a strong rushing attack. Despite Ashton Jeanty's limited contribution for much of the season, the Browns are well aware of the threat he poses.
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stated, as reported, "His performance on film appears far superior to what his statistics indicate. When you review his stats, his average of 3.7 yards per attempt is not particularly impressive. However, when you watch him play, it's clear he is constantly breaking tackles and evading defenders. He’s incredibly elusive, like a bowling ball out there, standing around 5-foot-8 and weighing between 215 and 220 pounds. He runs with power, and I anticipate he will develop into a very good player.”
LAKERS ON THE BRINK: LEBRON JAMES ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER 3-0 SERIES DEFICIT
"We still have life." LeBron James remains defiant despite a brutal 131-108 loss to OKC at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just one loss away from elimination after a tough 131-108 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Although the Lakers held a halftime lead for the second consecutive game, they again fell apart in the second half, allowing Oklahoma City to cruise to a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James spoke after the game, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and relentless energy while emphasising that the Lakers still believe they have a chance to push the series further. The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 74-49 after halftime and once more dominated the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has largely defined this series.
“They’re solid from top to bottom,” James said after the game. “And they never take their foot off the gas.”
Oklahoma City converted at a 56 per cent clip and spread the scoring load, even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was only 7-of-20 from the field with 23 points. The Thunder’s supporting players reinforced the effort alongside Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso.
LeBron pointed directly to the third quarter as the turning point for Game 3.
“Obviously, the third quarter is where it starts,” he noted. “We lacked the energy and effort, and they dropped over 30 points on us.”
Despite strong first-half performances from Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard, giving Los Angeles a one-point lead at halftime, Oklahoma City seized control right after the break, forcing turnovers and capitalising on easy transition baskets.
“In that third quarter, we couldn’t hit shots,” James admitted. “We defended but didn’t get stops, which let them take control.”
The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in that quarter alone. James managed just one field goal, while Austin Reaves went scoreless in the period.
James finished the night with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his shooting was off at 7-for-19, and he posted a minus-24 plus-minus rating.
Los Angeles also turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 30 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers 64-44 in the paint as well.
When pressed about the frustration of falling behind 3-0, James kept his response measured.
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed or angry,” he said. “You’re obviously disappointed being down 3-0, but we still have life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick backed up James’ take, describing Oklahoma City as an elite team in the NBA.
“They’ve beaten us three straight games,” Redick said. “They’re a really impressive basketball team.”
Redick previously drew comparisons between the Thunder and dominant teams like the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors. James acknowledged Oklahoma City’s versatility and depth, which have caused significant matchup problems.
“They have the right personnel to adapt to whatever you throw out there,” James said. “And they stay productive no matter who’s on the floor.”
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s uneven scoring, the Thunder have continued to win comfortably. Holmgren’s inside presence has been dominant, and Mitchell once again put up a strong stat line with 24 points and 10 assists.
James wasn’t surprised by the Thunder’s sustained pressure, given their roster makeup.
“You’ve seen them develop over the years,” he said. “They have a lot of players who can do multiple things, and that depth really helps.”
The Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain from April, which has hampered their offensive rhythm, especially late in games.
Facing elimination now, James insisted the team’s focus remains squarely on Game 4 rather than any bigger questions about the group’s future.
"No", James said when asked if they considered this might be their last run together. “We’re just concentrating on the moment and moving forward from there.”
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will fight to avoid a sweep and keep the series alive before heading back to Oklahoma City.
MAX HOLLOWAY BREAKS SILENCE ON PARAMOUNT REGARDING CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 329 RUMORS
Relive the 13-year history between Holloway and McGregor as the Hawaiian star targets International Fight Week for ultimate revenge.
Max Holloway is hungry for payback against Conor McGregor as rumours swirl about a rematch.
McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since that quick loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. His last win was way back in 2020 when he steamrolled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in under a minute. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler in 2024, but that fell through after he got injured.
Now, at 37, McGregor’s back in training and eyeing a return for UFC 329 on July 11, right as International Fight Week rolls around. Before that, he missed out on a shot at the White House card, so this July date is shaping up to be his next window.
Dana White has flip-flopped a bit on McGregor’s comeback, but now he sounds confident: “It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.” And right now, Holloway looks like the top pick for the fight, 13 years after they first went at it.
Back then, McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Since then, Holloway’s had his own ups and downs; he lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira in March and hasn’t fought since. Still, he’s eager to get back, especially if it means a shot at Conor.
Talking to Paramount, Holloway laid it out: “We have history. We fought a long time ago. If someone’s got a win over me, I want that back. If he really is serious about returning, and it looks like he is, then this is an exciting fight. He looks hungry. He even did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it looks like he’s really coming back. I just want another shot. Any fight with Conor is huge, but with our past? It means even more. If I can knock a few names off my list, that’s great.”
For now, Holloway hasn’t heard anything official from the UFC about July. "Maybe we'll see what happens,” he said. “I’m seeing all the same talk you are. I haven’t heard anything yet, but July would work for me. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, and I want people to forget about that one as soon as possible.”
