Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 143

Verlander still winless as SF Giants bullpen blows lead in loss to MLB’s last-place team

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants’ bullpen fell apart in the late going, and Justin Verlander still does not have a win in his now not-so-new uniform.

Tyler Rogers, who had allowed only one run in 16 games this season, gave up two in the top of the eighth inning, putting the Giants in a hole they couldn’t escape in a 4-3 loss to the MLB-worst Colorado Rockies on Thursday at Oracle Park.

Rogers allowed three hits in the eighth inning, including a single to Hunter Goodman that scored Jordan Beck and gave the Rockies a one-run lead. Goodman hit an 82 mph sinker that caught too much of the plate.

“All those pitches were kind of up,” Rogers said. “That’s my take.”

San Francisco could not respond as it lost its third straight game and dropped the opener of a four-game set against the Rockies, who had won just one of their previous 15 road games this season.

Rogers came into Thursday with a 2-0 record and a 0.59 ERA in 15.1 innings this season. His ERA is now 1.65.

“It’s just so unexpected the way (Rogers has) pitched this year, but you’ve got to give (the Rockies) credit,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “They had a good approach off of him and strung hits together, which doesn’t happen often.”

The Giants took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth, as Wilmer Flores and Mike Yastrzemski drove in runs against stingy left-hander Kyle Freeland.

With the game tied 1-1, Willy Adames opened the sixth with a single to left, followed by a double to right from Flores to put the Giants ahead. Flores advanced to third on Matt Chapman’s deep fly ball and scored on Yastrzemski’s double to left.

That put Verlander in line for his first win with the Giants (19-13). He was taken out of the game after 6 1/3 innings, and one batter after allowing a home run to Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon on a 91-mph fastball to cut San Francisco’s lead to one.

Verlander, who signed a one-year, $15 million contract with San Francisco in January, allowed five hits and struck out four.

After spending most of the last seven seasons pitching inside the Houston Astros’ climate-controlled indoor stadium, Verlander is again having to get used to throwing in chilly weather. Thursday’s temperature at first pitch was 54 degrees, and he threw 21 of his 85 pitches in the first inning.

“The long inning, I’m going to have to make some adjustments here with the cold weather,” Verlander said. “Found it a little difficult to get loose, so … live and learn.”

“I just probably need to make some adjustments to keep my body a little loose for a long inning,” Verlander added. “That was the first time that’s really happened to me here.”

Verlander had a 0-2 record, a 4.70 ERA, and 28 strikeouts over 30.2 innings in his first six starts this season.

But in those six Verlander starts, the Giants scored just 12 runs of support. On April 25 at home against the Texas Rangers, Verlander struck out five and allowed one earned run in six innings, but the Giants managed just four hits in a 2-0 loss.

Verlander has gone winless through seven starts only one other time in his 20-year MLB career, and that was in 2015 when he began 0-3 and had a 5.57 ERA with the Detroit Tigers. He finished that year with a 5-8 record and a 3.38 ERA in 20 games, as he began the season on the injured list with a right triceps strain.

“You can only control what you can control, and you try to make good pitches,” Verlander said. “Once the ball leaves your hand, you never know what’s going to happen. Hitters can get lucky. They can hit a bad pitch good, they can hit a good pitch bad. You just focus on yourself, honestly, try to get deep in the game, try to give your team a chance to win.”

Going into Thursday, the Giants were just 2-7 this season against a left-handed starter. In those nine games, they managed just 28 runs and hit .201 as a team.

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Ramos, though, took the first pitch he saw from  Freeland, a 90 mph sinker, 430 feet over the left-center field wall for a 1-0 Giants lead. The homer was Ramos’ fifth of the season and second in as many days after he hit 22 last year.

The Rockies (6-25) got that run back in the top of the third inning. After shortstop Alan Trejo doubled to left field, center fielder Brenton Doyle singled, driving a hanging curveball to left to score Trejo for his 15th RBI of the season.

After Ramos’ home run, the Giants managed just one hit over the next five innings. Freeland got Yastrzemski to ground into a double play to end the first inning, then retired 12 of the next 14 batters he faced.

Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr on Game 5 tape: `I’m not sure we learned a whole lot’

It wasn’t like the game tape of the Warriors’ Game 5 playoff loss to the Houston Rockets Wednesday disclosed any secrets to coach Steve Kerr.

“Actually it wasn’t that revealing,” Kerr said Thursday in a teleconference. “We weren’t sharp at all, but we knew that watching it live, so I’m not sure we learned a whole lot.”

The Warriors hold a 3-2 lead and host the Rockets at Chase Center in Game 6 Friday at 6 p.m.

Of particular concern is attacking a Houston zone defense that puts Alperin Sangun and Stephen Adams on the court at the same time and kept the Warriors — guard Stephen Curry and forward Jimmy Butler in particular — from being in their usual attack mode.

Butler’s troubles, Kerr said, were not related to his deep glute contusion sustained in Game 2.

“I think Jimmy will be fine tomorrow,” Kerr said. “I thought he looked good on tape. I didn’t do a good enough getting him the ball, but he’s ready to go and he’s excited. This is kind of what he does.”

Curry and Butler were a combined 6-for-22 overall and neither scored until Curry hit a step back 3-pointer with 6:03 left in the second quarter. By that time, the Warriors trailed 52-33.

The Warriors were so out of sorts there were possessions when Curry and Butler were on the floor together and didn’t touch the ball before a shot was taken. Curry finished with 13 points on 4-for-12 shooting and Butler had eight and was 2-for-10 before Kerr pulled the plug in the third quarter with the Warriors hopelessly behind.

“I’m not a big fan of that,” Kerr said. “I prefer when each one touches the ball or at least one of them. Something we’ve talked about all season is we have to play off Steph because of the attention he draws. And once we got Jimmy, that became part of the mantra as well. We’ll do a better job of that tomorrow night.”

Kerr said Butler’s issues were not related to his glute contusion sustained in Game 2

“We got scattered . . . Jimmy got lost in the shuffle a little bit,” Kerry said. “The thing with Jimmy is there’s not complex or complicated about how he plays. You’ve just got to get him the ball and get spaced. We have to have better control of the game by connecting the offense and the defense and that’s when Jimmy’s at his best.”

The troublesome Houston zone was a coaching point during Thursday’s practice.

“We need to space a little better, and we just had a walkthrough and went through some of that,” Kerr said. “We have a few actions we run against zone. We’ve attacked it pretty well overall in the series and gotten some good looks. The idea behind a zone is to force other actions than what teams are used to, and the playoffs are about taking away team’s strengths.”

Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News GroupHouston guard Fred VanVleet (right) knocks the ball away from Draymond Green in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs.

The VanVleet dilemma: Houston guard Fred VanVleet opened the series going 6-for-27 on 3-point attempts in the first two games. In the last two, he’s 12-for-18, giving the Rockets a much-needed outside threat.

“It’s never simple. They pose a lot of problems,” Kerr said. “They have a couple of great screen setters in Adams and Sengun, massing guys. And Fred has just shot the lights out. We’ve got to stay more attached to him for sure. He got a few where we just lost our focus to where we lost our match-up and he walked into a couple of threes.”

Draymond’s struggle: Draymond Green has never been a big stat guy, but one stood out in negative way in Game 5. One of the best passers on the Warriors, he had just one assist in almost 18 minutes.

“We can definitely get Draymond into spots to help his playmaking,” Kerr said. “It’s something we’ve talked about and walked through a few things today to get him in spots where he can create a little bit like he normally does.”

Kuminga’s status: Forward Jonathan Kuminga was scratched before tipoff with an illness, which turned out to be a severe headache.

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“He’s feeling a lot better today,” Kerr said. “He had a migraine, he said it’s cleared up. He’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

Who will start?: Kerr wouldn’t say whether Buddy Hield, who started Game 5, would remain in the opening lineup.

“We’re considering everything,” Kerr said. “That’s one of the things with this team is that we have to flexible every single game in how we approach it. Every team that I’ve coached has been different. We were lucky enough to basically start the same five guys plenty of seasons, but this is a team that requires a little more creativity, game-planning wise, and all options are on the table.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warriors coach Steve Kerr on Game 5 tape: ‘I’m not sure we learned a whole lot’

It wasn’t like the game tape of the Warriors’ Game 5 playoff loss to the Houston Rockets Wednesday disclosed any secrets to coach Steve Kerr.

“Actually it wasn’t that revealing,” Kerr said Thursday in a video call with reporters. “We weren’t sharp at all, but we knew that watching it live, so I’m not sure we learned a whole lot.”

The Warriors hold a 3-2 lead and host the Rockets at Chase Center in Game 6 Friday at 6 p.m.

Of particular concern is attacking a Houston zone defense that puts Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams on the court at the same time and kept the Warriors — guard Stephen Curry and forward Jimmy Butler in particular — from being in their usual attack mode.

Butler’s troubles, Kerr said, were not related to his deep glute contusion sustained in Game 2.

“I think Jimmy will be fine tomorrow,” Kerr said. “I thought he looked good on tape. I didn’t do a good enough getting him the ball, but he’s ready to go and he’s excited. This is kind of what he does.”

Curry and Butler were a combined 6-for-22 overall and neither scored until Curry hit a step-back 3-pointer with 6:03 left in the second quarter. By that time, the Warriors trailed 52-33.

The Warriors were so out of sorts that there were possessions when Curry and Butler were on the floor together and didn’t touch the ball before a shot was taken. Curry finished with 13 points on 4-for-12 shooting and Butler had eight and was 2-for-10 before Kerr pulled the plug in the third quarter with the Warriors hopelessly behind.

“I’m not a big fan of that,” Kerr said. “I prefer when each one touches the ball or at least one of them. Something we’ve talked about all season is we have to play off Steph because of the attention he draws. And once we got Jimmy, that became part of the mantra as well. We’ll do a better job of that tomorrow night.”

Kerr said Butler’s issues were more about how the offense was operating.

“We got scattered . . . Jimmy got lost in the shuffle a little bit,” Kerry said. “The thing with Jimmy is there’s not complex or complicated about how he plays. You’ve just got to get him the ball and get spaced. We have to have better control of the game by connecting the offense and the defense and that’s when Jimmy’s at his best.”

The troublesome Houston zone was a coaching point during Thursday’s practice.

“We need to space a little better, and we just had a walkthrough and went through some of that,” Kerr said. “We have a few actions we run against zone. We’ve attacked it pretty well overall in the series and gotten some good looks. The idea behind a zone is to force other actions than what teams are used to, and the playoffs are about taking away team’s strengths.”

Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News GroupHouston guard Fred VanVleet (right) knocks the ball away from Draymond Green in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs.

The VanVleet dilemma: Houston guard Fred VanVleet opened the series going 6-for-27 on 3-point attempts in the first two games. In the last two, he’s 12-for-18, giving the Rockets a much-needed outside threat.

“It’s never simple. They pose a lot of problems,” Kerr said. “They have a couple of great screen setters in Adams and Sengun, massing guys. And Fred has just shot the lights out. We’ve got to stay more attached to him for sure. He got a few where we just lost our focus to where we lost our matchup and he walked into a couple of 3s.”

Draymond’s struggle: Draymond Green has never been a big stat guy, but one stood out in negative way in Game 5. One of the best passers on the Warriors, he had just one assist in almost 18 minutes.

“We can definitely get Draymond into spots to help his playmaking,” Kerr said. “It’s something we’ve talked about and walked through a few things today to get him in spots where he can create a little bit like he normally does.”

Kuminga’s status: Forward Jonathan Kuminga was scratched before tipoff Wednesday with an illness, which turned out to be a severe headache.

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“He’s feeling a lot better today,” Kerr said. “He had a migraine, he said it’s cleared up. He’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

Who will start?: Kerr wouldn’t say whether Buddy Hield, who started Game 5, would remain in the opening lineup.

“We’re considering everything,” Kerr said. “That’s one of the things with this team is that we have to flexible every single game in how we approach it. Every team that I’ve coached has been different. We were lucky enough to basically start the same five guys plenty of seasons, but this is a team that requires a little more creativity, game-planning-wise, and all options are on the table.”

SF Giants infielder details frustrating injury: ‘Feels like you’re getting stabbed’

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants expect Tyler Fitzgerald to be out for at least two weeks after the infielder was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured rib.

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Fitzgerald sustained the injury on April 25 when, playing second base, he tried to stop a ground ball hit into right field by Joc Pederson during the Giants’ April 25 home game against the Texas Rangers.

Fitzgerald thought it was a bone bruise and missed the next two games. He returned to play two games against the Padres this week, but felt the injury progressively worsen and could not do a sit-up or a push-up.

“I tried to play through it, and it just kind of feels like you’re getting stabbed on every little movement,” Fitzgerald said. “Especially when I would swing and get to extension, was when I would really feel it. Kind of started to hurt when I was running and fielding, and was kind of taking over every part of baseball.”

An ensuing MRI revealed the damage, which was frustrating for Fitzgerald. In the 13 games before the injury, he was 17-for-45 (.378) with seven RBI and a 1.071 OPS. For the season, Fitzgerald is hitting .284 with a .773 OPS.

“It hurts,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said of Fitzgerald’s injury. “Since a little bit of a slow start, he’s done really well. He tried to play through it. … and then you get an MRI, you see what’s going on there, and you appreciate him for trying to play and gut it out. With something like that .. we’re probably looking at least a couple weeks.”

With Fitzgerald out, the Giants recalled left-handed bat Brett Wisely from Triple-A Sacramento, and had right-handed bat Christian Koss start Thursday’s game at second base against the Colorado Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland.

Melvin said that doesn’t automatically mean he’ll platoon Koss and Wisely. Wisely will play at least one of the next three games, “and just see where it goes as far as performance,” Melvin said.

Wisely, who has played 142 games with the Giants over the last two seasons, was hitting .235 at Triple-A Sacramento with five homers and 19 RBI in 27 games.

MELVIN ON HARRISON: Left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison continues to impress at Triple-A Sacramento, but whether he’ll soon be back in the big leagues is unclear.

Harrison struck out seven with no walks and allowed just one earned run over five innings in Sacramento’s 16-6 loss to Reno on Wednesday night at Sutter Health Park. Of his 80 pitches, 55 were strikes, with his fastball touching 96-98 mph.

Asked if Harrison could soon be an option for the Giants, Melvin said, “I think he could be an option at any point in time. But what we have here is what we’ve had here. We’ve played pretty well. We’re trying to create an environment of some stability.

“Now, obviously you’re going to want to get the best possible compliment that you can here, but it’s good to see that (Harrison’s) velocity is picking up, because for a guy like him, that’s important for more swings and misses. So, probably his best performance, we’ll see where we go.”

Harrison made 24 starts for the Giants last year and was a candidate to be the Giants’ fifth starter to begin the season. But the left-hander lost ground as an illness he had right before the start of camp caused him to lose between 10 and 15 pounds. He was optioned on March 22.

Harrison appears to have fully recovered in terms of how many innings he is able to pitch.

“It just feels like his stuff’s getting better and better, so he’s trending in the right direction for him, and that’s a good sign for us,” Melvin said.

PLAN FOR LEE: Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee started Thursday’s game on the Giants’ bench, and will continue to get scheduled days off, considering he hasn’t played a ton since the start of last season.

“We want to keep him healthy,” Melvin said. “There are going to be scheduled off days for him. Doesn’t mean he won’t show up at some point in time in (Thursday’s) game. It’s always tough not to have him in the lineup, especially after we lost a couple of games. But we have to look at this thing throughout the entire season.”

Did Donald Trump — or ABC News — choose who would interview the president? Why does it matter?

By DAVID BAUDER, AP Media Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — During a contentious exchange about deportations in his interview with ABC News’ Terry Moran this week, President Donald Trump brought up — from his perspective — how Moran had gotten into the White House in the first place.

“They’re giving you the break of a lifetime, you know,” Trump said in Tuesday’s prime-time broadcast. “You’re doing the interview. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you, but that’s OK.”

Emphasizing again that it was his choice that Moran was there, the president scolded, “You’re not being very nice.”

From an ethics perspective, it’s considered a breach for a news organization to let a newsmaker dictate who will conduct an interview. In the real world of competitive journalism, things aren’t always so simple.

Did ABC News let President Trump decide who would do the interview?

We don’t know. ABC on Thursday would not talk publicly about what arrangements were discussed after Trump agreed to speak to the network about the first 100 days of his administration. ABC privately pushes back against the notion that Trump was given a list of potential interviewers, but it’s unclear whether other names came up.

On its face, Moran would seem an unexpected choice. At 65, he’s been with the network since 1997 and was chief White House correspondent during George W. Bush’s first term. He had nine one-on-one interviews with Barack Obama.

But his profile at ABC News has diminished. He’s an anchor for the “ABC News Live” streaming service and covers the Supreme Court for the network.

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There would seem to be more obvious alternatives, like “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, effectively the face of the news division. Mary Bruce is the current chief White House correspondent. Jonathan Karl has written three books about Trump and rotates as a host of the “This Week” Sunday show with Martha Raddatz.

Only George Stephanopoulos would seem off the table, since Trump sued him for defamation in a case settled last December.

Why would a news organization not want to cede the choice of an interviewer to the president? “It undermines our independence as journalists,” said Kelly McBride, a media ethics expert and senior vice president at the Poynter Institute. “When we make decisions of what questions are going to be asked, who’s doing the interview and how we edit the interview, we do it in service to the audience.”

“If we let the powerful person that we are attempting to get information from choose who does the interview or select the questions, we’re breaking our promise to the audience that we would be acting on their behalf,” she said.

The power of a president

Practically speaking, however, a president has a great deal of power in these dynamics.

Whatever the well-established challenges inherent in interviewing Trump, news organizations prize an exclusive interview with the president, any president. At any given moment, his press office likely has many requests for interviews, usually with a specific journalist’s name attached. He already has choices.

The Trump administration has made no secret of its desire to wield more control over who questions the president. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has invited new, mostly friendly, journalists into the White House briefing room and talked about further changes in who is allowed there. The administration sparked a court fight with The Associated Press over access to the Oval Office.

When he worked as a news executive at CNN and NBC News, Mark Whitaker said he would discuss interviews with the White House involving certain journalists, but “the idea of giving a choice is not something I ever saw.” he said.

Andrew Heyward, a former CBS News president, said he understands the principle of not ceding the decision of who asks the questions, “but as a practical matter, it’s often a negotiation.” Heyward stressed he had no inside information about what happened with ABC News this week.

The ‘Wild West’ days of competition for celebrity interviews

In some cases, the importance of landing an interview ahead of a competitor can take precedence over the principle of controlling who does the asking. Its value is illustrated in the ratings: nearly 4 million people watched Moran’s interview with Trump on Tuesday, the largest audience of anything on television that night, the Nielsen company said.

There was even more at stake during the “Wild West” days of television networks competing for big celebrity interviews, primarily at the end of the last century.

“Shamefully, the interviewee was in the driver’s seat whenever it came to the flavor-of-the-week or the most sought-after new interview,” said veteran broadcast journalist Connie Chung. “It was one of the reasons why I despised getting the so-called ‘get.’ It was a matter of who could grovel better.”

On many of those occasions, news organizations didn’t always speak with one voice; Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters often competed fiercely for the same interviews when they both worked at ABC News. In 2001, Chung recalled that Walters was designated by ABC to interview scandal-scarred U.S. Rep. Gary Condit, but the congressman’s representative said they were going to another network unless Chung did the story. Chung got the interview.

So what if the day’s big celebrity is the president of the United States?

“It is a bit of a gray area,” Heyward said.

David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.

Horoscopes May 1, 2025: Wes Anderson, plan your actions carefully this year

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Wes Anderson, 56; Tim McGraw, 58; Joanna Lumley, 79; Judy Collins, 86.

Happy Birthday: Plan your actions carefully this year, and you will positively influence your life and the lives of those who matter to you. Separate work and home: Don’t share personal information with associates or professional concerns with family. Take care of your emotional, mental and physical well-being with pastimes that help you chill and rejuvenate. Manage your time, and you’ll meet your demands and reach your goals. Your numbers are 5, 16, 23, 27, 33, 35, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Slow down, listen, observe and consider what others want and how they react. Trust your intuition to give you the input you require to avoid emotional battles. Contribute your time and energy to something that concerns you and makes a difference. A positive attitude will attract the right people and encourage progress. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Cut to the chase and make things happen. Say what’s on your mind and offer alternatives while addressing concerns and implementing incentives. How you treat others will have the most significant impact, whether dealing with domestic or professional matters. Get the facts before making amendments. Choose peace over discord. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Open your eyes, and your vision will capture new possibilities and opportunities waiting for you to mold them into something new and exciting. Don’t wait for things to come to you; engage in events and activities that will lead to positive alternatives. An energetic approach to getting what you want will pay off. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Emotions will skyrocket, leaving you wondering what to do next. When in doubt, your best choice is to sit back and observe. You’ll find solace in updating your skills and looking for positions or pastimes to improve your income or disposition. A happy attitude will help you gain control and influence others. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): All you need to do is show up prepared and let your charisma do the rest. Engage in conversations that offer insight and connections to influential people. Being open to suggestions will impress those you encounter. Your energy and imagination will capture the right people’s attention and increase your chance to excel. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a trip and visit places that ground you and allow you the time and space to engage in new possibilities. You are overdue for a change, and time alone or with someone who brings out the best in you will help you find your way. Avoid emotional spending. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get the ball rolling. Join forces with people who share your views and want to enforce similar changes. Let your mind wander, and you’ll find the answer to help you start a movement or gain access to the knowledge and expertise you require to bring about positive change. Peace and love are favored. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You will benefit if you get out and experience what’s happening in your industry or neighborhood. Getting involved in events and activities that get you moving will positively impact your health and emotional well-being. Pour your energy into a personal transformation that helps you look and feel top-notch. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You are on a roll; don’t waste time on trivial matters. Put your energy where it counts, and invest in yourself, your skills and your prospects. Paint a picture with words for someone you want by your side, and it will bring you closer together and help you build the momentum to excel. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bide your time and watch what’s happening around you. An undertaking someone mentions at a networking or social event will resonate with you. Take information for future reference and use your charm to leave a lasting impression. Today is about rounding up information and seeing what’s available that interests you, not selling yourself. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Entertainment will take your mind off something you may not like; it will soothe your soul, help you rejuvenate and give you a reason to be grateful. The experience and joy will put you in the proper mindset to rethink what’s bothering you and offer a positive change to how you handle money and earn your living. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep life simple and affordable. Do whatever it takes to lower stress and put your mind at ease. Declutter all aspects of your life. Get rid of emotional baggage and possessions that you no longer have an attachment to or need, and you will feel better about yourself and your future. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are intelligent, speedy and influential. You are perceptive and caring.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.
2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.
3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.
4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.
5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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Warriors draw on experience as Rockets series returns to San Francisco

Something felt eerily similar about the Warriors’ Game 5 loss in Houston.

“They weren’t playing ‘Whoop That Trick,’” Draymond Green smirked, “but they may as well have been.”

The Warriors fell behind by as many as 31 points in the 131-116 loss, but there’s a reason why they’re not panicking as the series shifts back to San Francisco.

They’ve been here before.

“Yeah, similar vibe,” coach Steve Kerr said of Wednesday’s loss, drawing on a comparison to another recent potential closeout Game 5 his squad lost badly on the road.

It was just on the group’s most recent of six trips to the NBA Finals under Kerr, in 2022, that they had a chance to put away the Memphis Grizzlies and were blown out even worse than it got in Houston — 134-95.

That game ended with the Grizzlies celebrating to their team anthem — Whoop That Trick. The teams took the court two nights later in San Francisco, and the rest is history.

“At this point in our careers, we’ve seen it all. Had all the experiences, so we’ve got something to draw on,” Green said. “(Houston) played a good game. … We turn the page quick.”

In a similar vein to the 2022 Grizzlies, who also featured Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams, Kerr noted that the Rockets were a “young team on their home floor trying to stay alive.”

But the Warriors have experience in their corner.

The trio of Green, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III has played a combined 437 postseason games. Under Kerr, Golden State has gone 27-12 in situations where either team could go home.

“Our guys have been here many times,” Kerr said.

“While it’s all well and great to talk about, you have to go do something about it on the court,” Curry added. “Our group is trying to do this for the first time together and I love that challenge because we have an opportunity to write our own story in how we bounce back. We’ve had a pretty resilient group over the past two months, and it has to show on Friday.”

Moses Moody wasn’t even a high school prospect when the Warriors’ dynasty began, but even he has championship experience to draw on from their 2022 run when he was a rookie.

A round after Golden State advanced over Memphis, the Warriors were up 3-0 on the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals heading into Game 4 in Dallas. They fell behind by as many as 29 points in that one only for the reserves to make it interesting at the end.

Sound familiar?

“They brought their starters back, tired ‘em out, they had to fight for the win, and we walked them off the next game,” Moody said. “So let’s finish this story the same way.”

The same thing happened in Houston, and Moody was the central catalyst. Leading the second unit after Kerr sent his starters to the bench for good with 5:50 left in the third quarter, Moody scored a team-high 25 points and helped cut the deficit to as close as 13 points.

“The goal was to make them put their starters in and not get a break, so we accomplished that,” Moody said. “We didn’t get the win, but we got something out of it.”

Curry continues to nurse a sore right thumb and Butler was clearly still impacted by the fall that kept him out of Game 2. But the large deficit allowed them to rest while the fight put up by the Warriors’ bench forced every Rockets starter to log double-digit minutes in the second half.

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“They set a tone that we’re going to need for Game 6,” Kerr said. “Even though we lost the game I thought it was crucial that we fought the way we did in the fourth quarter. … There were some positives in what was otherwise a decisive loss.”

While Curry is correct that the current group has yet to accomplish anything, Kerr noted that Butler has no shortage of his own playoff pedigree to draw on.

When the Miami Heat needed to win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, after blowing a 3-0 series lead against the Boston Celtics, Butler scored 28 points in an easy 103-84 win.

“We’re fine,” Butler said. “Our confidence isn’t going to waver. Start out better and play a better overall game, because we know how good of a team we are as a unit, we know how good our players are as individuals. As starters we just have to start us off better, which we know that we’ll do.

“We’ll be fine.”

Kurtenbach: The battered, bruised and old Warriors are playing with fire after a no-show Game 5

When the Warriors won Game 4 of their first-round playoff matchup with the Houston Rockets, they celebrated on the court as if the series was over.

Bear hugs accompanied a palpable sense of relief.

Even in the moment, it all felt like a bit much.

Then again, up 3-1 in a best-of-seven series, the result was inevitable, right?

Well, not quite.

What goes up must come down, and the Warriors fell way down on Wednesday.

So now Chase Center will host another game on Friday — Game 6 — all because Game 5 wasn’t much of a contest.

The Rockets — backs against the wall, pride on the line, insert other sports trope here — didn’t just beat the Warriors in Houston, they obliterated them.

They made the Warriors look old, tired and injured because, well, the Warriors are old, tired and injured.

It wasn’t until the Warriors pulled their top players early in the second half that the game became interesting. What should have been an easy coast to the finish for the Rockets became a bit hairy against the young, feisty and ready-to-fight end-of-the-bench Santa Cruz Warriors.

But guys like Pat Spencer were only in the game because Houston couldn’t stop scoring and the Warriors couldn’t buy a bucket for the first three quarters. Any time Golden State threatened to make it interesting, the Rockets regained control and stretched their already prodigious lead.

The Warriors no-showed at an elimination game on the road.

And you can’t say it wasn’t predictable.

Yes, it seems as if the Warriors entered Game 5 with the lowest of expectations.

They got what they deserved.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said that he “didn’t have [his team] team ready to play.”

That’s boilerplate coach-speak, folks.

But rarely do you hear such a suggestion before the game.

We heard it on Wednesday.

NBA coaches spend time with the national announcing crews before playoff games, usually in a back room following their pre-game press conference with the non-paying media.

Those conversations rarely amount to much but usually include a nugget or two the broadcasters can use regarding rotations or defensive matchups. It’s fodder for the awkward moments between free throws.

But Warriors coach Steve Kerr told TNT’s Spero Dedes and Candace Parker something downright fascinating before Game 5.

Per Dedes, who shared this less than four minutes into the game:

“He said, ‘Look, very little rest, cross-country flights, I’ve got an older team — we’ll see how this thing goes early; see how long we can potentially chase it.’”

Potentially chase it?

The Warriors sure were in it to win it, huh?

I can appreciate being cognizant of the moment, and I won’t go as far as to say the Warriors punted Game 5, but Kerr didn’t exactly echo Michael Jordan’s “I’m only packing one suit” line from the 1993 NBA Finals, did he?

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Perhaps the Warriors would have lost if they had been out there looking to close the series in earnest on Wednesday. It might have been the Rockets’ night no matter what.

But it’s not as if the issues raised by Kerr — older team, cross-country flight, very little rest — abate before Game 6 or 7.

This every-other-day stretch was always the main threat to the Warriors. They took care of business amid the long layoffs between the first four games of the season, but now that the games are coming fast and furious, the problems that come with such a schedule only compound.

Yes, Draymond Green only played 18 minutes on Wednesday, with Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler adding a paltry 23 and 25, but this game could have a tail. If not for Friday’s Game 6, then for the rest of the Warriors’ playoff run — however long that might be.

Curry’s right thumb is so swollen water-logged, Butler’s “running” around like he has a busted butt, because he does (four year of journalism school came in handy for that observation), and Green was getting too old for the playoffs in 2022.

In short, it’s in the Warriors’ best interest to keep the series as short as possible. You don’t use a classic car for long-distance hauling.

Yet the Warriors almost willingly added more distance than needed on Wednesday.

And how presumptuous of this team, even with all their experience, to, at the very least, take ‘er easy Wednesday.

These Warriors haven’t exactly been role models for taking care of business. There’s a reason they were in the play-in tournament, after all.

And what’s to say that Friday will be this team’s day?

The Warriors believe in themselves — that much we know is true.

“We’re fine. Our confidence isn’t gonna waver any,” Butler said. “We’re going to start out better, we’re going to play better overall game, because we know how good of a team we are as a unit, and we know how good our players are as individuals… we’ll be fine.”

Perhaps.

Perhaps not.

These Warriors have been many things this year, but trustworthy is not one of them.

And now they’re a team on the brink of disaster. Another flight to Houston would be a death knell to any grandiose ideas about titles that have floated around the Warriors’ locker room since the Butler acquisition.

Yes, it’s all on the line in Game 6.

We’re about to find out if the Warriors — a team that should know better — celebrated too early.

Light your way with the best headlamp

What’s the best headlamp?

A reliable headlamp is a useful multipurpose tool you can use in various situations, from outdoor activities to home repair. Unlike traditional flashlights, headlamps eliminate the need to use your hands, giving you more freedom during tasks.

Headlamps are available in numerous sizes, styles and power sources to suit your needs. Top headlamps, like the PETZL Actik Core Headlamp, are lightweight, powerful and sport a variety of convenient features.

What to know before you buy a headlampHeadlamp uses

While there isn’t an absolute limit to the practical use of a headlamp, here are a few of the most popular services:

Hiking and campingNighttime running and walkingCyclingSpelunkingCar maintenance and repairHome repairWorking on hobbiesReading at nightAs a backup emergency lightLumen rating

Its lumen rating determines the total brightness of your headlamp. Headlamp lumens can range from approximately 15 to 1000 or more.

Lower lumen ratings, up to 100, are ideal for camping in a tent at night or for situations where you don’t necessarily need an intense beam of light.

Headlamps with lumen ratings up to 300 are great midrange options that work well for nighttime hiking, walking in dark areas and working on home repairs.

Models with a max lumen rating greater than 300 will offer superior brightness, which can be helpful for cyclists or those who need a larger field of vision. However, the higher the lumens, the more energy your headlamp will use, often decreasing battery life.

Beam

The beam type and beam distance will also play a role in the total brightness you can achieve. Many headlamps feature different beam settings, which include flood and spotlights.

Floodlights offer a broader and less focused lighting area, which is best for up-close work. Spotlights provide a narrower beam of light that is better for seeing long distances. Most headlamps will state their maximum beam distance.

Power source

The two primary power sources for headlamps are rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries (lithium or alkaline). You can easily use a USB charger for rechargeable batteries, which will save you money in the long run. Headlamps that run on disposable batteries will require you to replace the batteries, so you will need to carry spares.

What to look for in a quality headlampLight modes

Having a variety of light and brightness settings can come in handy for different situations. Low, medium and high beam settings are standard on many headlamp models. Still, some options will also include a red light setting, which produces less of a blinding effect for others, and strobe effects for emergency signaling.

Adjustability

Having adjustable light settings is essential, but the ability to reposition the headlamps is also critical, as it allows you to adjust the beam angle to your precise needs.

Durability

Many people use their headlamps outdoors in a wide range of weather and temperature conditions. Choosing a headlamp with both impact resistance and water resistance will ensure that your light won’t quit when you need it most.

Weight and comfort

Considering that you’ll be wearing this piece of equipment for prolonged periods occasionally, both weight and comfort are crucial. Runners and hikers will benefit from a lightweight headlamp, so it doesn’t weigh them down. Make sure the strap isn’t too abrasive or uncomfortable when positioned around your head.

How much you can expect to spend on a headlamp

You can find a decent headlamp for under $30, but most will cost somewhere $35-$120.

Headlamp FAQHow long do headlamp batteries last?

A. While there is no exact battery life span that applies to all headlamps, many models will state their max burn time. Headlamps used on low settings will generally have a much longer burn time than when used at their max settings for extended periods.

Will sweating while wearing my headlamp damage it?

A. In most cases, no. A majority of headlamps can withstand some moisture. If you know you’ll be doing intense exercise with your headlamp, look for a water-resistant model, ideally with an IPX rating of 4 or higher.

What’s the best headlamp to buy?Top headlamp

PETZL Actik Core Headlamp

What you need to know: This is a durable, long-lasting headlight with a rechargeable battery and 350-lumen brightness.

What you’ll love: It features several different light modes and a reflective band for extra visibility.

What you should consider: Using the max brightness setting can quickly drain the battery.

Top headlamp for the money

BLACK DIAMOND Astro 300 LED Headlamp

What you need to know: The Astro 300 Headlamp is a budget-friendly option that is perfect for on-the-go adventurers.

What you’ll love: The 300 lumens are powered by a trio of AAA batteries, and the comfortable head strap is fully adjustable.

What you should consider: This headlamp can consume the batteries quickly.

Worth checking out

BioLite HeadLamp 325

What you need to know: BioLite has created a sturdy, lightweight and comfortable headlamp that won’t slide around on your head.

What you’ll love: With up to 40 hours of burn time per charge, and high lumen output, this option will have you prepared for any situation.

What you should consider: It is not fully waterproof.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Best anchors to keep your boat in place

Which boat anchor is best?

Buying a boat anchor may seem like a simple task; however, it is anything but. You need to consider not only what size anchor to buy but also what type. Some kinds of anchors are better suited to muddy bottoms, while others excel in grassy or rocky bottoms. If you purchase the wrong type of anchor or the wrong size, you may find that it can’t effectively hold your boat in place.

Along with the anchor itself, there are other components that contribute to effective anchoring, like the rope or chain you attach it to and the shackle that keeps them connected. In most cases, the rope wears out long before the anchor itself. Between the stretching, sun exposure and abrasion, it undergoes a lot of abuse.

Because of this, you may want to consider buying a package like the MarineNow Deluxe Portable Fluke Style Anchor Kit when replacing your anchor. It includes all the components you need and for less money than you would pay to buy each item individually.

Types of boat anchors

Before buying an anchor, it is important to learn about the different types of anchors and which types of applications they are best suited to.

Fluke anchor

Fluke anchors, also referred to as Danforth anchors, have sharp, wide flukes that easily dig into sandy and muddy bottoms. They are the most popular type of anchor, especially on small- and medium-sized boats, because of their low cost, high holding power-to-weight ratio and ability to fold flat for storage. However, they aren’t ideal for grassy bottoms because they can get tangled up in the weeds, which may prevent their flukes from deploying correctly.

Plow anchor

Plow anchors stand out for having the best holding power in a wide variety of bottom conditions, ranging from rocky to grassy to muddy. They have a single penetrating point that makes them capable of resetting themselves if the wind or current changes direction, making them ideal for long-term anchoring. However, due to their fixed design, they don’t fold flat for storage and can be cumbersome to stow on small boats with limited space. Plow anchors are most often used on heavy powerboats and cruising sailboats that need maximum holding power to prevent slippage.

Claw anchor

Claw anchors are similar to plow anchors in that they have a non-folding design but with a broader shape. They have a center point with wings on either side that give them additional holding power in soft, sandy and muddy bottoms, but make them less effective on very hard bottoms or those with thick vegetation. Like plow anchors, claw anchors are good at resetting themselves, which makes them useful in unpredictable conditions.

Grapnel anchor

Grapnel anchors look much like grappling hooks, hence the name, and have four tines that store flat. This makes them ideal for small watercraft like dinghies and kayaks. Before deploying the anchor, you extend the tines so they can grab onto structures or rocks on the bottom. Grapnel anchors are only intended for short periods of anchoring, such as when having lunch or fishing, and aren’t effective when used on soft, sandy or muddy bottoms.

Mushroom anchor

Mushroom anchors are intended for use solely in very soft bottoms where they can use suction to create their holding power. They can be a good choice for inflatables, kayaks and other small or delicate watercraft where you don’t want to risk having a sharp anchor on your boat, but they don’t have enough holding power for heavier boats. Like grapnel anchors, mushroom anchors are also only intended for short periods of use.

What to look for in a quality boat anchorMaterial

Anchors are made of either aluminum or steel. Aluminum anchors have good corrosion resistance, but they are easily damaged. While they are praised for their low weight, the need to attach a longer length of the chain directly to the anchor to help it set often negates this benefit.

Mild and high-tensile steel are the most common materials for anchors because they are cheap and tough. However, unlike aluminum, steel is very prone to rust, which is why most manufacturers galvanize their steel anchors. Some also dip them in a PVC coating, which may help protect your boat against damage if the anchor accidentally scrapes against the deck or hull. You can also find stainless steel anchors, which are strong, aesthetically pleasing and have high corrosion resistance.

Holding power

Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t list the holding power of their anchors because there are many factors that affect it. Instead, they give recommendations on what size vessels a particular anchor is suitable for. However, this is a very rough guide because two boats of the same size can have drastically different weights and require different amounts of holding power. Your best bet is to combine manufacturers’ recommendations with your own judgment to determine what size anchor and how much holding power you need.

For example, if you have a 27-foot liveaboard sailboat, you will need an anchor with more holding power than someone who owns a 27-foot powerboat. In this case, you might want to choose an anchor that a manufacturer recommends for a 30-to 35-foot boat.

If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose an anchor with more holding power rather than less.

How much you can expect to spend on a boat anchor

It is difficult to give an accurate answer on how much you can expect to spend on an anchor because it is greatly dependent on the size of your vessel and the type, materials and size of the anchor you buy. For small power crafts up to 20 feet, you can find a suitable anchor between $20-$50. Those with medium-sized power boats up to 30 feet or small sailboats should expect to spend between $40-$125. If you have a larger powerboat or a liveaboard cruiser, expect to spend at least $150 or more.

Boat anchor FAQHow many anchors do I need on my boat?

A. Most experts recommend carrying two anchors of different types on your boat. This way, you’ll have the right one handy no matter what type of bottom you need to anchor on. This also gives you the ability to drop a second anchor in an emergency or if you need to anchor in a heavy current or winds where your main anchor might not provide enough holding power on its own.

How can I increase the holding power of my anchor?

A. The best way to increase the holding power of your anchor is to increase the scope. The scope is the length of chain and rope between your anchor and the boat, and the longer it is, the better the holding power. In calm conditions, you may only need a 5:1 scope, which means the length should be five times the depth. If anchoring the same vessel on that same bottom type but in rough conditions, you might need a 10:1 scope for sufficient holding power.

What is the best boat anchor to buy?Top boat anchor

MarineNow Deluxe Portable Fluke Style Anchor Kit

What you need to know: This is an all-in-one kit that comes with everything you need to anchor your boat for a reasonable price.

What you’ll love: It comes in three sizes, all of which have good holding power for their weight.

What you should consider: The edges have a rough finish.

Top boat anchor for the money

Seachoice Deluxe Anchor

What you need to know: This affordably priced anchor has wide flukes for good holding power in sandy and muddy bottoms.

What you’ll love: It is hot-dipped galvanized for reliable corrosion resistance and each one is individually inspected for quality.

What you should consider: The welds are sloppy.

Worth checking out

Extreme Max 3006.6669 BoatTector Folding Grapnel Anchor

What you need to know: This grapnel anchor comes in a variety of sizes to suit all kinds of dinghies and small personal watercraft.

What you’ll love: It doesn’t require much storage space and doesn’t have any sharp edges.

What you should consider: The ring that holds the tines in place has a bit too much play.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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