Sports

Luke Kornet returned to Boston as a San Antonio Spurs player and was warmly received by former Celtics teammates; the story highlights his off-court humor, locker-room presence and his role as a selfless backup center.

Caleb Williams threw a late touchdown and helped convert a 2-point try as the Chicago Bears rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in a playoff game, the franchise's first postseason win in 15 years.

Simon Holmstrom scored a backhander in overtime to give the New York Islanders a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul. The Islanders tied the game late in the second on a short-handed play before Holmstrom finished it in 3-on-3 overtime.

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in the wild-card round, advancing to the divisional playoffs. Matthew Stafford capped a 71-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds remaining.

Stafford's right index finger was bent back on a late first-half play during the Rams' 34-31 playoff win, and he said further testing will likely be needed to determine the injury's extent.

St. John's defeated Creighton 90-73 in Omaha, and the team has now won eight of its last 10 games.

Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a knee injury early in the first quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the wild-card game; Yosh Nijman replaced him.

No. 7 Houston defeated Baylor 77-55 and set a school record with its 16th consecutive road victory, and Emanuel Sharp led Houston with 17 points.

Cam Newton returned to Bank of America Stadium before the Panthers' wild-card game and struck the Keep Pounding drum; earlier he led a live pre-game tailgate that included chants and appearances by former Panthers.

Golden State beat Sacramento 137-103, improving to 21-18, and coach Steve Kerr said De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford's returns have helped steady the rotation.

Oregon lost 56-22 to Indiana in Atlanta; quarterback Dante Moore threw for 285 yards with two touchdowns and three turnovers and said the team 'beat ourselves.'

Jesperi Kotkaniemi has fallen into a limited role with the Carolina Hurricanes, appearing in 25 games with two goals and six points this season, and reports say GM Eric Tulsky is looking for a fresh start that could include a trade.

Indiana, led by coach Curt Cignetti, closed the season with a decisive Peach Bowl win over Oregon that featured a touchdown catch by E.J. Williams Jr.; the team's rapid ascent, once seen as unlikely, is described as feeling inevitable.

Connor Bedard returned after 12 games, but the Blackhawks, missing several players and both goalies due to a stomach bug, lost 5-1 to the Capitals.

St. John's defeated Butler 84-70 at Hinkle Fieldhouse for its second Quad 1 win of the season; Bryce Hopkins scored 17 points, including 15 in the second half.

Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin spoke on the record for 63 minutes, outlining six themes including a focus on pass rush, needs for defensive leadership, and the team's struggles to finish close games.

Trae Young, traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards, said he wants to elevate the team's young players and 'make an All-Star or two.' The Wizards are holding him out as they continue to evaluate a sprained right MCL and a right quadriceps contusion.

A clause in Curt Cignetti’s contract will trigger a “good faith market review” after Indiana reached the College Football Playoff semifinals, and he signed a $93 million fully guaranteed deal in October that averaged $11.6 million per year.

Pittsburgh hosts Houston in a wild-card game with the Steelers carrying a six-game playoff losing streak and the Texans arriving on a nine-game winning run.

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Seattle Kraken 3-2 in overtime to conclude a seven-game road trip, with Mats Zuccarello scoring the winner and Jesper Wallstedt making 26 saves.

No. 23 Virginia (13-2) will host Stanford (13-3) and freshman guard Ebuka Okorie on Saturday; Virginia features balanced scoring while Okorie averages about 22.6 points per game.

Malik Nabers is recovering from knee surgery and says his return date is unknown; rookie Cam Skattebo is rehabbing after a serious right leg and ankle injury and is aiming for training camp.

Carson Beck scrambled for a 3-yard touchdown with 18 seconds left to lift Miami to a 31-27 win over Mississippi, sending the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19.

The Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) will host the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) in an NFC wild-card game; San Francisco features Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, who finished the regular season with a league-leading 413 touches.

Evgeni Malkin returned from a shoulder absence and scored as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1, extending their winning streak to six games; goalie Stuart Skinner stopped 28 of 29 shots.

The Carolina Panthers host the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild-card game; Carolina beat the Rams in Week 13 and enters the playoff matchup as a 10.5-point underdog.

Breanna Stewart said no further extension is expected before the Jan. 9 CBA deadline, and both sides plan to keep negotiating in good faith while the league would operate under status quo if the CBA expires.

Unrivaled announced Sabrina Ionescu is sidelined for its 2026 season after an injury during the 2025 WNBA playoffs and the league did not disclose the injury; reports say surgery is not required. She will remain involved off-court with workouts, game appearances and broadcast contributions.

After nine seasons leading the Buffalo Bills, Sean McDermott has guided the team to the playoffs eight times and has shifted toward a more collaborative, player-focused coaching style while retaining a competitive, wrestling-rooted mentality.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley called 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey 'one of the best to ever do it,' praising his versatility, and the two are set to meet in an NFC wild-card game.