Aaron Judge’s first-inning home run on Sunday afternoon at Truist Park in Atlanta was the 351st of his Major League career, tying him with Alex Rodriguez for sixth on the New York Yankees’ all-time home run list.

The solo shot came off Atlanta Braves right-hander Grant Holmes and traveled 409 feet to right field. It was Judge’s 36th home run of the 2025 season and his first ever at Truist Park – the 32nd different Major League stadium in which he has homered.

Following the blast, Judge said, “It’s just an incredible honor, especially growing up and watching A-Rod for so many years, watching what he did in the pinstripes. He’s a legend, one of the best to ever play. So getting to tie him with the Yankees, that’s pretty cool – but there’s more to come.”

Judge now trails only five players in Yankees history: Babe Ruth (659), Mickey Mantle (536), Lou Gehrig (493), Joe DiMaggio (361), and Yogi Berra (358).

This home run is also Judge’s eighth in his last 17 games. He now shares third place among active players for most stadiums homered in, tied with Willy Adames, Randal Grichuk, and Carlos Santana. Only Giancarlo Stanton (36) and Manny Machado (34) have homered in more Major League parks.

Aaron Judge Remains MVP Favorite as Betting Odds Adjust

Aaron Judge is second in the league in home runs behind Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads with 38. Raleigh also won the Home Run Derby held in Atlanta on Monday. Judge’s recent performance has influenced betting markets.

Judge remains a leading candidate for the 2025 AL MVP. According to sportsbooks, his MVP odds have ranged between –575 and –800 in recent days. Earlier in the season, FanDuel listed Judge at –8000. The odds movement shows increased competition from players like Raleigh, but still places Judge as the favorite.

In futures markets, BetMGM lists the Yankees at +800 to win the World Series, +340 to win the American League pennant, and +100 to win the AL East. These figures reflect current standings and betting volume ahead of their upcoming series in Toronto.

For their July 22 matchup against the Blue Jays, sportsbooks set the Yankees’ moneyline around –120, with the game total ranging from 8.5 to 9 runs. New York’s Carlos Rodón is scheduled to pitch against Toronto’s Kevin Gausman.

Stroman Delivers Six Strong Innings as Bullpen Rests

The Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Braves was backed by a steady performance from Marcus Stroman, who pitched six innings and allowed just one run — a solo home run by Matt Olson in the sixth. Stroman scattered five hits, struck out four, and did not issue a walk.

With the Yankees’ bullpen running thin, the game plan was to limit relief usage. Manager Aaron Boone avoided using Jonathan Loáisiga, Luke Weaver, JT Brubaker, and Scott Effross. The pitching duties moved efficiently from Stroman to Ian Hamilton, followed by Tim Hill, and finally to Devin Williams. Williams secured his 14th save despite surrendering a solo homer to Ronald Acuña Jr. in the ninth.

Stroman effectively mixed his pitches and worked both sides of the plate, in sync with catcher Ben Rice throughout his outing. The solid start gave the Yankees exactly what they needed to secure the series win while keeping key relievers rested for the road ahead.

Vivas, Goldschmidt, and Chisholm Contribute Offensively

In the third inning, Jorbit Vivas made a diving catch in foul ground to grab Jurickson Profar’s popped-up bunt, helping Stroman escape a jam, followed by a double play from Matt Olson.

Vivas later contributed to the offense when he was hit in the left knee by a pitch from Holmes in the sixth inning, forcing in the Yankees’ third run with the bases loaded.

In the seventh inning, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a run-scoring double off Dane Dunning, increasing New York’s lead to 4-1.

In the ninth, Devin Williams allowed a home run to Ronald Acuña Jr. but secured his 14th save of the season. The Yankees’ win clinched the rubber match of the three-game series against the Braves.

Yankees Secure Series Victory Ahead of AL East Showdown

With the win, the Yankees improved to 55-44. The Braves dropped the rubber match of the series at Truist Park, while the Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) also won Sunday, maintaining a three-game lead over the Yankees in the American League East.

The Yankees will now travel to Toronto for a three-game series.

“This was a big series win, especially going into Toronto. It’s a good time to start getting hot. There’s more to come,” Judge said.

Rivalries are what make sports exciting; there’s no question, really. They turn regular games into must-watch events and bring out the best, and sometimes the worst, in teams and players. When two opponents meet again and again with something to prove, it creates history.

This list looks at ten of the biggest rivalries in sports – the matchups that fans never forget, where every game feels personal, and every point or goal carries extra significance.

1. Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

The first meeting in the storied rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears took place on November 27, 1921, when the Chicago Staleys, the franchise that would become the Bears, defeated the Packers 20–0.

As of January 5, 2025, the two teams have played 210 times, the most games between two franchises in NFL history. The overall series record stands at 108 wins for the Packers, 96 for the Bears, and 6 ties. In the regular season, the Packers lead 107–95–6, and the postseason record is split 1–1.

Two of the largest margins of victory in the series came in 1980, when the Bears won 61–7, and in 1962, when the Packers prevailed 49–0.

The Packers overtook the Bears in the all-time series standings in 2017 and have maintained the lead since then. From 2019 to 2024, Green Bay went on an 11-game winning streak against Chicago, though it ended on January 5, 2025, when the Bears won 24–22 in their most recent matchup.

Collectively, the two franchises have won 22 NFL championships—13 for Green Bay and 9 for Chicago. They also account for 77 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, with 41 from the Bears and 36 from the Packers.

The rivalry’s regional tension stems from Chicago, one of the country’s largest cities, and Green Bay, the smallest NFL market. The term “cheeseheads,” originally a slur used by Chicagoans, was embraced by Packers fans, who now famously wear cheese-shaped foam hats at Lambeau Field.

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have met in the NBA Finals 12 times, the most frequent matchup in Finals history. The Celtics have won 9 of those series; the Lakers have won 3.

Their first Finals matchup occurred in 1959, when the Boston Celtics swept the Minneapolis Lakers 4–0. Boston continued to dominate the rivalry in the 1960s, winning six Finals matchups against the Lakers during that decade.

In the 1980s, the teams met in the Finals three times—in 1984, 1985, and 1987. Boston won in 1984, while Los Angeles secured victories in 1985 and 1987.

Since the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, the teams have met 207 times in the regular season. As of the end of the 2023–24 season, the Celtics lead the regular-season series 111–96.

Including titles won during the Minneapolis Lakers era, the Lakers have 17 NBA championships, while the Celtics hold 18, making them the two winningest franchises in NBA history.

As of the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, both franchises have an all-time winning percentage of .592, but Boston is the only NBA team with a winning record against the Lakers.

This rivalry features iconic individual matchups like Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird and Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain, and defining moments such as Red Auerbach lighting victory cigars on the Boston Garden floor and Pat Riley orchestrating “Showtime” in Los Angeles while dressed in Armani suits.

In the 1980s, the rivalry took on deeper complexity when the Celtics fielded a predominantly white starting lineup during a time when the NBA was largely dominated by Black athletes. Although not publicly dissected as part of a national conversation, it was noticeable to fans. In earlier decades, the Celtics had fielded a lineup featuring at least four Black starters—a rarity at the time.

3. Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought three times between 1971 and 1975, creating one of boxing’s most iconic rivalries.

Their first bout, widely billed as “The Fight of the Century,” took place on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Both fighters entered the ring undefeated: Ali was 31–0, and Frazier was 26–0. At the time, both were considered world heavyweight champions—Ali held the lineal title, while Frazier was recognized by the WBA, WBC, and The Ring as the undisputed champion. After 15 rounds, Frazier won by unanimous decision, successfully retaining the undisputed heavyweight title.

The rematch, dubbed “Super Fight II,” occurred on January 28, 1974, also at Madison Square Garden. This time, the fight was not for the championship, as George Foreman had since claimed the heavyweight titles. However, the stakes remained high. Ali won by unanimous decision, leveling their rivalry at 1–1.

Their final encounter, the legendary “Thrilla in Manila,” took place on October 1, 1975, at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. The bout was for the undisputed heavyweight championship, which Ali had regained after defeating Foreman in 1974. The fight was brutal, lasting 14 rounds. At the end of the 14th round, Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight, resulting in a technical knockout victory for Ali. Ali retained his championship and later described the fight by saying it was “the closest thing to dying I know of.”

Throughout their trilogy, Ali was known for his graceful, tactical boxing style, whereas Frazier was relentless, using a signature bobbing-and-weaving approach to apply constant pressure.

4. Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees 

The rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees began on May 7, 1903, at Huntington Avenue Grounds in Boston, where the Boston Americans defeated the New York Highlanders 6–2. The game lasted 1 hour and 38 minutes and was attended by 5,462 spectators.

As of June 15, 2025, the two teams have played 2,317 games, with the Yankees leading the all-time series. In the postseason, they are evenly matched, with both teams securing 12 wins each across 24 playoff meetings.

The Yankees’ largest margin of victory in the rivalry was a 22–1 win on June 19, 2000, scoring 16 runs in the final two innings. The Red Sox delivered dominant wins of 17–1 on May 28 and July 15, 2005, and a 19–3 victory on July 25, 2019.

The Yankees have posted three separate 12-game winning streaks in the rivalry. The Red Sox hold the record for the longest single streak, with 17 consecutive wins from October 3, 1911, to July 1, 1912.

The Red Sox are on a five-game winning streak, capped by a 2–0 shutout win in which Brayan Bello struck out eight batters, Rafael Devers hit a home run, and Trevor Story added an RBI single.

This rivalry has now lasted more than 120 seasons and remains one of the most storied and competitive rivalries in all of American professional sports.

5. Ohio State vs. Michigan (College Football)

The football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State began on October 16, 1897, in Ann Arbor, where Michigan won 34–0 at Regents Field. Since 1918, the two programs have played annually, with only one exception in modern history.

As of November 30, 2024, Michigan leads the series 62–51–6.

The largest margin of victory belongs to Michigan, which won 86–0 in 1902. Michigan also holds the longest winning streak in the rivalry: nine consecutive wins from 1901 through 1909.

The rivalry’s deeper context includes the Toledo War of 1835–1836, a boundary dispute between the states of Michigan and Ohio, which provides a historical backdrop to the animosity.

Known simply as “The Game,” this annual matchup frequently decides the Big Ten Conference championship and often determines which team will represent the conference in the Rose Bowl.

6. Duke vs. North Carolina (College Basketball)

Duke University and the University of North Carolina first played on January 24, 1920, when North Carolina defeated Trinity College (later renamed Duke) by a score of 36–25.

As of March 14, 2025, the teams have played 265 games, with North Carolina leading the all-time series 145–120.

Their most recent meeting occurred during the ACC Tournament semifinal on March 14, 2025, in Charlotte, where Duke won 74–71, its third win over North Carolina in the same season—a feat last accomplished in 2001–2002.

In that game, Duke led 45–24 at halftime, and although North Carolina mounted a comeback, Kon Knueppel sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds. Other key performances included Khaman Maluach’s 13 points and nine rebounds, and Sion James’ 12 points. A pivotal moment occurred with 4.1 seconds remaining, when a lane violation by a North Carolina player on a missed free throw gave Duke an extra opportunity to secure the victory.

The two schools are located just eight to ten miles apart on Tobacco Road in North Carolina. A 2000 national poll ranked the rivalry as the third-greatest in North American sports, and in 2003, it was named the #1 college basketball rivalry and #2 overall rivalry across all sports.

Duke and North Carolina have met once in the NCAA Tournament, in the 2022 Final Four, where North Carolina won 81–77.

Combined, the two programs have made 38 Final Four appearances, 21 by North Carolina, 17 by Duke, and have won nine national championships, with North Carolina claiming five and Duke four.

7. Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova faced each other 80 times between 1973 and 1988, including 60 finals, forming the most frequent rivalry in women’s tennis history. Navratilova led the overall head-to-head with 43 wins to Evert’s 37.

In Grand Slam tournaments, Navratilova held a 14–8 advantage, and in Grand Slam finals, she won 10 matches, while Evert won 4.

Their first match was in January 1973 in Akron, Ohio; their last final encounter took place in 1988 in Chicago, with Navratilova winning in straight sets.

By playing on different surfaces over 15 years, their rivalry has strategic differences. On clay courts, Evert led 11–3. Navratilova dominated grass courts 10–5, indoor surfaces 22–13, and had the edge on hard courts 21–14. Evert led in three-set matches 15–14, while Navratilova won 29 matches in straight sets to Evert’s 22.

Between 1975 and 1987, the two women combined to hold the world No. 1 ranking for 592 of 615 weeks—Evert for 260 weeks and Navratilova for 332. From 1981 to 1985, they won 15 consecutive Grand Slam singles titles between them.

Each player retired with 18 Grand Slam singles titles, placing them among the all-time greats. Though their rivalry was fierce and highly competitive, it evolved into a close friendship after retirement. They have since shared the broadcast booth during major tournaments and publicly supported each other during personal health challenges.

8. Arnold Palmer vs. Jack Nicklaus

The rivalry between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus began in earnest at the 1962 U.S. Open, held at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. After both players tied at 283 (−1) over 72 holes, a playoff was held. In that 18-hole playoff, 22-year-old Nicklaus defeated 32-year-old Palmer by three strokes, shooting 71 to Palmer’s 74.

Palmer had ten three-putts during the 90 holes of the tournament, compared to just one by Nicklaus. The victory is Nicklaus’s first professional win, earning $17,500, including a $2,500 playoff bonus, while Palmer received $10,500.

Nicklaus finished his career with 73 PGA Tour wins and 18 major titles. Palmer won 62 PGA Tour events and 7 majors. Their rivalry featured contrasting styles, Nicklaus’s control versus Palmer’s flair, and helped grow golf’s popularity during the 1960s and beyond.

9. Canada vs. Russia (Ice Hockey) 

In September 1972, Canada’s national team, made up of professional NHL players, played an eight-game series against the Soviet Union’s national team. The series was called the Summit Series and was the first time Canada participated in international hockey since withdrawing from IIHF tournaments. Canada had left because NHL players were not allowed to compete in those events.

The Summit Series included four games in Canada and four in Moscow. Canada and the Soviet Union each won three games, and one game ended in a tie. The series was decided in the final game when Canada won 6–5. Paul Henderson scored the winning goal with only 34 seconds left in the third period.

In the first game of the series, the Soviet Union surprised Canada by winning 7–3 in Montreal. The series introduced several Soviet players to North American fans, including Valeri Kharlamov, Vladislav Tretiak, and Alexander Yakushev. It was the first true best-on-best international hockey competition and became a defining moment in Cold War sports history.

10. New Zealand All Blacks vs. South Africa Springboks (Rugby Union) 

The first test match between New Zealand and South Africa took place in 1921, when New Zealand defeated South Africa 13–5 in Dunedin. Over time, the rivalry has been described as the biggest in rugby history.

Between 1928 and 1929, the All Blacks toured South Africa, playing 22 matches and winning 16, with the two-test series ending in a 2–2 draw. In 1949, the Springboks whitewashed the All Blacks 4–0, and in 1956, New Zealand secured a celebrated series victory in South Africa.

By the year 2000, New Zealand led the head-to-head record by one win, with 27 wins to South Africa’s 26. Since 2004, the two teams have competed for the Freedom Cup as part of the Tri Nations and Rugby Championship.

New Zealand did not win a test series in South Africa between 1953 and the end of apartheid. South Africa returned to international rugby in 1992, and even by 1996, New Zealand still had not won a full series on South African soil.

Between 2000 and 2020, New Zealand won 31 of the test matches between the teams, while South Africa won 10. Since Rassie Erasmus became head coach in 2018, South Africa has recorded seven wins, five losses, and one draw against New Zealand.

Aaron Judge became the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to hit 350 career home runs during the Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium. He reached the milestone in his 1,088th game, surpassing Mark McGwire’s previous record of 1,280 games.

Judge hit the two-run homer in the ninth inning on a high 0-2 fastball from Cubs reliever Brad Keller – his 35th home run of the season. He also recorded two doubles and went 3-for-4 on the day. His batting average increased to .358, and he now has 81 RBIs in 2025.

After the game, Judge said, “I honestly got nothing, to be honest. It would’ve been great if we got a win today, to do something like that. I’ve been surrounded by some great teammates and been on some good teams that have really put me in the best position to go out there and perform at my best. So it’s really just a shoutout to all the teammates I’ve had over the years.”

Manager Aaron Boone commented, “Wow. I mean, I don’t know what to say about it. Because I just think he’s playing in a different league. I just had a moment with him in there [in the clubhouse], just congratulating him — like, that’s a pretty big number. The fact that it’s 200 games faster than McGwire is just a testament to his greatness.”

Cubs Hold Off Yankees, Boyd Wins Duel Against Fried

Chicago starter Matthew Boyd pitched eight scoreless innings. He gave up four hits, walked none, and struck out six. Plus, he threw 62 of his 85 pitches for strikes. Boyd improved to 10-3, earning his fourth straight win and fifth consecutive decision.

Yankees starter Max Fried allowed nine of 18 batters to reach base. He gave up four runs, three earned, on six hits and three walks over three innings. Fried threw 39 of 73 pitches for strikes. He exited early due to a blister. Fried has previously gone on the injured list for blisters in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Before the game, he had a 6-0 record against the Cubs.

Nico Hoerner tripled to lead off the game and scored on Kyle Tucker’s groundout. In the third inning, Carson Kelly and Ian Happ hit run-scoring singles. Dansby Swanson added an RBI groundout.

Carson Kelly hit a solo home run in the eighth off Jonathan Loaisiga. Loaisiga has now allowed seven home runs over 23⅓ innings this season, the most he has allowed in any year of his career.

Daniel Palencia recorded the final two outs for the Cubs. His fastball reached 101.1 mph. He earned his 11th save in 12 chances.

Betting Markets Respond to Player Performance and Team Trends

Before the July 12 game, online sportsbooks showed movement in betting lines. According to FanDuel, the Yankees opened at –172 but shifted to –156 by game day. The Cubs moved from +144 to +132. The spread remained at Yankees –1.5 runs, with the total set around 9 to 9.5 runs, depending on the sportsbook.

Aaron Judge entered the season with +310 odds to win the American League MVP, according to DraftKings. By early May, the odds shifted to –160. As of midseason, Judge is the current favorite at multiple sportsbooks, including BetMGM and PointsBet.

Judge’s All-Star Game MVP odds are +600 at DraftKings. Shohei Ohtani is ahead of him at +500. OddsChecker listed Judge at +750.

Additional All-Star props at DraftKings include +100 for one or more hits, +600 for a home run, and +340 for one or more RBIs. The Action Network reported that Judge held approximately 9% of MVP prop bets, with Ohtani holding around 10%.

World Series futures from Vegas Insider list the Yankees at +700, tied for the second-best odds behind the Dodgers. Caesars listed Judge at +7500 to finish the season with a .400 batting average. This reflects a 1.32% implied probability.

A Record-Breaking Day Grounded in Respect for the Game

Beyond the numbers, Judge was reflective when asked about his place in history. Judge debuted in 2016 at age 24. He turned 33 in April 2025. He leads all players in home runs through their first 1,088 games, with 50 more than Ralph Kiner.

Mark McGwire finished his career with 583 home runs and retired in 2001 at age 38. He admitted in 2010 to using performance-enhancing drugs and has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Judge said of McGwire, “Big Mac did a lot of great things in this game, and he’s definitely a legend. It was cool when I got the opportunity to meet him and talk with him on the phone a little bit. He’s a special one, that’s for sure. … He’s been great over the years.”

Judge added that their first conversation began when McGwire’s son had a similar injury, “I think it started with when I broke my first rib. I think his son was kind of going through the same thing, so he was first asking me how did I heal? What do we do? So I kind of gave him some tips on that. And then we just kind of chit-chatted a little bit and kept in contact.”

Among the six fastest players to 350 home runs, McGwire, Juan Gonzalez, Alex Rodriguez, Harmon Killebrew, and Albert Pujols, only Killebrew is in the Hall of Fame. Rodriguez and Gonzalez were not elected due to PED connections, while Pujols is not eligible until 2028.

The NBA has showcased countless elite athletes, but only a rare group has ascended to true legendary status. These basketball icons didn’t just win titles—they transformed the sport, shattered records, and influenced generations of players and fans alike.

From Michael Jordan’s dominance to Stephen Curry’s revolutionary shooting, these top 10 NBA legends have carved their names into the fabric of basketball history.

Join us as we break down the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood.

10 Top NBA Players of All Time

There have been many NBA legends in the history of basketball, and all of them have left their own mark on the sport. Let’s have a look at the most stand-out players in basketball history.

1. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is on our list of the top 10 NBA players of all time.

Michael Jordan, often heralded as the greatest basketball player of all time, played 15 seasons in the NBA, predominantly with the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan’s career is marked by his incredible scoring ability, having amassed 32,292 points. His defensive prowess is underscored by his three-time lead in the league in steals.

Not only did Michael Jordan win six NBA championships and six Finals MVPs, but he was also a five-time regular-season MVP. Off the court, Jordan’s influence extended into cultural and commercial realms, significantly impacting basketball’s global popularity.

His contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He has also been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions both on and off the court​ – no wonder he is among the most famous NBA players ever!

2. LeBron James

Coming up next as one of the top 10 basketball players of all time, we have LeBron James.

LeBron James is celebrated not only for his impressive skill set, which includes scoring, passing, and defense but also for his basketball IQ, which has made him one of the sport’s most versatile players.

Over his career, LeBron James has secured four NBA championships and four MVP awards, distinguishing himself by his ability to carry his team in critical moments, often across multiple teams.

His longevity in the sport and continued high performance have solidified his place among basketball’s elite.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a testament to his long and productive career spanned 20 seasons.

Known for his trademark skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and was named MVP six times.

His scoring record stands as a towering benchmark for excellence in the NBA. Abdul-Jabbar’s impact extended beyond the court, as evidenced by his significant contributions to social and cultural discussions throughout his career​.

4. Bill Russell

Bill Russell, a towering figure in NBA history, led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships over his 13-year career.

Not only did he revolutionize the role of a defensive center, but his leadership extended beyond the court as he became the first African American coach in a major American professional sports league.

His defensive skills, especially in rebounding and shot-blocking, were unparalleled, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ dominance during his era.

Russell was a five-time MVP and a 12-time All-Star, renowned for his ability to change games with his defensive prowess.

Off the court, Russell was also a prominent civil rights activist, supporting Muhammad Ali during his legal troubles and advocating for racial equality​.

5. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his rare combination of 6’9″ height, elite court vision, and unmatched passing skills.

During his legendary run with the Los Angeles Lakers, he captured five NBA championships and earned three league MVP awards.

A central figure in the NBA’s 1980s boom, Johnson’s showtime flair and intense rivalry with Larry Bird helped bring global attention to the sport.

Their iconic battles not only defined a golden era but also played a major role in the NBA’s surge in popularity.

6. Larry Bird

Larry Bird, known for his sharpshooting and clutch performances, was one of the most formidable forwards in NBA history.

Bird played his entire career for the Boston Celtics. From 1984 to 1986, He led his team to three NBA championships and secured three consecutive MVP awards.

His rivalry with Magic Johnson, marked by numerous memorable clashes, helped catapult the NBA to new heights of popularity.

Bird’s ability to perform under pressure made him a legend in the sport. He is particularly known for his quick release and accuracy from beyond the arc​.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal, commonly known as Shaq, is one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.

His NBA career spanned 19 years, during which he played for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Shaq’s accolades include four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVPs, and one league MVP award.

He was known for his immense physical strength and charismatic personality on and off the court. Additionally, Shaq was a 15-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Team 14 times.

His influence extended beyond basketball, significantly contributing to media and entertainment. Shaq was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the sport.

8. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan, nicknamed “The Big Fundamental,” is celebrated for his skill and consistency throughout his NBA career, all of which he spent with the San Antonio Spurs.

Duncan led the Spurs to five NBA championships and was twice named the league MVP.

His career is highlighted by 15 All-Star selections and consistent performance, which earned him spots on both the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams for 13 consecutive seasons.

Duncan’s leadership and fundamental skills helped define the Spurs’ dynasty, making him one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history.

The Spurs retired his number 21 jersey as a tribute to his impact on the team and the sport.

9. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon, known as “The Dream,” is famed for his incredible footwork and defensive prowess.

Playing primarily for the Houston Rockets, he led the NBA in blocks several times and finished his career as the all-time leader in blocks.

Olajuwon won two NBA championships and was a 12-time All-Star. His defensive skills earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice.

Olajuwon’s legacy is marked by his defensive and scoring abilities and his role in popularizing the NBA globally.

He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport​.

10. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the best shooter in NBA history. Playing for the Golden State Warriors, he transformed the game with his exceptional three-point shooting.

Curry has won four NBA championships and two MVP awards. He holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a season and was pivotal in shifting the NBA’s focus toward the three-point shot.

Curry’s playstyle and success have significantly influenced both the Warriors’ dominance and the evolution of basketball strategy, which focuses more on long-range shooting.

Other Legendary NBA Players

While NBA legends have cemented their place in history, a new generation of rising stars is reshaping the league and redefining the future of the game.

Victor Wembanyama—dubbed the “basketball unicorn”—is making waves with the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing a rare blend of size, skill, and all-around versatility. Explosive talents like Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards are electrifying crowds with highlight-reel plays and emerging leadership, propelling their teams into playoff contention.

Tyrese Haliburton continues to shine for the Indiana Pacers, standing out with his elite playmaking and basketball IQ, while Karl-Anthony Towns remains a consistent All-Star force for the New York Knicks.

Together, these young NBA standouts are not just the future—they’re potential legends in the making.

Who Is the Greatest NBA Player of All Time?

The players listed as the top 10 NBA players of all time have mastered the game of basketball and left an indelible mark on the sport.

Their contributions transcend their impressive statistics and championship rings, influencing generations of players and fans.

Each player has uniquely shaped the NBA, from Michael Jordan’s iconic impact to Stephen Curry’s game-changing three-point shooting.

Their legacies remind us that greatness in basketball is not just about talent but also about the ability to inspire, innovate, and elevate the game for future generations.

On July 13, 2025, Luis Gil returned to game action for the first time since sustaining a right lat strain during spring training. Pitching for Double-A Somerset at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Gil began his rehab assignment following his placement on the 60-day injured list earlier in the year.

In the outing, Gil threw 3.1 innings, two hits, one earned run, and one walk, while recording six strikeouts. He threw 50 pitches, 36 of them for strikes, and reached a top velocity of 97 MPH.

The one run allowed was a solo home run to left field by Charles McAdoo in the fourth inning, tying the game 1-1 after Brendan Jones had homered in the first to give Somerset the lead. The Somerset Patriots, the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, went on to win 5-1 over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Toronto Blue Jays’ affiliate.

Rafael Flores Praises Gil’s Command and Adjustments on the Mound

Gil opened the game by throwing five consecutive balls, but adjusted his mechanics early in the outing. According to Rafael Flores, the Patriots’ catcher and a top prospect in the Yankees organization, “Once he made the adjustment to the mound he was lights out. His heater was electric, his slider was really good, and he likes to throw that changeup to righties which is an elite pitch.”

Flores added, “He’s in good shape and ready to go.” He also mentioned Gil’s work ethic and stated, “There’s a reason he’s a Major Leaguer.”

Gil previously pitched in Somerset during a 2021 rehab assignment, when he became the first player assigned to the team after it became a Yankees affiliate. He started the Patriots’ first Double-A game on May 4, 2021, and recorded the first strikeout in franchise history at that level.

Gil’s start on July 13 was his ninth rehab appearance with the Yankees in Somerset this season.

Boone Confirms Two More Rehab Starts Before Possible Return

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Sunday that Gil is expected to make at least two more rehab starts before being considered for a return to the major league roster.

Boone also addressed the status of Clarke Schmidt, who underwent Tommy John surgery the previous Friday. Boone said there were no issues with the procedure, though he had not yet spoken directly with Schmidt.

Gerrit Cole is also out for the season following Tommy John surgery. The Yankees have relied on Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and rookie Will Warren, who started on July 14 in the final game before the All-Star break. Marcus Stroman and Ryan Yarbrough have also spent time on the injured list.

Despite these injuries, sportsbooks have maintained the Yankees as contenders in the betting market. According to FanDuel, New York holds +850 odds to win the World Series and –130 odds to win the AL East. Action Network lists the Yankees at +300 to win the AL Pennant, ahead of teams such as the Astros and Orioles.

Before his injury, Gil had appeared in betting markets for American League Rookie of the Year, including –120 odds at FanDuel. Those props are no longer active. As of now, there are no player-specific betting lines posted for Gil on Covers.

On July 13, the Yankees were favored at –131 on the moneyline against the Cubs, according to DraftKings. Action Network estimated the moneyline at –135, showing that people were still interested in betting even with the changes in the lineup.

Yankees Win Replay Challenge, Bellinger Extends Hitting Streak

In the same game on Sunday, the Yankees won a replay challenge in the top of the ninth inning when Jon Berti of the Cubs was ruled out attempting to steal third base. Oswald Peraza applied the tag after a throw from JT Brubaker, but third base umpire Paul Clemons initially called Berti safe.

After review, the call was overturned for the second out of the inning. Boone expressed irritation at having to challenge the play: “I feel like in those scenarios, especially if there’s uncertainty, they should [have to] challenge. Their guy takes off and is out by 10 feet. I understand it’s tough.”

Cody Bellinger doubled in the ninth inning, extending his career-best hitting streak to 17 games. It is his second streak of at least 15 games this season. No Yankee has recorded multiple hitting streaks of 15 or more games in a single season since Derek Jeter in 2012.

Chris Kreider played his final season with the New York Rangers in 2024–25 before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks during the summer. He had been with the Rangers for 13 seasons and played in 883 NHL games. Over that span, Kreider totaled 582 points, including 326 goals and 256 assists.

In the 2024–25 season, Kreider recorded 30 points, consisting of 22 goals and 8 assists. In the previous 2023–24 season, he had 75 points.

Kreider described his final year with the Rangers as difficult.

“Yeah, it was defensively challenging,” Kreider said. “I think we would have all liked it to have gone differently than it went, but at the end of the day, we can only learn from it. Some weird, fluky injuries I had to deal with at the worst possible moments. We are all hockey players—we all want to play through some things. It was a tough year, but all you can do is learn from it and try to be better.”

During Kreider’s tenure, the Rangers made one appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, which they lost in five games to the Los Angeles Kings.

Rangers Management and Kreider Maintained Communication

Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks followed several months of speculation. Throughout the process, Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury maintained consistent communication with Kreider and his agent, Matt Keator. According to Keator, Drury was transparent and effective in conveying information and stayed in contact as trade possibilities developed. Keator confirmed that they had been asked to provide a list of teams Kreider would consider joining, and that trade was a foreseeable outcome.

Kreider ultimately waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the move to Anaheim. According to Keator, the decision was influenced by recent organizational changes within the Ducks, including the arrival of Head Coach Joel Quenneville and the ongoing work by General Manager Pat Verbeek. These developments aligned with Kreider’s interest in joining a team focused on competing, particularly as the situation in New York no longer supported those goals.

Earlier in the season, the Ducks had also acquired Jacob Trouba, then the captain of the Rangers, in a trade that took place in November. Kreider became the second prominent Rangers player to be traded to Anaheim within a year.

Following these roster changes, futures betting odds have started to influence Anaheim’s odds. According to BetMGM, the Ducks’ Stanley Cup odds shortened from +10,000 to +9,000. The Action Network also listed the Ducks at +10,000. Chris Kreider’s MVP odds were listed at +50,000 on DraftKings and FanDuel.

Even standard game props on sites like Covers and ScoresAndOdds place his expected goal totals modestly, with lines like over 0.5 goals at +320 and under at -145, suggesting cautious expectations for production as he settles into a new team.

Verbeek Outlines Kreider’s Expected Role in Anaheim

Anaheim Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek described several reasons why the team acquired Chris Kreider. Verbeek listed Kreider’s skating ability, size, and strength as key attributes. Verbeek stated that Kreider weighs 203 pounds and referred to him as “a force in front of the net.”

Verbeek described Kreider as a strong presence in front of the net and expressed confidence that, despite a difficult season before the trade, Kreider would return to form and have a productive year with the Ducks.

Verbeek also said Kreider will serve as an example for younger players. He stated that Kreider could serve as a model for how to score in challenging situations, including scenarios common in playoff hockey and plays made close to the net, such as tip-ins and rebounds.

Kreider is expected to play on both the power play and penalty kill. Verbeek addressed both roles.

“There’s also the power play. Our power play needed a boost, and I believe he’s going to be a difficult person to defend in front of the net. He seems to have a really good ability to be able to get a loose stick, get his body in the right position to score rebounds. He’s also a very good penalty killer. That’s another area that I wanted to improve upon for our group, and I think that he’s going to be a threat to score shorthanded.”

“Obviously, the size and the reach that he has and his skating ability to be able to get to loose pucks and get them out of the zone, be able to work within our system, and how we’re going to want to kill aggressively. So I think that there are so many positives to acquiring Chris Kreider.”

Keator Says Kreider Is Using Time Off to Prepare

Kreider’s agent, Matt Keator, commented on the time Kreider has had between seasons.

“Change can be refreshing for a player and I think in Chris’s case, it’s going to be very refreshing because he has five and a half months from his last hockey game to his next hockey game. He’s utilizing the time all the time to prepare his body and mentally get ready for the season.”

Keator also compared Kreider’s situation to that of another NHL player.

“I actually use Brad Marchand as an example of a guy who change is good.”

Kreider is expected to play a top-six forward role and participate on special teams.

The National Football League, today the most prominent professional football organization in the United States, began on September 17, 1920, under the name American Professional Football Association (APFA). The organizational meeting was held at the Jordan and Hupmobile automobile showroom in Canton, Ohio, which was owned by Ralph Hay, who also owned the Canton Bulldogs football team. The purpose of the meeting was to form a new professional football association that would address specific issues faced by independent teams at the time. These issues included high salary demands, players jumping from team to team, and concerns about college players maintaining their eligibility while participating in professional games.

The APFA Organizational Meeting in Canton, Ohio

Fourteen men attended the founding meeting in Hay’s automobile dealership showroom on September 17, 1920. According to the meeting minutes typed on the letterhead of the Akron Professional Football Team, the first item of business recorded was the withdrawal of the Massillon Tigers from the proposed association. This message was delivered through Ralph Hay on behalf of the team.

The group then agreed to form a league called the American Professional Football Association (APFA). At the same meeting, the representatives unanimously elected Jim Thorpe, who was a player for the Canton Bulldogs, as the first president of the new association. The Milwaukee Journal referred to Thorpe as the “world’s greatest athlete” at the time.

According to contemporary newspaper reports, the formation of the APFA received minimal public attention. The Canton Repository published the day after the meeting, did not headline the league’s formation. The front-page sports news was rather about the Canton Bulldogs signing Wilbur “Pete” Henry, who would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The report about the founding of the league appeared on page three.

The official purpose of the new league, as reported in surrounding newspapers, was to control player salaries, prevent team-hopping, and protect college eligibility by stopping college athletes from secretly playing for pay.

Original Teams and Details from the Meeting Minutes

Representatives from 11 teams attended the APFA’s organizational meeting:

• Akron Pros
• Canton Bulldogs
• Cleveland Indians
• Dayton Triangles
• Decatur Staleys
• Hammond Pros
• Massillon Tigers (withdrew before formation)
• Muncie Flyers
• Racine Cardinals
• Rochester Jeffersons
• Rock Island Independents

The Racine Cardinals were mistakenly listed in the minutes as being from Racine, Wisconsin. In fact, they were located in Chicago, where they played their home games at Normal Park on Racine Avenue. This error occurred despite the Cardinals being based in Chicago.

According to the meeting minutes, a $100.00 fee was to be charged for membership in the association. However, later sources noted that no team actually paid the fee during the 1920 season.

As of 2015, only two franchises that attended the 1920 meeting continued to operate in the NFL: the Racine (Chicago) Cardinals, now known as the Arizona Cardinals, and the Decatur Staleys, who moved to Chicago and became the Chicago Bears. In 2015, Forbes valued the Bears franchise at $2.45 billion and the Cardinals at $1.51 billion.

The Cardinals franchise is the oldest continuously operating team in professional football history. Their history goes back to 1898 when Chris O’Brien formed the Morgan Athletic Club.

The APFA’s First Games and Playing Conditions

The first game involving an APFA team occurred on September 26, 1920, at Douglas Park in Rock Island, Illinois, where the Rock Island Independents defeated the St. Paul Ideals 48–0.

The first APFA league games took place on October 3, 1920. On that day, the Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14–0, and Rock Island beat the Muncie Flyers 45–0.

During the 1920 season, APFA teams scheduled their own games. Teams could play non-league and even college squads, and those games counted toward their season records. The league did not maintain official standings, and there were no playoffs.

The number of games played varied by team, and the league had no standardized scheduling process. Coaching from the sidelines was not allowed, and players played both offense and defense.

In one example of the league’s operational limitations, George Halas of the Decatur Staleys served in multiple roles: he carried equipment, wrote press releases, sold tickets, taped ankles, played, and coached the team.

The Buffalo All-Americans, Chicago Tigers, Columbus Panhandles, and Detroit Heralds joined the league during the season, bringing the total number of teams to 14.

The Muncie Flyers played only one game before dropping out of the season. The 1920 season concluded on December 19, 1920.

According to Robert W. Peterson, in his book Pigskin: The Early Years of Pro Football, the average attendance at APFA games in 1920 was 4,241 spectators.

1920 Championship and the Akron Pros

After the season ended, no playoff or official system was used to determine a champion. Instead, the league used a vote by team representatives, which took place on April 30, 1921. The teams voted to name the Akron Pros as the first league champions.

The Akron Pros finished the season with eight wins, three ties, and no losses, allowing a total of seven points during the season.

The championship vote drew protests from the Decatur Staleys and Buffalo All-Americans, both of whom had tied Akron during the season and had recorded more wins. Despite these protests, the vote stood.

The Akron Pros were awarded a silver-loving cup donated by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender sporting goods company. The players also received golden fobs in the shape of footballs with the words “World Champions” engraved on them.

The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Cup was only awarded once and is currently missing. The NFL’s official records listed the 1920 championship as “undecided” until the 1970s.

Leadership Transition and the Naming of the NFL

After the 1920 season, Jim Thorpe was replaced as president by Joe Carr, the owner of the Columbus Panhandles.

In 1922, the APFA officially changed its name to the National Football League.

During the early 1920s, the NFL faced competition from college football, which regularly drew crowds of up to 100,000. Many early NFL teams folded during this time. A significant boost came in 1925 with the signing of Red Grange, a well-known college football player.

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Legacy of the APFA

There are eleven individuals whose careers began during the APFA period and are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They are:

• Joe Carr
• Guy Chamberlin
• Jimmy Conzelman
• John “Paddy” Driscoll
• Joe Guyon
• George Halas
• Wilbur “Pete” Henry
• Earl “Curly” Lambeau
• Fritz Pollard
• Jim Thorpe
• George Trafton

The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened in 1963 in Canton, Ohio, near the original location of the 1920 APFA founding meeting at Ralph Hay’s dealership.

The Racine Cardinals, now the Arizona Cardinals, and the Decatur Staleys, now the Chicago Bears, are the only teams from the original 1920 APFA meeting still operating in the NFL.