Monthly Archives: April 2024
‘Otherworldly scorer’ Devin Booker puts up 52 points to lift Phoenix Suns over New Orleans Pelicans
CNN
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Devin Booker scored 52 points as the Phoenix Suns recorded a vital 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
The win moves Phoenix to within one game of the Pelicans in sixth place in the Western Conference, the final automatic playoff spot, as both teams bid to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Booker – who shot an efficient 67.9% from the floor, including 8-of-16 from three – also registered nine assists as all five of Suns starters scored in double figures, with center Jusuf Nurkić putting up 19 points and 19 rebounds and Kevin Durant registering 20 points and seven rebounds.
Remarkably, it was the third straight game in which Booker has scored 50 or more points over the Pelicans, making him the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to register at least 50 points in three consecutive games over a single opponent, according to ESPN stats.
“Anytime you get named with Wilt, and it’s happened a few times in my career, but you know you did something special,” Booker said.
“I just feel like I’m playing the same way,” Booker added when asked about his recent success against New Orleans. “I mean, the crib is close. I have a lot of family in attendance. I grew up coming here. It’s the first NBA arena I went to, so there’s some history here.”
The Suns led by 27 points in the third quarter, but the Pelicans came back to close to gap to just seven in the fourth to set up a nervy finish.
New Orleans was led by Zion Williamson, who had 30 points and five assists, while Trey Murphy III added 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
However, it wasn’t enough to stop Booker and the Suns leaving New Orleans with a crucial victory.
Durant said watching Booker, who also had 52 points against the Pelicans in January, was “like déjà vu.”
“You look up, he’s got 20 points in the first quarter,” he said, per ESPN. “Then what I loved about it, everything was in the flow of the game from the start. Pin downs, catch-and-shoots, cuts to the rim, layups, going through pull-ups.
“That’s the sign of an otherworldly scorer when you can do it in the flow of the offense like that.”
Tornado watch vs warning. What’s the difference?
Tornado season is spinning up again in Indiana, and with it comes weather alerts declaring different watches and warnings.
To help Hoosiers understand the difference, IndyStar is breaking down the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
When weather authorities, mainly the National Weather Service, issue a tornado watch, be prepared. These alerts mean tornadoes are possible in the area under the watch.
Watches mean the conditions favor thunderstorms that can whip up tornadoes.
Tornadoes extend from thunderstorms when instability leads to wind variations that support rotation, according to NWS. This instability comes from warm moist air at ground level mixing with cooler dry air above. Combine this with wind shear, and strong updrafts can start the rotations.
These conditions are perfect for a tornado, and when meteorologists detect them, will issue a watch.
Live weather updates:Tornadoes, large hail possible in Indianapolis Tuesday, April 2. Snow Wednesday, April 3?
When a warning is issued, take action. This means a tornado has been spotted either by someone on the ground or by radar.
Warning areas are typically smaller than those within a watch.
Trained spotters and law enforcement can notify NWS when visual cues of a tornado on the ground are obvious.
Doppler radar data and images can show forecasters certain patterns, called tornadic vortex signatures. These make it easier for meteorologists to spot dangerous weather.
To make it relatable, IndyStar created a handy graphic using the pork tenderloin sandwich.
A watch means the area has all the right ingredients to make a tenderloin sandwich, it’s just not assembled yet. With all the ingredients, a tornado could form within the area.
A warning means the sandwich is fully assembled (a tornado has been confirmed).
Tornadoes develop rapidly, so planning a safety plan ahead of time is important.
The National Weather Service has a preparedness guide for all types of severe weather including tornadoes.
Here are some rules when a tornado strikes:
- Move to a basement of safe room
- If there’s no basement, find a windowless interior room or hallway
- Leave mobile homes and find the closest sturdy building
- If outside: get into a vehicle, buckle up and drive to a sturdy building
Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk.
IndyStar’s environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Tornado watch vs. tornado warning: What’s the difference?
States in the central and eastern portion of the U.S. are bracing for more severe weather Tuesday as a major storm system continues to move across the country.
The Ohio and Tennessee valleys face the highest risk for flash floods, long-track tornadoes and large hail, according to meteorologists, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. Over 100,000 households in Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee were without power Tuesday morning, according to a database maintained by USA TODAY.
With the risk of tornadoes possible for millions, and conditions often changing frequently, it is important to be aware of the difference between what forecasters call a tornado watch or a tornado warning.
Here’s what you should know about the difference between the terms tornado watch and tornado warning.
Tuesday weather:Storms could bring hail, possible tornadoes and more to parts of US
What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service. It means that tornadoes are possible in and near the “watch” area.
A tornado watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur, and the watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or states.
If a tornado watch is issued in your area, the NWS says to be prepared and be ready to act quickly if the next level, a warning, is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is the more serious and urgent of the two terms, and means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office, and typically cover a much smaller area than a tornado watch.
If there is a tornado warning, that means there is imminent danger to life and property and affected residents should take action now, the National Weather Service says.
You should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. If you’re in a mobile home, vehicle or are outdoors, move to the closest “substantial” shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo and Christopher Cann, USA TODAY.
Larry Lucchino dies at age 78
Larry Lucchino, a fierce and extremely completed government who helped change the tradition of the Purple Sox when he joined forces with the group’s new possession group in 2002, handed away on Tuesday on the age of 78.
Serving as Purple Sox president/CEO from 2002-15, Lucchino was a key decision-maker in all points of the group. Boston received the World Sequence 3 times throughout Lucchino’s time in that function. The membership beforehand weathered a championship drought that lasted 86 years.
Lucchino already had a embellished profession in baseball earlier than he joined the Purple Sox as a part of the possession group led by John Henry. As president of the Orioles from 1988-93, Lucchino was instrumental within the constructing of Camden Yards, which is taken into account the gold customary for the flood of latest baseball parks that have been constructed within the ensuing years. As president/CEO of the Padres from 1995-01, Lucchino helped to put the groundwork for Petco Park, which opened in ’04.
“Larry Lucchino was one of the vital completed executives that our trade has ever had,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated. “He was deeply pushed, he understood baseball’s place in our communities, and he had a eager eye for government expertise. Larry’s imaginative and prescient for Camden Yards performed a significant function in advancing fan-friendly ballparks throughout the sport. He adopted up by overseeing the development of Petco Park, which stays a jewel of the San Diego group.
“Then Larry teamed with John Henry and Tom Werner to supply probably the most profitable period in Purple Sox historical past, which included historic World Sequence Championships on the sphere and a renewed dedication to Fenway Park. On behalf of Main League Baseball, I ship my condolences to Larry’s household, his Purple Sox colleagues and his many associates all through our Nationwide Pastime.”
When Henry’s group gained possession of the Purple Sox, it was broadly assumed Fenway Park would get replaced by a extra trendy facility. As a substitute, Lucchino introduced in famend architect Janet Marie Smith — who had helped design Camden Yards — and the Purple Sox initiated a large renovation of Fenway Park that totaled almost $300 million and unfold enhancements to the ballpark over a decade.
Probably the most notable addition? The Monster Seats, which opened in 2003 and stay a few of the most desired seats at Fenway.
“Larry’s profession unfolded like a playbook of triumphs, marked by transformative moments that reshaped ballpark design, enhanced the fan expertise, and engineered the perfect circumstances for championships wherever his path led him, and particularly in Boston,” stated Henry, Boston’s principal proprietor. “But, maybe his most enduring legacy lies within the outstanding folks he helped assemble on the Purple Sox, all of whom are a testomony to his coaching, knowledge, and mentorship.
“Lots of them proceed to form the group at the moment, carrying ahead the identical vigor, vitality, and cherished sayings that have been hallmarks of Larry’s persona. Larry was a formidable opponent in any enviornment, and whereas he battled exhausting, he all the time maintained the utmost respect for a worthy adversary and located real pleasure in sparring with folks. I used to be fortunate sufficient to have had him in my nook for 14 years and to have known as him a detailed pal for even longer. He was really irreplaceable and shall be missed by all of us on the Purple Sox.”
Lucchino additionally had one of the vital well-known quotes in Purple Sox historical past, which helped add extra gasoline to an already storied rivalry with the Yankees.
In December 2002, the Purple Sox have been decided to signal Cuban defector Jose Contreras. The membership put lots of assets in to closing the deal and felt good about its possibilities till the Yankees swooped in on the eleventh hour, inking the righty to a four-year, $32 million contract.
Lucchino’s response to the New York Occasions — “The evil empire extends its tentacles, even into Latin America” — was transient however memorable.
Late Yankees proprietor George Steinbrenner didn’t get the Star Wars reference, and subsequently didn’t take kindly to the comment.
The subsequent two seasons, the Purple Sox and Yankees tangled in a pair of instant-classic American League Championship Sequence that went seven video games apiece, with New York successful the primary one and the Purple Sox making historical past by getting back from an 0-3 collection deficit in ’04.
Corridor of Famer David Ortiz, who was on the centerpiece of that rivalry, appreciated Lucchino’s affect on the group whereas noting the arc of their relationship.
“Larry Lucchino was somebody who actually cared in regards to the Purple Sox doing properly. After I first joined the group, he was simply the enterprise man who handled the agent,” Ortiz stated. “As a participant, it was generally exhausting to grasp the place he was coming from, however he made every part about successful and the group doing properly. As soon as we acquired to know one another higher, we turned actually good associates. I liked Larry. He supported me and all the time gave me actually good recommendation.
“Our relationship stored getting higher and higher. It’s so unhappy to see him go, and I ship my condolences to his household and all who liked him. He knew tips on how to put the items collectively. Whenever you talked to Larry and understood what the Purple Sox meant to him, you bought the memo: Win.”
When Ortiz was launched by the Twins after the ’02 season, Pedro Martinez instantly made a name to Lucchino, asking for the Purple Sox to signal the slugger, who, at the moment, was a platoon participant.
“My coronary heart goes out to the Lucchino household,” Martinez stated. “They misplaced not solely an excellent man, however a visionary with the most important coronary heart, regardless that he tried to cowl it taking part in shy and attempting to cover away from folks’s eyes. … However not me; he didn’t idiot me. We simply misplaced an expensive pal and we’re all unhappy about it. I’ll miss you my pricey pal. R.I.P. Larry.”
If anybody might relate to Lucchino’s unyielding ardour and want to win, it was Dustin Pedroia, who carried a slight physique however a big chip on his shoulder that keyed the 2007 and ’13 championships in Boston.
“Larry was a winner,” stated Pedroia. “Didn’t matter if it was a contract negotiation, saving Fenway, asking gamers what we have to compete. Larry was going to work till the job was completed. He had a presence and an angle that wouldn’t be denied. He was a tone setter for our group.”
Lucchino, who endured a number of bouts with most cancers, additionally strengthened the group’s relationship with the Jimmy Fund. He additionally was instrumental within the creation of the Purple Sox Basis, the group’s charitable arm.
“When John and I joined forces with Larry in 2001, we dreamed not solely of breaking an 86-year curse and successful a number of championships, but additionally about how a baseball group might remodel and uplift a area,” stated Purple Sox chairman Tom Werner. “Larry was extra embellished in sports activities than any of us, coming to the group with a Tremendous Bowl ring, a World Sequence ring, and even a Last 4 watch from his days taking part in basketball at Princeton. He added to that spectacular assortment with us in Boston as a result of he was the type of man who would discover a path to achievement irrespective of the obstacles. He was daring and had the audacity to dare, problem, and even taunt our rivals in ways in which made the sport of baseball higher.”
“In a sport outlined by statistics and standings, he was completed in each approach, and whereas his profession is a masterclass in management and innovation, he shall be equally remembered for his unwavering dedication to group engagement and his hands-on function with the Purple Sox Basis and The Jimmy Fund. We’re devastated by the lack of an excellent man, an excellent chief, and an excellent pal.”
“Larry was a visionary,” stated Purple Sox supervisor Alex Cora. “He noticed issues earlier than they occurred, taking the fan expertise to the following stage in each metropolis he labored. And he received. He was a relentless winner. Larry led an excellent life and impacted so many people. I’m grateful to have had him as part of my life.”
“I’ll all the time respect Larry for what he did for me,” stated Rangers supervisor Bruce Bochy, who was in that function for the Padres when Lucchino was there. “The beginning of my journey as a supervisor started with him. Whenever you acquired to know Larry, you discovered how aggressive he was, however simply as essential was how a lot he cared in regards to the fan expertise on the ballpark. His innovation began in Baltimore and helped deliver baseball again in San Diego. He carried that to Boston with the issues that have been performed at Fenway. Larry shall be missed.”
In August 2015, the Purple Sox introduced Lucchino could be shifting into an emeritus function with the membership. Sam Kennedy, a Lucchino protégé relationship again to their years along with the Padres, took over as president/CEO and stays in that function presently. Lately, Lucchino served as chairman and proprietor of the Triple-A Worcester Purple Sox. When the group was offered in December, Lucchino stayed on as chairman.
When he acquired to the Purple Sox, Lucchino was decided to deliver Kennedy over from San Diego, and one other Brookline (Mass.) Excessive Faculty graduate named Theo Epstein, who began his time in Boston as assistant basic supervisor.
After the ’02 season, the Purple Sox looked for a basic supervisor and got here near convincing Billy Beane to return on board.
Finally, Beane, citing the necessity to keep near his daughter on the West Coast, declined.
Lucchino had a frequent saying to everybody who knew him: “Be daring.”
And Lucchino was daring, making the 28-year-old Epstein the youngest basic supervisor in baseball historical past on the time.
“Larry leaves behind an enormous baseball legacy filled with historic accomplishments with three totally different organizations,” stated Epstein. “For me and for thus lots of my finest associates in baseball, Larry gave us our begin, believing in us and setting an everlasting instance along with his work ethic, imaginative and prescient, competitiveness and fearlessness. He made a profound affect on many in baseball — and on the sport itself — and shall be missed.”
“There are such a lot of of us who got our begin in baseball by Larry,” stated Kennedy. “He liked an excellent slogan and his marketing campaign to ‘free the Brookline two’ liberated Theo and I from the San Diego Padres, permitting us to work for our hometown group and altering the trajectory of our lives without end. He instilled in us, and so many others, a piece ethic, ardour, aggressive hearth that we are going to carry without end.
“His legacy is one that each one of us who have been taught by him really feel a deep duty to uphold. When these he mentored moved on from the Purple Sox, he would all the time say, ‘We’ll go away a lightweight on for you.’ The lights will all the time be on for you at Fenway Park, Larry. Might you relaxation in peace.”
Lucchino is survived by his brother, the Honorable Frank J. Lucchino (Bobbie); a nephew, F.J. Lucchino (Jane) and a niece, Jennifer Lucchino (Freddie Croce), of Pittsburgh; in addition to a youthful nephew, David L. Lucchino (Carrie Beth); who lives in Boston. He is also survived by seven grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Jared Leto Subs in as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host During April Fools’ Prank
Jared Leto can add Wheel of Fortune host to his lengthy record of credit!
On Monday, the 52-year-old musician and Oscar-winning actor subbed in as a number on the beloved sport present alongside Vanna White as a part of an April Fools’ Day prank.
“Listed below are the celebrities of our present, Jared Leto and Vanna White,” the present’s announcer stated because the pair walked out arm-in-arm and waved on the cheering viewers.
Leto then informed White, 67, “Have an excellent present and see you quickly,” earlier than taking his place on the wheel with the present’s three contestants.
“All proper all people, seize these gadgets, it is time to give away some cash,” Leto continued as he launched into internet hosting duties. “A $1000 in our first toss-up, the class is on the map.”
The present then switched again to common longtime host Pat Sajak and continued as regular with no additional point out of Leto’s shock look.
The Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman later shared a clip of the second on his Instagram Story with the caption, “How’d I do? 🤣.”
Leto first appeared on Wheel of Fortune again in November when he and his brother (and bandmate) Shannon Leto have been “contestants” on the sport present to announce the band’s 2024 world tour.
And although Leto will not be changing Sajak as Wheel of Fortune host anytime quickly, the longtime sport present emcee is planning to retire from the present after its present forty first season. He’ll be handing over the reins to Ryan Seacrest, who described the chance as like being a “child in a sweet retailer.”
“You do not mess with it, simply do not mess with it. Simply get out of the way in which, say ‘Good night’ and let’s play,” the 49-year-old informed PEOPLE in September. “I believe I’ve a lot adrenaline dashing by way of my physique. Pleasure is the phrase as a result of it is such an outstanding present. I have been a fan. I grew up watching the present. and I can not wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Sajak is about to say goodbye to the sport present in June, whereas White will keep on as a co-host.
Larry Lucchino, former Red Sox executive who won three World Series rings in Boston, dies at 78
Larry Lucchino, who served as president of the Boston Purple Sox when the crew ended its 86-year World Collection drought in 2004, died Tuesday. He was 78. No explanation for dying was given. Lucchino was a most cancers survivor who was handled for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma within the Nineteen Eighties, prostate most cancers in 1999, and kidney most cancers in 2019.
“To us, Larry was an distinctive one that mixed a Corridor of Fame life as a Main League Baseball government along with his ardour for serving to these folks most in want,” his household mentioned in an announcement. “He introduced the identical ardour, tenacity, and probing intelligence to all his endeavors, and his achievements communicate for themselves.”
A Pittsburgh native, Lucchino attended Yale Regulation Faculty and later practiced in Washington D.C., which led to a place on the board of the administrators with the NFL’s Washington franchise. He then grew to become president of the Baltimore Orioles in 1988. Lucchino most well-liked previous type ballparks and was instrumental within the building of Camden Yards, which was accomplished in 1992.
After working with the O’s from 1988-93, Lucchino then grew to become CEO of the San Diego Padres, and performed a task in getting approval for a brand new stadium in downtown San Diego. Lucchino was with the Padres from 1995-2001, at which level he joined the Purple Sox as their crew president. Petco Park, the Padres’ present stadium, opened in 2004.
“Larry’s profession unfolded like a playbook of triumphs, marked by transformative moments that reshaped ballpark design, enhanced the fan expertise, and engineered the best situations for championships wherever his path led him, and particularly in Boston,” Purple Sox proprietor John Henry mentioned in an announcement.
“But, maybe his most enduring legacy lies within the outstanding folks he helped assemble on the Purple Sox, all of whom are a testomony to his coaching, knowledge, and mentorship. A lot of them proceed to form the group at this time, carrying ahead the identical vigor, vitality, and cherished sayings that have been hallmarks of Larry’s character. Larry was a formidable opponent in any enviornment, and whereas he battled laborious, he all the time maintained the utmost respect for a worthy adversary and located real pleasure in sparring with folks. I used to be fortunate sufficient to have had him in my nook for 14 years and to have known as him a detailed buddy for even longer. He was actually irreplaceable and might be missed by all of us on the Purple Sox.”
Lucchino employed Theo Epstein to run Boston’s entrance workplace quickly after becoming a member of the Purple Sox. Epstein started his profession in baseball in public relations with the Orioles beneath Lucchino, after which adopted him to the Padres, the place he broke into baseball operations. Lucchino additionally inspired Epstein to attend regulation college throughout their time in San Diego.
From 2002-15, Lucchino was crew president for 3 World Collection championships in Boston (2004, 2007, 2013), together with two with Epstein. He retired after the 2015 season and served because the chairman of the Jimmy Fund, which advantages the Dana-Farber Most cancers Institute and is the Purple Sox’s official charity, from 2016 till his dying.
Lucchino received three World Collection with the Purple Sox and likewise a Nationwide League pennant with the Padres in 1998. Along with Camden Yards and Petco Park, he additionally performed a task within the building of Polar Park, house of Boston’s Triple-A affiliate in Worcester, and likewise JetBlue Park, the membership’s spring coaching facility.
“Larry Lucchino was one of the crucial completed executives that our business has ever had,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned in an announcement. “He was deeply pushed, he understood baseball’s place in our communities, and he had a eager eye for government expertise. Larry’s imaginative and prescient for Camden Yards performed a significant function in advancing fan-friendly ballparks throughout the sport. He adopted up by overseeing the development of Petco Park, which stays a jewel of the San Diego group. Then Larry teamed with John Henry and Tom Werner to provide essentially the most profitable period in Purple Sox historical past, which included historic World Collection Championships on the sphere and a renewed dedication to Fenway Park.”
Along with his accomplishments in baseball, Lucchino was additionally with Washington for his or her Tremendous Bowl win in 1983, and he served on the board of administrators for the Particular Olympics. He was inducted into the Purple Sox Corridor of Fame in 2016 and the Padres Corridor of Fame in 2022.