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.

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

'It's got to happen from the beginning': Chicago Bulls need better 1st quarters from their starters — and can't keep relying on bench help  —  The Chicago Bulls bench earned praise during the first week of the season for defining the style and intensity of the team's identity this season.

Rapper Takeoff from group Migos fatally shot during private party at bowling alley in downtown Houston  —  Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission says it has opened investigation into business where the rapper was reportedly killed  —  HOUSTON - An investigation is underway after rapper Takeoff …

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 …