Kyrie Irving scores 4 points as loss to Bulls drops Nets to 2-6  —  Just when you think it can't get any worse, in comes the stark reminder that there's always another level below the basement.  —  Kevin Durant said it best: The coach can only do so much.  It falls on the players to make an impact in a game.

Harper, Phillies tie World Series mark with 5 HR, top Astros  —  PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper bashed a home run on the first World Series pitch he saw in Philadelphia, and then figured out how the Phillies could hit a few more.  —  The $330 million star offered quiet advice to Alec Bohm — and then it got really loud in Philadelphia.

Jimmy Butler steps up late as Heat hold off Warriors, Stephen Curry 116-109  —  The threes were flowing, the ball was moving, the depth of contribution was significant.  —  So, yes, another Golden State Warriors game.  —  Only in this case it was the opposition inflicting the damage …

The upcoming free-agent WR class is weak — so the Chicago Bears acted now to acquire Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers  —  Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles did not wait until the offseason to add needed help for Justin Fields, gifting the quarterback a big-bodied wide receiver …

The top 50 MLB free agents of 2022-23: Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge and more game changers  —  This winter's free agent class has turned out to be a strong one, thanks in no small part to the return of last year's No. 1 free agent, Carlos Correa, who heads up another very enticing group …

Sources: White Sox to hire Royals' Pedro Grifol as manager  —  Pedro Grifol is expected to be the next manager of the Chicago White Sox, an announcement that could come later this week, according to multiple sources.  —  Grifol, 52, has been on the staff of the Kansas City Royals since 2013, most recently as the bench coach.

San Francisco 49ers |  Former 49ers executive John McVay dies at age 91  —  John McVay spent 22 seasons in the 49ers' organization, contributing to five Super Bowl-winning teams  —  John McVay, who helped craft the 49ers' Super Bowl-winning dynasty in the 1980s, passed away Monday.  He was 91.

San Gabriel Valley Boys Athlete of the Week: Jake Denerson, Glendora  —  Denerson's fourth-quarter performance led Glendora to a win in overtime against South Hills  —  San Gabriel Valley Boys Athlete of the Week  —  Noteworthy: Denerson came off the bench to lead his team …

Rangers in Running to Sign Aaron Judge From Yankees  —  Texas' primary pursuit this offseason is starting pitching, but it didn't stop one site from listing the Rangers as a landing spot for the Yankees slugger.  —  Aaron Judge broke the American League home run record against the Texas Rangers …