01192026 SPORTS

SPORTS

New national records

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A pair of national record performances, sparked by a world leading time, by hurdler Antoine Andrews and thrower Abner Johnson on the same day at the same meet highlighted the performances of a number of Bahamians in track and field competition overseas over the weekend.

At the Corky Classic on Friday night inside the Sports Performance Center in Lubbock, Texas, Andrews clocked 7.49 seconds to win the men's 60m hurdles, improving on his season opener of 7.66 in the first round before going 7.57 in the semifinals.

As he capped it off with a 7.49 – his first sub-7.50 time in his career – for the win, Andrews climbed to the number one spot in the world and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

It also goes down as No. 2 in Tech history, only behind his current teammate, Malachi Snow,  who holds the record at 7.46. In the process, Andrews tied the Bahamian national record that was set by Shamar Sands on February 10, 2009, in Lievin, France.

"I feel very good, very astonished and just excited to see what's next and what the Lord has in store for me," said Andrews, a graduate of St John's College,

a 2020 World U-20 Championships' 110m hurdles gold medallist and a 2024 Olympian.

"I knew I was capable of running the time. I just didn't know that it would be this early."

Andrews, who last competed at the NACAC Championships in Grand Bahama where he ran nursing an injury, said he came

into the meet after he fractured his scapula, so it was a good start and he's blessed to come out injury free.

"My expectation is actually just doing what I'm doing and that's simply having fun and focusing on my execution," Andrews said. "I know this season is going to be special."

Andrews, the national outdoor 110m hurdles

record holder at 13.34, is expected to be back in action at the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas, January 30-31.

But as the indoor season winds down, it's not known if he will represent The Bahamas at the World Indoor Championships March 20-22 in Glasgow, Scotland, which comes up after he competes for the

Red Raiders at the NCAA Indoor Championships March 13-14. Also at the Corky Classic, Johnson, competing in his senior year at Northwestern State, was seventh in the men's weight throw with his distance of 59-feet, 0 1/2inches or 18.00 metres on his first attempt to shatter his previous national record of 58-4 1/2 (17.80m) that

he established last year. "Firstly, all praise to God. I felt like it was a good way to start the season," Johnson said. "I'm hopeful to keep improving as the season goes on. I expected it to come out and execute what I've been working on in practice."

Following his opening toss, Johnson scratched his next three tries, but closed out the competition with 58-6 1/2 (17.84m) and 57-1 1/2 (17.41m) on his fifth and sixth throws.

He noted that on his return to school in Louisiana, he will work on his mistakes and hopefully throw even further when he competes again at the Pittsburg State Invitational in Pittsburg, Kansas, on January 31.

"I am hopeful to carry the national record even further and try to break the national shot put record," said Johnson of the shot put mark of (17.31m) that is held by Malik Stuart since February 18, 2017.

"I also plan to win the two events at the indoor conference (Southland Conference)."

The 6-foot, 4-inch Johnson, a 2020 graduate of St Augustine's College, is currently in his second year of his masters programme in sports administration. Also at the meet, Jalen Cadet, a senior transfer at Tarleton State, was seventh

aTHLETES - SEE Page E3

Athletes qualify for the CARIFTA Games

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

RETURNING CAR-

IFTA team members Zion Davis and Brion Ward and newcomer Joshua Wilson were the latest qualifiers for the 2026 CARIFTA Games at the DSPT Wolfpack/ Doyle Burrows 8th Annual Track and Field Classic. Saturday's meet at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium saw Davis run a blistering lifetime best of 20.99 seconds in the under-20 boys' 200 metres, Ward did 12.18 in the under-17 girls 100m and Wilson clocked 10.47 in the under-20 boys' 100m.

In the marquee event of the day, Davis, representing the Star Elite Athletics, pulled away from the field down the stretch to cross the finish line ahead of Jahcario Wilson from the Bahamas Speed Dynamics, who did a personal best of 21.37.

The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' qualifying standard for the 200m going into the 2026 CARIFTA in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend is 21.15.

"I just ran the 400m, so I came into the race a little tired," said Wilson, whose winning time of 47.52 over Everette Fraser of Fast Forward (49.58) was a little short of the qualifying time of 47.39.

"But at the start of the race, I was constantly telling myself at the start of the race, 20-point, 20-point. I was just manifesting it, so coming out of the blocks, I was just focusing on executing the first 50 and staying relaxed."

With Wilson ahead of him, the 18-year-old Davis said he was able to gain the momentum to storm back and surge ahead of him for the win and the qualifying standard. "I feel good knowing it’s January and I ran 20.96," said Davis, a

graduate of Queen's College who was fourth in the 400m hurdles at last year's CARIFTA. "That's a fast time. "That's a time to win CARIFTA and medal, so I know I have a lot of room to improve before CARIFTA. I want to go for the junior national record this year."

While he fell short of the standard, Wilson said he was still pleased with his effort, moving up to the under-20 division for the first time after his shining double gold medal in the under-17 boys' 110m and 400m hurdles at CARIFTA last year in Trinidad & Tobago and a member of both the winning 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relay teams.

"I came out here and did what I had to do," said Wilson, who is now competing in his first year in the under-20 division. "He pushed me and caused me to run much faster."

In the 100m, Joshua Wilson's winning time matched the CARIFTA standard of 10.47 with Jahcario Wilson finishing just outside of the mark at 10.68.

For Joshua Wilson, who earlier did the qualifying standard in the long jump, he's on the road to making his first appearance at CARIFTA and he's enthused about what's ahead for him.

"I just went out and did the best I could. My legs weren't the best, but I still pushed ahead and stayed out front," said Wilson, an 18-year-old member of Jumpers Inc and a 2025 graduate of Galilee Academy.

"Right now since I've qualified as well for the long jump, I will focus on that because it's my best event. I am only using the 100m to develop my speed. But if I have to run the 100, I want to be ready as well."

Ward, a bronze medallist in the 100m and a fourth place finisher in the 200m at last year's CARIFTA, dipped under the standard

of 12.19 and doubled in the 200m in 25.66, but it was shy of the standard of 24.42.

"My performance today was good. I executed my race and I ran my race plan," said Ward of her century time of 12.18. "It wasn't the best start I had, but I managed to run through the line.

"I'm looking forward to running faster this season and get ready for the CARIFTA trials and hopefully go to CARIFTA and win two individual medals."

Ward was followed in the 100m by Rocelis Moxey of Swift Athletics (12.73) with Chyanne Hepburn third (12.79). Hepburn, a member of the Roadrunners, was second in the 200m (25.66) and Laila-Marie Brice of Legacy Nation Athletics was third (26.14).

Zara Fraser of Fast Forward captured the 400m (58.80). Brice was second (1:00.09) and Ramonica Miller of Unique Athletics was third (1:00.13). The CARIFTA standard is 56.27.

Logan Stubbs of the Bahamas Speed Dynamics won the under-20 girls' 400m (59.77). Jade Knowles of DTSP Wolfpack was second (1:00.16) and Breyteisha Kemp of

Hurry Murray was third (1:03.98). Benryco Pierre of the T-Bird Flyers pulled off a distance double feat in the under-20 boys’ division, winning the 1,500m (4:08.05) over Kelunn Francis (4:41.94) and the 3,000m (9:29.03) over his teammate Kayden Thurston second (9:29.05). In the open division, George Minnis won the 100m (11.21); Thoreno Evans of the Andros Heats won the 200m (21.98) and Joseph Lhevinne of the University of the Bahamas won the 400m (49.51) with Peter Tilsnord taking the 800m (2:06.00). X-Treme Athletics' Jaliyah Rigby doubled up as the under-7 girls 80m (14.93) and the 150m (28.77); Kids Athletics' Mya Capron won the under-9 girls 80m (13.23) and her teammate Milani Greenslade won the 150m (25.48).

Savannah Taylor of Fast Forward won the under11 girls 100m (15.07) and Unique Athletics' Monae Miller got a double in the 200m (31.15) and the 400m (1:11.40). Megan Freeman of Fast Forward took the under-13

girls 100m (14.87) and Tanez Davis of Unique Athletics won the 200m (26.81). Fast Forward's Dakaeja Duncombe won the under-15 girls 100m (12.47); McKnzie Henfield of Bahamas Speed Dynamics won the 200m (25.34) and Haleel Munnings of Hurry Murray won the 400m (1:05.58). Speed 365 Athletics' Lincoln Feller dominated the under-7 boys’ division, winning the 80m (14.24) and the 150m (27.48), while Beginners Track's Leon Fernander did the same in the under-9 boys in the 80m (12.87) and the 150m (23.81).

Speed 365 Athletics' Jadon White won the under11 boys' 100m (14.84); Jason Babbs of Kids Athletics took the 200m (30.89) and Valdez Godet of Hurry Murray won the 400m (1:17.41).

Swift Athletic' George Brown was the star in the under-13 boys' 100m (13.75) and the 200m (27.65). Aiden Knowles of X-Treme Athletics won the 400m (1:04.03) and the long jump (4.61m).

Fast Athletics' Andre Flowers won the under 15

BLTA ‘Play Tennis Bahamas’ offering free introductory programme for beginners

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association ‘Play Tennis Bahamas’ programme is expanding the pool of young tennis players with its free introductory programme for beginners. The programme is in its seventh year of consistent service to the community.

Said Perry Newton, president of the BLTA: “The BLTA is committed to ensuring that tennis is offered to children who have a desire to learn.

Opening the sport up and removing entry barriers of high cost is crucial for the

sport’s development."The BLTA’s programme has had many success stories emerging from young juniors who were a part of the programme and can boast national junior tennis champions who were former participants. The first sessions of the fall intake have started and will continue into February. The kids learn how to play from day one as the volunteer coaches instruct into various aspects of the game - forehands, backhands, volleys and serves.    Young persons ages four to

16 are invited to attend the weekly sessions on Saturdays at 9am at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).

The Play Tennis Bahamas programme has also partnered with local, community-based programmes including Urban Renewal, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Governor General’s Youth Award Programme to positively reach the kids.

“The programme has been recognised locally and internationally for its community impact. It is our aim to continue to birth new

tennis journeys from this introductory programme,” said the press release.The sessions are held at The National Tennis Centre, Queen Elizabeth Sports

Center and all tennis equipment is provided at no cost. Registration for the fall semester can still be done via email pr@blta.net. If you wish to be a coach or

assist in any way, please feel free to e-mail your interest. Let us all do our part to help in the development of the next generation of tennis

Local Sports Calendar

SWIMMING

BA KICK OFF MEET

THE Bahamas Aquatics will begin the new year with its New Year Kick Off Meet over the weekend of January 23-24 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

The event will begin on Friday at 6pm and continue on Saturday at 9am.

TRACK MEET

STAR TRACKERS

THE Star Trackers Track Club will hold its Star Performers Track Classic on Saturday, January 24 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The event will begin at 9am and will feature competition for men and women in all age groups. Interested persons can contact Laura Charlton at 357-3109 for more information.

BAHAMAS

TRIATHLON

THE Bahamas Triathlon Association will hold an Olympic, sprint and relay triathlon on Sunday, February 1 at Jaws Beach starting at 7am.

The Olympic course will feature a 1.5 kilometre swim, a 40K bike run and a 10K run; the sprint will have a 750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run and the relay will comprise teams of two or three people competing together in both the Olympic and sprint courses. Interested persons can contact the BTA for more details.

EDRON KNOWLES

TOURNEY

THE National Sports Authority will pay special tribute to the late Edron ‘Ed’ Knowles with a Home Run Hitting Showcase at the Bankers Field on February 20.

The top 20 home run hitters in the country will compete for $500 cash plus five cases of beers for first place, $300 and three cases of beers for second and $200 and two cases of beers for third.

The event is being sponsored by GBall and A Sure Win.

BASEBALL

MARIO FORD

CAMP

THE annual Mario Ford Baseball Camp at Windsor Park, designed for boys and girls between the ages of 4-16 years, will be staged every Saturday between the

hours of 9:30-11:30am until Saturday, April 18. Interested persons are urged to contact camp director Mario Bowleg at 556-0993.

BLTA SEASON

OPENER

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association will begin the new year with an under-14 and under-16 tournament at the National Tennis Centre over the weekend of January 23-24.

The event is expected to attract the top male and female players in those age groups as they compete for their national ranking.

CYCLING

RIDE FOR EXUMA

THE Bahamas Cycling Federation will kick off its calendar year with the Ride for Exuma on January 24, starting at 8am in Georgetown.

The event will enable competitors to view the turquoise waters and breathtaking landscapes of Exuma.

ROAD RACE

MACEDONIA 60TH

ANNIVERSARY RACE

AS a part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Macedonia Baptist Church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill, will stage a Family Fun Run/Walk Race, which is open to the general public.

The dual event will take place on Saturday, January 24, starting at 6am.

The walk race will leave the church and head west on Bernard Road to Village Road, turn around and head back east on Bernard Road to the church.

The run will leave the church and head west on Bernard Road to Village Road, turn onto Soldier Road, head to Prince Charles Drive, onto Fox Hill Road and west on Bernard Road back to the church.

The registration fee is $10 for the men and women 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under, 60-and-over and Ministers/Pastors.

Interested persons can whatsapp or call Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or call the church at 324-1583 for more information.

6th RED-LINE

SONJA KNOWLES

CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club’s sixth annual Sonja Knowles

Track Classic will be held over the weekend of January 31 to February 1 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Classic.

The event will begin at 10am on Saturday, January 31 and continue on Sunday, February 1 at 1pm.

The categories for men and women will begin from under-7 to the masters. Interested persons can contact coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information.

BBSF

FAMILY FUN RUN/WALK

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its annual Family Fun Run/ Walk Race on Saturday, February 26, starting at 6am from the Bahamas Baptist College on Jean Street.

The run will leave Jean Street and head north to Bernard Road, turn left onto Bernard Road and head to Village Road, turn left onto Soldier Road, turn left onto Prince Charles Drive, turn left onto Fox Hill Road and turn left onto Bernard Road, heading back to the church.

The registration fee is $10 per person in both the men and women 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and 60-and-over as well as the Ministers/Pastors.

Interested persons can call Brent Stubbs at 4267265 for more information.  CHESS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

BAHAMAS Chess Federation president Curtis Pride has announced the 10 players who have qualified for the 2026 Bahamas National Chess Championship, scheduled to take place from January 23 to February 1, 2026.  These outstanding competitors have earned the right to contend for the National Chess Champion 2025 title in what is expected to be a highly competitive and exciting tournament.

The players qualified are as follows: 2025 National Champion FM Cecil Moncur, William Davis, Philip Hanna, CM Kendrick Knowles, Kenville Lockhart, Bharath Nair, WCM Chika Pride, Curtis Pride Jr, Sohan Umesh and Avian Pride

‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr to play for Great Britain in World Baseball Classic

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

JASRADO “Jazz”

Chisholm Jr has committed to play for Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, re-entering the international baseball spotlight with a country he first represented as a teenager.

The New York Yankees infielder announced his decision earlier this week after eligibility and insurance arrangements were

finalised ahead of the tournament scheduled to begin in March in Houston, Texas.

Chisholm’s international play roots trace back to the 2016 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, when he played for Great Britain at age 18.

In that qualifier, held in 2016, he appeared in four games, collected four hits in 16 at-bats, recorded one RBI and logged a .250 batting average for the British squad. His contributions came well before he reached the

major leagues, highlighting his early promise on the international stage.

Born in Nassau, Chisholm is eligible to compete for Great Britain because The Bahamas is linked to the British Crown.

Great Britain enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Pool B with the United States, Mexico, Italy, and Brazil.

The team will carry both rising stars and established professionals into competition, and Chisholm’s participation is expected

to be a major boost at the plate and in the field.

In his MLB career, Chisholm is an established star. He debuted in the major leagues in 2020 with the Miami Marlins and has since become a prominent offensive and defensive player.

After five seasons with Miami, he was acquired by the New York Yankees in 2024 and has made an impact in New York’s lineup. Through the 2025 season, his career totals include a .248 batting

average, 108 home runs, more than 300 RBI and over 130 stolen bases. He earned All-Star selections in 2022 and 2025 and graced the cover of the popular video game MLB The Show in 2023. In 2025 he joined the 30–30 club with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases.

Ahead of the 2026 season, Chisholm and the Yankees agreed to a oneyear contract worth $10.2 million, avoiding arbitration and keeping him in New York for the upcoming

season. That contract represents his walk year before free agency and adds context to his decision to play international ball in March.  Chisholm himself has spoken about his pride in representing Great Britain ahead of the 2026 Classic, expressing excitement about returning to international play and representing his heritage.

Chisholm noted that playing for Great Britain “means a lot” and ties back to his beginnings in the sport.

Athletes qualify for the CARIFTA Games

15 boys 100m (11.61) and 200m (24.12). Kaiden Tayor of Hurry Murray won the 400m (58.61); Aiden Smith of Noble Prep Academy won the 800m (2:25.56) and Kelson Grant of Hurry Murray won the 1,500m (5:29.32).

In other field events, CARITA qualifier Wyatt Cartqeight of Air Assaults doubled up in the under17 boys discus (33.95m) and the javelin (58.81m) and Blue Chips Athletics’ Tarjahnaye Green posted a double in the under-17 girls shot put (10.65m) and discus (33.35m).

Hurry Murray’s Hadassah Griffen won the under-13 girls long jump (3.35m); Hardassah McCoy took the under-15 girls high jump (1.40m) and Charlee Fisher of Bahamas Speed Dynamics took the under15 girls long jump (4.95m).

Breynice Kemp of Hurry Murray won the under-20 girls high jump (1.50m); Zion Carey of Leap of Faith won the long jump (5.19m) and Zante Ferguson of PA Stallions took the triple jump (11.86m). X-Treme Athletics’ Kevin McDonaldv won the under-15 boys high jump (1.50m) and teammate K’Hairi Bowe won the long jump (4.60m). Jarred Joseph of 3 PA Stallions won the under17 boys high jump (1.65m); Kenton Sherman of Jumpers Inc took the long jump (5.20m); Kaiden Miller of Fast Forward took the trp-lie jump (13.23m) and Ahmari McPhee of Noble Prep Academy won the shot put (10.47m).

Jumpers

Inc’s Divante Delancy was the under-20 boys’ triple jump winner (13.47m); Jace Colebrooke of Triple Treat took the shot put (13.64m); Treyvon Simms of Blue

Chips Athletics won the discus (43.78m) and Rashad Evans of the University of the Bhamd took the javelin (41.97m).

Devilus Culmer of the University of the Bahamas doubled in the open men’s high jump 1.75m) and

the shot put (8.56m), while Kelanno Rolle of Leap of Faith won the long jump (6.16m).

Larry Clarke, the president and head coach of the DSTP Wolfpack, said despite the concern about the inclement weather

Two national records broken

in the men’s long jump with a personal best leap of 23-4-7 3/4 on his third attempt.Cadet, a graduate from CV Bethel who spent his first three collegiate seasons at UTEP, also posted 22-11 1/4 (6.99m) and 23-3 1/4 (7.09m) on his first two attempts, 24-5 (7.44m) on both the fourth and fifth and 24-2 12 (7.38m) on his final try.

Laing wins title  Meanwhile at the Spokane Sports Showcase on Friday in Spokane, Washington, Otto Laing, now in his junior year,  made his debut for the UCLA Bruins by winning the men’s 60m hurdles in 7.81 for the second fastest school time ever.

Laing, another graduate of St Augustine’s College, is a transfer student from San Jose State where he competed during his sophomore year. He previously attended Howard University. Bridgewater qualifies for NCAA Grand Bahamian Javano Bridgewater ran away from the field to easily win the men’s 400m at the Washburn Rust Buster Meet on Friday in Topeka, Kansas. Bridgewater ran a lifetime best of 47.82 as he pulled away from the first of the two-lap race on a 200m track and he wasn’t challenged as he went on to qualify for the NJCAA indoor championship.  The performance puts him second all-time in Colby school history as

Bridgewater, now in his sophomore year, continues his rise as one of the programme’s premier sprinters. He is a graduate of Bishop Michael Eldon High School in Grand Bahama.

He is expected to be back in action on Saturday at the NAIA/JUCO Challenge in Pittsburg, Kansas State and then head towards the NJCAA Indoor Championships, scheduled for March 6-7 at the Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas State.  Hanna wins high jump Freshman Alan Hanna became the first Kansas State Wildcat to clear 7-4 1/2 (2.25m) in the high jump since TJ Shankar in 2021.  Competing at the Thane Baker Invitational on Friday at the Cliff Rovelto Indoor Track in Manhattan,

Kansas, Hanna jumped two inches higher than the previous facility record set by Texas Tech’s Omamuyovwi Erhire in 2024. In his first collegiate meet, he is tied in the TFRRS rankings for the top spot while also tied for the No.8 spot in the K-State all-time top-10. Strachan fifth in Jamaica At the Puma JAAA Fuller Anderson Development Meet at the GC Foster College in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan picked up a fifth place finish in the women’s 60m in a season’s best of 7.23, off her PR of 7.17. One half of Jamaica’s rising sister duo, Tia Clayton, won the race in 7.02. It was Strachan’s first race back since she suffered another injury

earlier in the morning, he was pleased that everything turned out very well in the end.

“God is good. He made it possible for us to have a successful meet,” he stressed.

“So today, we had two qualifiers, so I am pleased with

what I saw because it’s only meet number two for the season.

“During the off season we were plagued with rain and for most of our kids in our club, this is the first time they are on this surface, so as the season goes on, we will run faster and I expect for the athletes from all of the clubs to go faster.” Clarke thanked meet director Bernard Newbold, the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials in Track and Field, the Tex team, the stadium security, their sponsors and the parents and fans, who all helped to make the meet the success it was.

The meet honoured Doyle Burrows, the former manager of the stadium, who has served as a manager for several BAAA national teams. A retired Burrows was presented with a plaque by Clarke during a brief serenaded ceremony.

during the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, last year. “I started training the second week of December,” Strachan noted. “I’m nowhere in the space to actually want to compete. I’m simply completely training and gaining back trust in my hamstring after injuring my tendon in Japan.

“My shins are not as painful as before, so I’m quite pleased with the time from the 60m because I don’t believe myself to have the fitness or anything to be sprinting especially since it doesn’t feel like I was sprinting.”

Strachan, the two-time CARIFTA Austin Sealy outstanding athlete in 2011 and 2012 and the 2012 World Junior double 100/200m gold medallist,

said she just hopes to build on her performance and move into her outdoor events with purpose as she remains strong and healthy.

The St Augustine’s College graduate produced her best season time wise in 2023 with her lifetime best of 10.92 and 22.15 respectively before she went to the 2024 Olympics and World Championships, albeit not at full strength because of a series of injuries.

As she battled back from her latest injury, she faced a strong field on Saturday with the Jamaicans clinching the other two top positions with Jonielle Smith second in 7.06 and Natasha Morrison third in 7.21. Trinidad & Tobago’s Shaniqua Bascombe got fourth in a personal best of 7.22.

Rams shake off wild, late TD pass by Caleb Williams, beat Bears 20-17 in overtime to reach NFC title game

By ANDREW SELIGMAN AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — Mat-

thew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams survived an incredible throw by Caleb Williams that forced overtime, beating the Chicago Bears 20-17 last night to advance to the NFC championship game.

Jaylon Johnson during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago.

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Harrison Mevis kicked a 42-yard field goal in OT after Kam Curl intercepted a deep pass by Williams on the Bears’ first possession of the extra period. Stafford completed a 16-yard pass to Puka Nacua to get the Rams into field-goal range and set up Mevis, known as the “Thiccer Kicker,” for the game-ending kick. He was mobbed by teammates while a crowd that was rocking earlier watched in near silence.

by Caleb to get his team to overtime. And just glad we got the ball back.”

The Rams (14-5) will visit NFC West rival Seattle next Sunday in their first trip to the conference championship game since the 2021 team won the Super Bowl. The Seahawks beat San Francisco 41-6 on Saturday. “It was crazy,” Stafford said. “It was back and forth. We didn’t play our best on offence. Our defence dominated the game. It was unbelievable to watch. Hell of a play on fourth down

Los Angeles led 17-10 in the final minute and the Bears faced fourth-and-4 from the 14-yard line when Williams backpedaled to avoid the pass rush and heaved the ball to Cole Kmet for the tying touchdown with 18 seconds left. Although officially a 14-yard pass, the ball travelled 51.2 yards in the air, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Williams threw for two touchdowns but was intercepted three times as the Bears (12-7) — who pulled off seven fourth-quarter

comeback wins under firstyear coach Ben Johnson — came up short this time. They won the NFC North after finishing last in the division a year ago.

Stafford led a 91-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, with Kyren Williams scoring from the 5 to give the Rams a 17-10 lead with 8:50 remaining.

Nacua kept the possession going on the previous play with a 2-yard run on fourth-and-5.

The Bears then drove to the 2, but Omar Speights broke up Williams’ fourth-down pass to Luther Burden just inside the goal line.

Chicago got the ball back at midfield with just under two minutes remaining after Ethan Evans shanked a 33-yard punt, setting up Williams' heroics. In overtime, the Bears won the toss and deferred. They quickly got the ball back when the Rams went three-and-out, forced to punt after Blake Corum was stopped for a 1-yard loss on third-and-1 at the 36.

Chicago took over at the 16. Williams kept the drive going with a 3-yard keeper on fourth-and-1 near midfield. But Curl picked off Williams' pass intended for DJ Moore two plays later.

C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions dig a hole the Texans’ defence

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

(AP) — One interception after another, C.J. Stroud dug Houston into a deeper hole. And this time the Texans’ defence couldn’t save them.

A week after Stroud committed three turnovers in a wild-card victory over the Steelers, the Houston quarterback threw four interceptions in the first half yesterday to hand New England a 28-16 victory and a spot in the AFC championship game.

“Ball security is everything, especially the way our defence has played all year, and it’s something that I’ve done a pretty good job of up to this point,” Stroud said. “I think my whole team trusts me. They believe in me. Today just wasn’t my day, and I’m appreciative of my teammates having my back once again.” Houston turned the ball over a fifth time when running back Woody Marks — a hero of the wild-card win — fumbled on the doorstep of a potential touchdown while trailing 21-13 in the third quarter.

“We’ve done a great job all year protecting the football and running the ball well. That’s been our formula,” Texans coach

DeMeco Ryans said. “To come here when we needed it most, and we didn’t protect the ball — it’s tough to think that you’re going to win a game and you turn the ball over five times.”

On a cold afternoon that mixed rain and wet snow, Houston's top-ranked defence hassled Drake Maye all game, forcing four fumbles (recovering two) and sacking him five times. The MVP contender finished 16 for 27 for 179 yards, but he also threw for three touchdowns.

“When the snowflakes stop, I think it’s a little easier to throw the football, got a little better grip,” Maye said. “I think C.J. probably would say the same thing. We both probably had some throws that were tough, it was tough to get a grip on it.”

The Texans only had 12 giveaways during the regular season and had a plus-17 turnover differential that was second-best in the league. Stroud threw one interception and fumbled five times at Pittsburgh last week, losing two, but the defense also scored a pair of touchdowns in the 30-6 victory.

“For us to come out in these past two games and have the amount of turnovers we’ve had, it’s not winning football,” Ryans said. “So we’ve got to find a

right,

NEW England Patriots linebacker K’lavon

back C.J. Stroud during the first half of an NFL

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F Bukaty)

way to not have that, clean it up and get it fixed.”

That will be a job for the offseason, with Houston reaching the playoffs for a franchise-record third straight year but losing in the divisional round each time.

“We’ve got to play better football when we get in this moment. For the past three years, we have not,” Ryans said. “It’s not a magical elixir that’s going to happen to get past the divisional round.”

The Texans took a 10-7 lead in the second quarter

despite an early interception that cost the them a potential field goal. After forcing New England to punt, Stroud’s next pass was picked off by Marcus Jones and returned for a touchdown.

The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year was also picked off on the next possession, just four plays later, and again coming out of the two-minute warning. In their last seven possessions of the first half, the Texans had four interceptions, two three-and-outs and one touchdown. “I think

I’m a pretty self-confident person,” Stroud said. “I think when (the mistakes) started to pile up, I tried my best just to stay locked and realizing I’ve just got to be there for my teammates. ...

I’m just grateful my teammates were picking me up.”

What might have been most damaging was Marks’ fumble at the Patriots 17 in a one-score game. After stripping the ball from Maye at the New England 33, Houston ran four plays before Marks — who ran for 112 yards and a touchdown last week — gave

Stafford was 20 of 42 for 258 yards and took four sacks.

Nacua had 56 yards receiving after going for 111 in a wild-card win over Carolina, and Kyren Williams ran for 87 yards and two scores. Caleb Williams completed 23 of 42 passes for 257 yards. Moore had a touchdown catch, and D'Andre Swift ran for 76 yards.

Up next Rams: Face Seattle for the third time this season. The teams split their earlier meetings.

Bears: Prepare for next season. Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, front, scores a touchdown after evading a tackle by Chicago Bears cornerback

can’t get out of in loss to Patriots

it right back.Though the Patriots only scored seven points off the Texans' turnovers, the giveaways also twice took Houston out of position for a field goal and possibly more.

Ryans said he never lost faith in his quarterback. In a sideline interview at halftime with his team trailing 21-10, the Texans coach said: “C.J. needs to understand: This team has his back. The first half is over. As bad as it looked, we still have a second half to go finish.”

Afterward, Ryans said, “C.J. is our guy. I believed that he could come back out in the second half and flip it. I believed that he could play better, and he did that in the second half. He did play better.”

Only a little bit better, though.

After completing 10 of 24 passes for 124 yards and the four interceptions in the first half, Stroud finished 20 of 47 for 212 yards. More important, he led the Texans to 10 points in the first half and just a pair of field goals in the second.

“We’re in this thing together from day one. It doesn’t change for me,” Ryans said. “When things don’t go your way, you have bad performances, it’s not a time to point fingers or say it’s on one person. ... We stick together.”

Broncos reach AFC title game after 33-30 win over Bills, but lose Nix for season with ankle injury

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos wrangled their biggest win in a decade from Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills but suffered an enormous loss in the process.

About an hour after second-year quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to a 33-30 win on Wil Lutz's 23-yard field goal in overtime Saturday, Denver coach Sean Payton returned to the postgame lectern to deliver the stunning news.

He said Nix broke his right ankle a few plays before Lutz's kick sent the top-seeded Broncos (15-3) to the AFC championship game against either New England or Houston.

Nix will have season-ending surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We celebrate the season for him," Payton said. “And listen, the city's ready and we'll be ready for the next challenge.” Backup QB Jarrett Stidham takes over for Nix. He took just one snap this season, a kneel-down in a blowout win over Dallas in Week 8.

“Stiddy’s ready,” Payton declared. “He's ready. I said this at the beginning of the season I've got a 2 that's capable of starting for a number of teams. And I know he feels the same way. So, watch out."

Stidham has appeared in 20 games in six NFL seasons, starting four and winning one.

Nix got hurt on a keeper where he lost two yards and was tackled by safety Cole Bishop. Nix was limping after the play, but there was no indication that he suffered such a serious injury.

On the next play, Nix threw a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. that drew a 30-yard pass interference

flag and got the Broncos well into field-goal range. Nix then took a knee to center the ball for Lutz’s game-ending field goal. Nix tied Russell Wilson’s NFL record with two dozen victories in his first two seasons. Saturday’s victory was his first in the playoffs. The Broncos lost last year at Buffalo but Nix led Denver to the AFC’s top seed this season. “He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “And this team all year has lost key players and will rise up for the next challenge.” Before word of Nix's injury broke, Denver was jubilant over the Broncos' first playoff victory in a decade.

Denver's game-winning drive came after nickel back Ja'Quan McMillian

intercepted Allen's deep pass in overtime.

McMillian's pick was Denver's fifth takeaway of the game after they were minus-3 in turnover differential during the season.

McMillian wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo (13-6).

“He actually had the ball coming down and I had my hand on the ball,” McMillian said.

“I was able to take it from him. I fell on top of him, just held the ball up, showed the fans some love.”

Cooks said he thought it was a catch.

“I feel that way,” he said.

"But at the end of the day, you don’t, you know,

no matter, ultimately this is where we’re sitting now.”

Referee Carl Cheffers said in a pool report:

“The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground.

“The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”

Cooks said he just has to make sure next time not to leave it in the "officials' hands.”

Or McMillian's.

Nix said nothing about being hurt during a postgame interview with CBS,

and he sounded as if he was looking forward to the next game.

“It’s great to have home-field advantage in a situation like this. It’s exciting. This is why you play the game, this is why you compete.

“You get to playoff football, and good things happen,” Nix said.

Former Broncos kicker

Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, knotting it up at 30-all. That came after Nix's 26-yard touchdown throw to Mims with 55 seconds left had given Denver a 30-27 lead.

Allen, who hadn't turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.

“I felt like I let my teammates down," a teary-eyed Allen said.

The Bills failed once again to reach the Super Bowl with Allen under centre even though Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson weren’t standing in his way this time as that trio of franchise quarterbacks all missed the postseason party.

Coming off the first road playoff win of his career, Allen’s first three turnovers helped Denver built a 23-10 lead before he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman and a 14-yarder to Dalton Kincaid to give Buffalo a 24-23 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Quick strikes The Broncos scored 10 points in the final 22 seconds of the first half to take a 20-10 lead into the locker room, and they got their third takeaway just two plays into the second half on Nik Bonitto’s strip-sack of Allen that was recovered by Malcolm Roach at the Bills 17, leading to a field goal.

Denver avenged a 31-7 loss at Buffalo in the playoffs last year.

“We weren't ready last year,” Payton said. “But we were ready today.”

Injuries Bills: LB Dorian Williams (neck) got hurt covering the opening kickoff and was taken to a hospital. ... DT Ed Oliver (knee) left in the third quarter.

Broncos: WR Pat Bryant sustained a concussion on Denver's initial drive after he caught three passes for 32 yards. ... WR Troy Franklin pulled a hamstring.

Up next The Bills are left wondering what it'll take to get to the Super Bowl.

The Broncos host their first AFC championship game in a decade.

Seahawks dominate 49ers from opening kick, advance to NFC title game with 41-6 win

By ANDREW DESTIN AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Doug Baldwin hyped up the famed “12th Man” crowd in Seattle, providing a throwback to the Seahawks' fearsome “Legion of Boom” teams from the 2010s.

Then, in their first playoff game in front of home fans in nearly a decade, the Seahawks found a new level of dominance.

Rashid Shaheed returned the returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, Kenneth Walker III rushed for three scores and Seattle forced three turnovers in a never-in-doubt 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night that sent the top-seeded Seahawks to the NFC championship game.

“One of our most complete games, for sure,” defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. “(Shaheed) starting the game off like that set the tone.”

Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass and got his first career playoff win in his first season with the Seahawks (15-3), who will host either the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake.

The Seahawks led 7-0 13 seconds into the game thanks to Shaheed, who fielded the opening kick and took it 95 yards to the end zone. It was the fourth kickoff return for a

touchdown to open a playoff game since 2000 and the longest postseason kick return in franchise history.

“I was so hyped,” defensive lineman Byron Murphy II said. “I wasn’t expecting that, but when he did it, I knew the game was over then. I already knew.”

Darnold, who had been listed as questionable because of an oblique injury, guided the Seahawks on two more scoring drives before San Francisco got on the board with the first of its two field goals. As he has all season, Darnold impressed his teammates with his toughness.

“He told us he was going to do whatever it takes to get back and play for us,” offensive lineman Grey Zabel said. “That was a gutsy performance by him, not feeling his best. He continues to just be a leader in the huddle, on the field, on the sidelines.”

After he flopped in his playoff debut last season with the Minnesota Vikings by taking nine sacks in a 27-9 loss to the Rams, Darnold completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown in the star receiver’s playoff debut.

Seattle hadn't played in the postseason since the 2020 season, when it lost at home to the Rams with no fans in the stands because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 49ers (13-6) were never competitive in the second-most lopsided

playoff loss in franchise history. San Francisco lost 49-3 to the New York Giants in the divisional round in the 1986 season.

The Niners were missing three injured All-Pros: tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. Star left tackle Trent Williams, who played through a hamstring injury, was proud of his team for getting as far in the playoffs as it did.

“When you’re playing with guys you’re signing off the practice squad,” Williams said, “guys (you are) taking off the street — you

got to temper expectations a bit.”

Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 140 yards with an interception and a lost fumble against the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense. Seattle also recovered a fumble by tight end Jake Tonges.

“Everything’s working for us, to be honest,” safety Nick Emmanwori said.

“Everything’s working. We fly to the ball, we’ve got (a) great scheme, great coaches, great players. I (think) it’s hard for teams to find a way to score on us or beat us straight up.”

Walker waltzes to career night

Walker’s three rushing touchdowns tied him with Shaun Alexander for the most in a playoff game in franchise history. Two of the scores came after halftime, and he celebrated one by chucking the ball into the crowd.

“I’d do it more,” Walker said, “but I’d get fined for it.”

Walker finished with 116 yards rushing, his most since his rookie year in 2022, and he picked up the slack after Zach Charbonnet was injured during the

game. The Seahawks ran for 175 yards, their third most this season.

“You can see it, how they’re breathing, they’re tired, they’re slow to get up,” Walker said. “You can see it’s demoralizing to them.”

Pursuit of Purdy The Seahawks’ front seven made life difficult for Purdy, chasing him across the field while sacking him twice. With the Niners thin at receiver, Purdy scrambled five times for 37 yards and frequently threw on the run.

“It’s no secret in terms of their style of play,” Purdy said.

“Trying to make a quarterback check it down and play deep to short. Then within that, have a good pass rush. That’s a good defence, man.”

Injuries

49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey (stinger) was injured in the second quarter and returned in the third quarter before exiting the game for good. Tonges injured a foot and did not return.

Seahawks: Charbonnet injured a knee in the second quarter and did not return. LT Charles Cross injured a foot in the third quarter and did not return. Up next 49ers: Heal and reload for next season.

Seahawks: Are one victory away from the fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and first in 11 years.

Manchester United stuns Manchester

City in Carrick’s first game and Liverpool and Arsenal drop points

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, Eng-

land (AP) — Manchester

United's latest reboot is off to a flying start.

In Michael Carrick's first game as coach, United pulled off a stunning 2-0 win against Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday and lifted the gloom hanging over Old Trafford. “It’s a great start,” Carrick said.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed victory in the 198th Manchester derby.

“It was a very special day but I’m not getting carried away," said Carrick, four days after his appointment. “It needs to be a regular feeling, that level of performance needs to be consistently what we’re getting."

The former United midfielder is contracted only to the end of the season and has 17 games to convince the club hierarchy to give him the job permanently after Ruben Amorim became the sixth permanent manager to be dismissed since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

He could not have made a better first impression as United dominated all-conquering City. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged it.

“The better team won,” Guardiola said. “When a team is better you have to accept it. They had an energy we didn’t have. Congratulations.”

League leader Arsenal could not take full advantage of defeat for second-place City, drawing 0-0 at Nottingham Forest.

United was fifth in the standings, one point behind

defending champion Liverpool, which extended its winless run to four games after drawing with relegation-fighting Burnley 1-1 at Anfield.

Chelsea was sixth after beating Brentford 2-0.

Carrick lifts the gloom

Watching over Carrick's first game with a beaming smile was Ferguson.

Winning had United fans singing in full voice inside Old Trafford and drowning out City's.

“The supporters were incredible. This could be a magical place,” Carrick said. “To get that feeling is exactly what we want. Hopefully it’s just the start.”

The result could have been more emphatic as United twice hit the goal frame and had three goals ruled out for offside.

United claimed city bragging rights, boosted its chances of Champions League qualification, and dealt another blow to City's title challenge. City's recent winless run was extended to four games. Arsenal's draw left City seven points behind the leader.

Mbeumo fired low into the far corner at the end of a swift United break to open the scoring in the 65th minute. It was the least Carrick’s team deserved in a performance full of attacking intent.

Dorgu doubled the lead in the 76th, converting from close range after beating Rico Lewis to substitute Matheus Cunha’s cross.

Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo saw chances fly off the woodwork and further celebrations were cut short in the 89th when VAR ruled Mason Mount's goal offside. It mattered little by that stage.

MANCHESTER United’s head coach Michael Carrick celebrates during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City in Manchester, England, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. (AP Photos/Dave Thompson)

Liverpool fans not happy Liverpool is still waiting for its first league win of 2026 after being held at home by second-to-last Burnley. The latest dropped points prompted loud jeers from the Anfield crowd.

While Florian Wirtz's impressive recent run continued with his fourth goal in six games, it wasn't enough as Marcus Edwards equalised in the second half.

Coach Arne Slot said he understood the supporters' reaction.

“In my head it wasn’t booing but in my head it was frustration as well,” he said. “We have to give credit to Burnley for defending, clearing balls off the line, all the things you want to see if you are the Burnley manager, trying everything to prevent us scoring.

“But if you, as Liverpool, are not disappointed by having a draw at home to Burnley then something is completely wrong."

West Ham also boosted it's chances of avoiding the

drop after beating Tottenham 2-1. Callum Wilson got the decisive goal in added time. It ended West Ham's 10-game winless run.

Arsenal held again Arsenal suffered consecutive goalless draws for the first time in 14 years.

Third-placed Aston Villa can close the gap to four points with a win against Everton on Sunday.

Forest became the second team after Liverpool, twice, to deny Arsenal from scoring this season.

Victory for new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior took charge of his first league game as Chelsea coach and watched his team beat high-flying Brentford 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, from the penalty spot, scored in each half to end Brentford's five-game unbeaten run. Chelsea also leapfrogged its London rival to sixth in the standings.

Leeds is going from strength to strength. Lukas Nmecha's goal in added

time secured a 1-0 win against Fulham. The newly promoted team has lost just one of its last nine games in the league and one of 10 in all competitions.

Palace frustration

A day after manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he would leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, he watched his team lose at Sunderland 2-1 then expressed frustration over the impending sale of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.

Guehi is the latest of Palace's star players to leave after forwards Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

“I feel we are being abandoned completely,” Glasner told the BBC. “We have 12, 13 players from the squad available and we feel no support.

“The worst thing is selling our captain one day before playing a Premier League game."

Villa loses to Everton

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

ASTON Villa became the latest title challenger to trip up on a weekend of surprising results in the Premier League, losing 1-0 at home to Everton yesterday after a defensive blunder.

After Villa centre back Pau Torres gave the ball away on the edge of his area and goalkeeper Emi Martinez fumbled a soft shot, Everton striker Thierno Barry was on hand to supply a deft finish for the only goal in the 59th minute.

Villa could have climbed above Manchester City to second place and trimmed the gap to leader Arsenal to four points with a win. Instead, it will go down as another missed opportunity. Like it was for Arsenal in its 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, hours after City lost 2-0 at Manchester United in the derby. Fourth-placed Liverpool also failed to win, held 1-1 at home to next-to-last Burnley.

It was a first home loss since August 31 for Villa, which has launched an unlikely title challenge largely on the back of its brilliant form at Villa Park. Since that defeat to Crystal Palace, Villa had won 11 straight games at home in all competitions — the team’s best streak at Villa Park since the 1989-90 season.

Rookie ‘VJ’ Edgecombe scores 10 in 117-115 loss to Cavaliers

By AARON BRACY Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Jaylon Tyson scored a career-high 39 points, Evan Mobley's dunk with 4.8 seconds left was the winner and the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers completed a twogame sweep of the 76ers in Philadelphia with a 117-115 victory on Friday night.

Donovan Mitchell added 13 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds for Cleveland, which rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers defeated the 76ers 133-107 on Wednesday.

Joel Embiid scored 33 points and Tyrese Maxey had 22 points, nine assists and five steals for the 76ers. Rookie Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe contributed 10

points, four rebounds and four assists.

Cleveland was without Darius Garland (right big toe soreness) and Sam Merrill (right hand sprain), who were both injured on Wednesday.

Coach Kenny Atkinson said both will be reevaluated when the team returns to Cleveland this weekend.

The 76ers looked in control when Paul George hit a jumper with 8:47 remaining for an 11-point lead.

But the Cavaliers used a 13-2 run, capped by De’Andre Hunter’s 3-pointer with 5:53 left, to tie it at 102. Philadelphia moved ahead by seven points after turnovers by the Cavs on three straight possessions, but Cleveland hung around.

Hunter’s layup with just over a minute left put

the Cavs up a point. After Mobley made one of two free throws with 22.7 seconds remaining, Maxey tied it on a runner with 8.1 seconds left.

After a timeout, Tyson set up Mobley near the basket for an easy dunk to put Cleveland in front by two. Maxey’s shot from just beyond half court that could have won the game went long.

Dominick Barlow was back in the lineup for Philadelphia after leaving Wednesday’s game early due to a back contusion. He was questionable entering the contest and finished with two points.

Up next

Cavaliers: Host Oklahoma City tonight.

76ers: Host Indiana tonight.

‘Buddy’ scores 14 points in 18 minutes

Balanced scoring, 23 three-pointers lead Warriors over Hornets, 136-116

By STEVE KRONER Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —

De’Anthony Melton scored 24 points as Golden State had eight players reach double figures in the Warriors’ 136-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.

The Warriors hit 23 of their 52 3-point attempts and 10 Golden State players made at least one three. Golden State now has had at least 10 players make at least one three-pointer in three straight games, the longest streak in NBA history, per the Elias Sports Bureau. The three-point arc was introduced for the 1979-80 season.

Golden State extended its winning streak to three games and improved to 5-1 on its eight-game homestand.

Draymond Green scored 20 points for the Warriors, who got 16 from Brandin Podziemski and 14 apiece from Stephen Curry and Chavano “Buddy” Hield.

The Bahamian guard also contributed two steals, three rebounds and one assist.

The Hornets’ Brandon Miller scored a game-high 28 points and Kon Knueppel had 24.

Charlotte was down by a dozen at halftime, then cut its deficit to 82-79 on a layup by Knueppel midway through the third quarter.

Golden State responded with a 20-5 run capped by a Hield 3-pointer from the right corner to go up 102-84 with 2:27 left in the period.

The Warriors led by as many as 15 in the first half after Podziemski hit a 3-pointer with three seconds left in the second quarter to make it 69-54.

Miller then connected on a 62-footer to beat the buzzer and the Hornets trailed 69-57 at the break.

Golden State went 13 for 26 from beyond the arc in the opening half, even with Curry 0 for 2.

Warriors rookie Will Richard started in place of Jimmy Butler, who missed the game for personal reasons.