In a NASCAR built for parity, Tyler Reddick has started 2026 with an unprecedented win streak

Tyler Reddick became the first driver to win the first three races of a NASCAR Cup Series season, and he did so Sunday by beating one of the greatest road course racers in modern NASCAR history.

Reddick scored the win at the Circuit of the Americas when he held off Shane van Gisbergen on Sunday. After winning the Daytona 500 and a week ago at Atlanta, Reddick became the sixth driver in NASCAR history and the first since Matt Kenseth in 2009 to win the first two Cup races of a given season.

Now he's got the record all to himself.

"In this day and age of Cup racing, the Daytona 500 is so hard to win. It's so hard to survive at [Atlanta] and we were able to do that," Reddick said. "And to be able to hold off Shane at the end of that race to make it three in a row, yeah, it seems just very fitting that we had to go through the hurdles we did, especially the last two weeks, to pull this off."

Reddick won the Daytona 500 by leading only the last lap of the race as 37 of the race's 41 cars were officially involved in a wreck. Over the last two races, Reddick has led 111 of a possible 366 laps.

He won at Atlanta even though he was missing his entire right-front fender following a crash with less than 50 laps to go. He worked his way back to the front of the field and took the lead with two laps remaining from teammate Bubba Wallace ahead of a green-white-checkered finish after a late caution flag.

Sunday, he started from the pole as van Gisbergen started 13th. The former Australian Supercars champion has been incredibly dominant since moving to NASCAR. He won in his first start at the Chicago road course in 2023 and then won five of the six road course races on the Cup Series schedule in 2025 and many of those victories came in dominating fashion.

The road course race he didn't win? The COTA race that Reddick started from the pole.

As the laps ticked down Sunday, Reddick said he had to remind himself that he didn't need to win by a blowout margin. He simply needed to be ahead of van Gisbergen at the finish line.

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"It's so important to just not make mistakes because who knows, Shane could have been playing games, right? Like back off a bit, see if I burn myself up and I back up to him at the end of the race," Reddick said.

"There's just so much going on there. He's just so good on the road courses. Even when I was pulling way, right, it's like, alright, I just didn't let myself think it was over until it was truly over."

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Reddick entered the season with eight career wins and was tied with Alex Bowman and Kyle Petty on NASCAR's career Cup Series wins list. With the victory at COTA, Reddick now has more wins than drivers like Sterling Marlin, Clint Bowyer and NASCAR Hall of Famer Donnie Allison in just 221 starts.

It's a win percentage that's among the best across all active drivers despite a winless 2025 season. After scoring three wins and making the championship race in 2024, Reddick was one of just two drivers to make the 16-driver playoff field in 2025 without a win.

Yet that lack of a win was an anomaly given Reddick's underlying statistics. And it looks even more out of place now. Only seven drivers had more top-five finishes and a better average finish than Reddick did a season ago and no driver completed more laps.

In 2026, Reddick is piling up wins in a NASCAR era designed for no one to dominate. The current Cup Series car is built with spec parts that every team buys from the same suppliers. The margins for advantages are thinner than they've ever been.

That may make Reddick's streak even more impressive. And it's a streak that his 23XI Racing team co-owner Michael Jordan made clear that he wanted him to continue before Sunday's race. Like he was in Daytona and Atlanta, Jordan was in attendance in Austin on Sunday.

"He reminded me early this week, he does things in threes. He expected no less today," Reddick said of Jordan's two runs of three consecutive NBA Finals wins. "I was really glad to be able to live up to the standards that he has for us and be able to deliver three in a row. That was really cool to share that moment with him."

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 02, 2026

In a NASCAR built for parity, Tyler Reddick has started 2026 with an unprecedented win streak

Tyler Reddick became the first driver to win the first three races of a NASCAR Cup Series season, and he did so Sunday by...

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Igor Shesterkin’s shootout success for Rangers reaching elite levels

After three Penguins failed to score on Igor Shesterkin during the shootout in theRangers victory Saturday, the star Russian netminder's .738 save percentage in the skills competition is the best in franchise history.

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Stopping 62 of the 84 shootout attempts he's faced in his seven-year NHL career, Shesterkin is No. 5 in the league since making his debut during the 2019-20 season.

He trails only Juuse Saros (.806), Elvis Merzlikins (.747), Jordan Binnington (.705) and Jake Oettinger (.739).

"It's comforting, I'm not gonna lie," head coach Mike Sullivan said of having Shesterkin in net for a shootout. "I think he's the best goalie in the game. Just this compete level. He's an elite player, and so it's comforting to have him between the pipes, whether it be in the shootout or anytime, for that matter. He has the ability to change the outcome of a game."

Saturday was Shesterkin's second game back in goal after a 13-game absence due to a lower-body injury.

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He has stopped 52 of 57 shots since returning to the crease, bringing his season save percentage to .913.

These are also Shesterkin's first days around the Rangerswithout Artemi Panarin, who has been his teammate in New York since his first recall in January 2020.

"He's one of the best players in the league," Shesterkin said of his compatriot. "Of course, it's pretty tough for us to lose a player of that caliber. I hope he enjoys the trade. We wish him all the best."

Asked how much Shesterkin is going to play over these final 23 games, Sullivan insinuated it would be decided in collaboration with the 30-year-old.

• CHECK OUT THE LATEST NHL STANDINGS AND RANGERS STATS

"We'll talk with Shesky, and we'll manage it together," the veteran coach said. "But, obviously, he feels really good right now. He feels strong. He worked hard in the return-to-play process that he went through. But as far as what his workload looks like moving forward, I don't know that I can give you a definitive answer yet. He's going to play, I can tell you that."

The 76.9 faceoff win percentage the Rangers posted in Saturday's win was the club's highest in a game since the NHL began tracking draws in 1997-98.

It is tied for the 10th highest single-game percentage in the league, as well as the highest since the Oilers posted a 79.6 percent mark in March 2024.

The Rangers were off Sunday before facing the Blue Jackets on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

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March 02, 2026

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Nets’ Grant Nelson delivers strong home debut as he keeps living out ‘dream’ on 10-day deal

Grant Nelson, on a 10-day contract, acquitted himself well in his home debut.

The undrafted rookie had 11 points, four rebounds and three blocksagainst the Cavaliersin just his second NBA game.

"It's really been my dream my whole life. So it's just fun to get out there, play with some of the best players in the world," said Nelson. "It's just really a dream. But I know the work's not done. I still got a lot to work on."

Nelson has logged 83 minutes over four games in four cities in five days between Brooklyn and G-League Long Island.

"The adrenaline I've had just playing in my first NBA games just kind of carried me through it," said Nelson, the first player in Nets history to total 10 points, five assists and five blocks combined over his first two career games.

Nelson joined Brook Lopez as the only Net with multiple blocks in consecutive games to start a career, and Jarrett Allen as the only one with five blocks through two career games.

"He's a very good player, high IQ, he's got a great feel for the game, and plays extremely hard," said Nets coach Jordi Fernández. "So, you put all those things together, and he's played very well in the two chances."

The three two-way roster spots are filled, but any could be converted to a standard deal and Nelson could then be inked to a two-way.

The deadline for that is Wednesday.

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Danny Wolf had a career-high 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals, joining Chris Morris, Mike O'Koren and Bernard King as the only Nets rookies to ever hit those figures.

Nic Claxton missed Sunday's loss with a right thumb sprain.

• CHECK OUT THE LATEST NBA STANDINGS AND NETS STATS

Egor Dëmin was held out to rest his plantar fascia.

"[Nic] got hit in [Friday's] game," said Fernández. "We'll see how he feels after [Sunday], so there's no timetable.

"With Egor, he's been dealing with the plantar fascia. He's been out for back-to-backs in the past. These [past] two he's played. But we're going to have to see how he feels and have a plan with what's best for him, his body. So, we'll come up with that. But for sure, No. 1 thing is, and then he feels better."

Donovan Mitchell was out for Cleveland.

James Harden stepped up against his old team with 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

The 36-year-old was noncommittal about how much longer he wants to play.

"I know it's coming soon. Hopefully, later than soon, but it's a reality," said Harden. "Everybody has to go through this at some point. Just trying to continue to keep my body in shape and play well. We'll see what happens in the next few years. Take one game at a time and cherish the moments."

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March 02, 2026

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Lindsey Vonn comes home, "long and painful" rehab ahead

Happy to finally be home, Lindsey Vonn said in a social media post on Sunday that "a hard and painful journey" is ahead as the American skier recovers from a devastating crash last month in the women's downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Vonn, 41, has undergone five surgeries since suffering a complex left tibia fracture after clipping a gate and sailing off course 13 seconds into the Feb. 8 run. She said later that the damage was so great that she might have had her leg amputated if not for Team USA's orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tom Hackett, quickly treating the resulting compartment syndrome from the crash by performing a fasciotomy.

With compartment syndrome, the excessive pressure building up inside a muscle from bleeding or swelling restricts blood flow and can lead to permanent injury if not treated quickly. Hospitalization for four surgeries followed for nearly two weeks in Italy and then a fifth surgery and recovery in the United States before she could travel home on Sunday.

"Home sweet home. Feels good to sleep in my own bed," Vonn shared on Instagram. "I'm focused now on therapy and getting healthy. It's going to be a hard and painful journey but I am putting all of my energy into it, like I always do."

Vonn noted emotional pain for a different reason, the death of her dog Leo, a shelter dog that she adopted in 2014. She wrote earlier this month on Instagram that Leo was diagnosed recently with lung cancer after surviving lymphoma a year and a half ago.

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"The day I crashed, so did Leo," Vonn had written, giving Feb. 9 as the day he died.

On Sunday, Vonn wrote, "wheeling through the front door without Leo greeting me like always was a very hard reality. A reality I had to face. Along with many other hard realities that lay in front of me as I move forward...."

She informed followers that she is "going to take some time for myself" and will provide updates when she can, then thanked them for their love and support.

Coming out of retirement with a partially rebuilt right knee, Vonn was considered a medal contender at the Olympics before her final World Cup race a week before. In that downhill, she tore her left ACL, though she said she still could ski in the Games.

Vonn was in search of her second gold medal in the downhill, having won in 2010 in Vancouver. She also has two bronze medals. She has 84 World Cup victories, including two this season.

--Field Level Media

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Clippers beat the Pelicans 137-117 to end a 3-game losing streak

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 137-117 on Sunday night to end a three-game losing streak.

Pelicans Clippers Basketball

Tenth in the Western Conference, the Clippers improved to 28-31. The Pelicans are 13th in the West at 19-43.

New Orleans star Zion Williamson sat out after injuring his right ankle at Utah on Saturday night. He had played a career-high 35 straight games.

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Los Angeles never trailed. It led 43-32 after a quarter and had a 76-70 advantage at the half. It was 107-94 after three, and the Clippers stretched the margin to 26 in the fourth.

Jordan Miller added 19 points for Los Angeles. Derrick Jones Jr. had 17, Brook Lopez 16 and John Collins 15.

While Leonard went 1 of 7 from 3-point range, the Clippers were 17 of 36 overall. Lopez was 4 for 6, and Jones and Kobe Sanders were each 3 for 4.

Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 28 points, hitting 5 of 6 3-pointers. Derik Queen scored 19 points, Dejounte Murray had 17, and Trey Murphy III added 16 after missing five games because of a right shoulder injury.

Up next

Pelicans: At Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.Clippers: At Golden State on Monday night.___AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Pelicans: At Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Clippers: At Golden State on Monday night.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/nba

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 01, 2026

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 137-11...

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Luka and LeBron lead Lakers past Kings 128-104 to complete back-to-back weekend wins

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 28 points and nine assists, LeBron James added 24 points and theLos Angeles Lakersfinished a back-to-back set with a 128-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

Kings Lakers Basketball

Austin Reaves scored 12 points for the Lakers, who also wonat Golden State on Saturdayto end a three-game skid. After a week of unimpressive play following the All-Star break, Los Angeles snapped back into form on the weekend, beating its two Northern California rivals by a combined 52 points.

Doncic made four 3-pointers as the NBA's leading scorer played only the first three quarters, while James, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard hit three 3s apiece. The Lakers made 17 of their first 33 3-point attempts while the starters were still playing, flirting with the franchise record for 3-point shooting percentage before finishing 18 of 39.

The 41-year-old James had a pair of rim-shaking dunks that he celebrated with zeal during a comfortable win for the Lakers, who never trailed again after Sacramento scored the game's opening basket.

Nique Clifford scored 26 points for the Kings in their fourth consecutive loss at the Lakers' downtown arena. Russell Westbrook had 14 points against his former team in his hometown.

NBA-worst Sacramento has lost 18 of 20.

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Deandre Ayton had 12 points on 6-of-6 shooting for the Lakers, who opened a 22-point lead in the first half.

Doncic, Reaves and Ayton all got the fourth quarter off to rest up with four games looming over the next seven days. Los Angeles is still early in a five-week stretch with no consecutive days off.

Up next

Kings: Host Phoenix on Tuesday.

Lakers: Host New Orleans on Tuesday.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/NBA

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 01, 2026

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Texas moves to No. 1 seed in latest NCAA women's bracket preview, joins UConn, UCLA, South Carolina

Texas joined UConn, UCLA and South Carolina asNo. 1seeds in the women'sNCAA Tournamentif it began now.

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The Longhorns replaced Vanderbilt as the fourth top seed in the second reveal by the NCAA basketball selection committee of teams in line for the top 16 seeds Sunday. Texas was a No. 2 seed in theinitial reveal on Feb. 14, which was shown right after the Longhorns lost to Vanderbilt.

"We were all viewing it the same way, in the conversation it was so close and that head-to-head tipped the scales last time," NCAA women's basketball selection committee chair Amanda Braun told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "The loss (by Vanderbilt) tipped it back. The overall resume of Texas is stronger than Vanderbilt in a few different ways."

Undefeated UConnwas still the overall No. 1 seed, edging UCLA and South Carolina.

"We had some conversations, obviously it's not all cut and dry, but we feel good where we landed," Braun said. "We do look at it as what has happened since last reveal and none of those three lost and had pretty convincing wins against really good teams."

The committee uses 12 criteria to determine who belongs in the field and where teams should be seeded.

"Things can still happen in the next two weeks," the chairwoman said.

The top 16 seeds in the 68-team field will host first- and second-round games, with the regional rounds being played at two neutral sites for the fourth straight year. Fort Worth, Texas, will host half of the Sweet 16, and Sacramento, California, will host the other eight teams.

UConn and South Carolina were projected as the top seeds in the Fort Worth Regional, with UCLA and Texas in Sacramento. The Huskies, as the top overall seed, would potentially have the Friday-Sunday games on the second weekend, allowing them an extra day of rest before the Final Four.

Joining UConn in its bracket was No. 2 seed LSU, third-seed Louisville and fourth-seed Maryland.

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The Bruins would have No. 2 seed Vanderbilt, No. 3 seed Duke and fourth-seeded Ohio State in their region.

The Big Ten had seven of the top 16 seeds and the SEC had five.

"When you watch them those are really good teams. Every element we look at, the Big Ten has a lot of really good teams," Braun said. "We don't really know how many are going in as we are doing it one-by-one and then they are seven of the best 16."

Joining the Gamecocks in Fort Worth would be No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 TCU and No. 4 Minnesota. The Longhorns would have No. 2 Iowa, No. 3 Oklahoma and fourth-seed Michigan State in California.

TCU is hoping to be in one of the Fort Worth brackets so that Horned Frogs wouldn't have to leave home. The arena where the regional is being played is roughly 10 minutes from campus.

Teams just outside the top 16 included Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and West Virginia. Ole Miss was in the initial top 16 reveal.

The Final Four will be played in Phoenix on April 3 and the NCAA championship game is two days later.

The NCAA has been doing in-season reveals since 2015 to give teams an early idea of where they could be come selection night. Sunday's reveal did not factor in the games scheduled for later that day, which included South Carolina-Kentucky, Duke-North Carolina and Vanderbilt-Tennessee.

Next up will be the reveal of the top 16 teams in alphabetical order a day before Selection Sunday on March 15. It's the first time the NCAA will do that so as to gives schools an extra day to sell tickets as well as to give ESPN more time to get its equipment in place to broadcast the tournament.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP women's college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 01, 2026

Texas moves to No. 1 seed in latest NCAA women's bracket preview, joins UConn, UCLA, South Carolina

Texas joined UConn, UCLA and South Carolina asNo. 1seeds in the women'sNCAA Tournamentif it began now. T...

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