Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 158

Bourbon-plumped currants enhance the flavor of hot cross buns

By Christopher Kimball | Associated Press

Hot cross buns are an Easter specialty with a light, enriched crumb that’s studded with currants and flavored with a gentle mix of warm spices and a hint of citrus. While some versions are drizzled with icing, we prefer a traditional semi-sweet, flour-based “cross” etched across the top.

This recipe from our book ” Milk Street Bakes ” mostly sticks to tradition but amps up the flavor. We enrich the dough with tangy buttermilk instead of regular milk, along with orange zest and a little Lyle’s Golden Syrup for its bittersweet caramel notes. Lyle’s Golden Syrup is an amber-hued sweetener common to the U.K.; mild clover honey works equally well if you can’t find the iconic green can of syrup.

We plump the currants in bourbon, which enhances the flavors in the spice mix, then use the currant-flavored bourbon to make a shiny glaze.

The work is spread over a couple days so the buns can be baked and served for breakfast or brunch. If you wish to bake the buns the same day, after shaping them, let them rise at room temperature until just shy of doubled, about an hour. Halfway into rising, heat the oven and prepare the egg wash and piping mixture. Once doubled, brush the buns with egg wash and pipe on the crosses, then bake and glaze as directed. Store extra buns in an airtight container up to three days; rewarm wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Don’t heat the buttermilk to bring it to room temperature. Buttermilk curdles easily; it’s best to let it stand at room temperature. And don’t forget to pat the currants dry after draining their soaking liquid. Additional moisture can make the rather sticky dough difficult to handle when shaping.

Hot Cross Buns

Start to finish: 13 hours (1¼ hours active), plus coolingMakes 12 bunsIngredients:For the dough:93 grams (⅔ cup) dried currants⅓ cup bourbon1 cup buttermilk, room temperature1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk3 tablespoons Lyle’s Golden Syrup (see headnote) or honey1 tablespoon grated orange zest411 grams (3 cups) bread flour, plus more for dusting2¼ teaspoons instant yeast¾ teaspoon table salt½ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground allspice¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg57 grams (4 tablespoons) salted butter, cut into 4 pieces, room temperature

For the egg wash and piping mixture:1 large egg34 grams (¼ cup) bread flour__ For the glaze:Bourbon, as needed2 tablespoons Lyle’s Golden Syrup or honey

Instructions:

To make the dough, in a small microwave-safe bowl, stir the currants and bourbon. Microwave, uncovered, on high until warm, about 30 seconds, stirring once. Stir again, then set aside until plump, about 15 minutes. Drain in a fine-mesh strainer set over a small bowl; reserve the liquid. Turn the currants onto a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry; set aside.

In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk the buttermilk, whole egg, egg yolk, golden syrup and orange zest. In a stand mixer with the dough hook, mix the flour, yeast, salt, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg on low until combined, about 20 seconds. With the mixer running, add the buttermilk mixture; mix until a shaggy dough forms, about 45 seconds. Increase to medium-low and knead until sticky and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes; if the dough climbs up the hook, occasionally push it off.

With the mixer running on medium-low, add the butter 1 piece at a time, mixing until almost fully incorporated, about 30 seconds; scrape the bowl as needed. Knead on medium-low until shiny and once again elastic, 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape the dough off the hook. With the mixer running on medium-low, add the currants in 2 batches. Knead until distributed throughout the dough, 1 to 2 minutes. Detach the bowl from the mixer and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bowl and gather the dough at the center. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until doubled, 1 to 1½ hours.

Meanwhile, mist a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or baking dish with cooking spray. Line the pan with a 12-by-16-inch piece of parchment positioned so the excess overhangs the pan’s long sides. Mist the parchment with cooking spray; set aside.

When the dough has doubled, lightly flour the counter and turn the dough out onto it. Divide into 12 portions, each about 77 grams (2½ ounces). Form each into a taut ball by rolling it against the counter in a circular motion under a cupped hand. Place seam-side down in the prepared pan, arranging them in 3 rows of 4. Mist a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and drape over the pan, then cover loosely with a kitchen towel. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

About 2 hours before you are ready to bake, remove the buns from the refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature, covered, until almost doubled, 1½ to 2 hours.

About 1 hour into rising, in a small bowl, beat the egg for the wash until well combined; set aside. In another small bowl, combine the flour and 2½ tablespoons water; whisk until smooth. The mixture should form a thick paste that falls slowly from the whisk and mounds on itself in the bowl; if too thick, whisk in more water a few drops at a time. Transfer to a quart-size, zip-close bag. Press out the air and push the mixture to one corner; twist the bag to keep the batter contained in the corner; set aside. Heat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle position.

When the buns have doubled, brush them with egg wash (you will not need to use all of the egg). With the piping mixture still pushed to the corner of the bag, use scissors to snip off ⅛ to ¼ inch from the tip of the bag. Pipe a continuous line across the center of each row of buns, then pipe a continuous line down the center of each column of buns, creating a cross on the center of each bun. Bake until the buns are deep golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the glaze. Measure the bourbon reserved from soaking the currants, then supplement with additional bourbon to total 3 tablespoons. In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon and syrup. Simmer over medium, stirring, until lightly syrupy and reduced to about 3 tablespoons, about 2 minutes; set aside off heat.

When the buns are done, set the pan on a wire rack and immediately brush with the glaze. Cool for 10 minutes. Using the parchment sling, lift the buns from the pan and set directly on the rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Dress up your greens with whipped ricotta

By Linda Balslev

Yes, this is a recipe for salad, but it’s really about the ricotta. More specifically, it’s about whipped ricotta.

Related Articles 3 delicious dishes you can make with mushrooms Bourbon-plumped currants enhance the flavor of hot cross buns Roy Choi recipe: Tuna Salad Niçoise Bibimbap Basket cheese holds the key to a tangy, fresh Easter treat Quick Fix: Poisson en Papillote (Steamed Fish Parcels) with Garlic Bread

We all know ricotta as the ubiquitous filling in lasagna and other filled pasta dishes. What you may not know is that when you whip ricotta, it transforms into a creamy, airy pillow of brilliant white cheese. Add to that a splash of olive oil or a little lemon zest, and suddenly this whipped whey cheese develops flavor and dimension and morphs into a versatile alternative to creme fraiche and whipped cream. Use it as a dip or as a base for pizza, spread it on toast, crostini or two-fisted sandwiches, or simply drizzle it with honey and serve a dollop with fresh berries.

Lemony whipped ricotta teams up with sweet roasted beets in this vibrant spring salad. As the beets cook, their earthy juices will release into the pan and mingle with the generous glug of oil used to coat the beets. It’s important to save this juice after roasting, because it will be added to the dressing.

Use a dense, creamy whole-milk ricotta that smells dairy-fresh and tastes milky and mildly sweet. Avoid watery, grainy, part-skim ricotta and any ricotta that has a funky aroma.

Roasted Beet and Whipped Ricotta Salad

Active Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes, plus cooling timeYield: Serves 4

Ricotta:1 cup whole-milk ricotta2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon runny honey1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zestKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper

Salad:10 to 12 small or baby beets, ends and stems trimmed, scrubbed clean1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oilKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice4 to 6 ounces mixed greens, such as baby arugula, baby spinach, frisee or lamb’s lettuceAssorted sprigs, such as pea shoots or mustard flowers1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, coarsely choppedLemon zest, for garnish

Combine the ricotta, oil, honey and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor. Process until light and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until use.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place the beets in a large Dutch oven. Pour in the oil and lightly season with salt. Stir to coat. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Roast the beets until bright and tender (not mushy) when pierced with a knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on their size. Remove the lid and cool to the touch in the pot.

When cool enough to handle, peel the beets and cut into large bite-size chunks. Do not discard oil and juice in the pot. Place the beets in a bowl with about 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid and lightly season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat. Cool completely.

Pour the remaining cooking juices into a bowl (through a fine-mesh strainer, if desired). Whisk in the vinegar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

To assemble the salad, arrange a layer of the greens and shoots on serving plates or in bowls. Lightly drizzle with some of the vinaigrette. Mound the beets on the greens and top with a dollop of the whipped ricotta. Scatter the pistachios over the salad and garnish with additional lemon zest and black pepper.

Serve with the remaining vinaigrette for drizzling.

Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer based in northern California. Visit TasteFood at TasteFoodblog.com.

Jane Goodall takes a Elkhorn Slough cruise and talks of protecting sea otters

MOSS LANDING — Aboard a quiet, full catamaran, legendary conservationist Jane Goodall spoke to her latest mission: supporting the survival of Monterey Bay’s charming, yet still vulnerable, icon – the sea otter.

During a visit to Carmel last month, a conversation between Goodall and former Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard led the conservationist to understand how much support sea otters need, even in a region where they are considered a mascot. This conversation led to Goodall’s participation with the Wildlife Conservation Sea Otter Fund, which is dedicated to restoring the sea otter population along the coast.

Goodall gave a sold-out lecture on behalf of “Hope for Sea Otters” at Sunset Center on April 7. She also led two sold-out “sea otter safaris” on the Monterey Bay Eco Tours catamaran on Elkhorn Slough. Goodall was accompanied by representatives from the Wildlife Conservation Network, an organization dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife by supporting conservation efforts.

“It was so incredibly inspiring to see someone who has worked so hard her entire life for the good of the planet,” said Wendy Kitchell, owner of Monterey Bay Eco Tours. “To have her on the boat just made me want to be a better person.”

Based in Moss Landing, the tour company takes guests on guided boat and wildlife tours with experts. Guests explore Elkhorn Slough, a biodiverse wetland essential to local wildlife.

During the safaris, Goodall spoke to the importance of sea otters as a key component to our ecosystems.

Goodall spoke to the guests about how to take small steps to help the environment and “foster positivity and make people happy,” said Kitchell.

The Sea Otter Fund is the Wildlife Conservation Network’s first marine-focused fund and 92% of donations that go toward the fund are being directed toward conservation efforts in the field.

Monterey Bay Eco Tours also has a focus on protecting wildlife and the environment. El Cat, the catamaran used for tours, is the first fully electric U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel on the West Coast.

“She’s just an incredible person and so strong and vital and just encourages others to do good things,” said Kitchell. “We’re honored that she chose our company to highlight her work.”

Horoscopes April 16, 2025: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, happiness justifies the means to the end

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jon Cryer, 60; Martin Lawrence, 60; Ellen Barkin, 71; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 78.

Happy Birthday: Take a novel look at the possibilities and build your life around what excites you most. Self-satisfaction is the goal, and happiness justifies the means to the end. Broaden your horizons, research and engage in groups, events and activities that prepare you for the adventure you want to pursue. Please refrain from taking on battles that aren’t yours to fight when it’s best to tailor your energy to reach your needs. Your numbers are 2, 5, 18, 24, 31, 38, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Set the pace, agenda and goal, and get moving toward your destination. Having a plan and the ability to do everything yourself will deter others from interfering. Be sure to go through the proper channels, assemble documentation and handle any potential problem before it has a chance to stunt your progress. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take the time to declutter your life. Walk away from situations that are stifling your progress. Pay more attention to the here and now. Be responsible for your actions and straightforward regarding your intentions. It’s up to you to set high standards and be true to your word. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A change will offer a different perspective regarding what’s possible. Take a moment to view your options and adjust any aspect that doesn’t fit your agenda. Think innovatively, and you’ll discover a unique blend of understanding and comprehension that will lead you to the winner’s circle. Avoid putting your health at risk. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Apply energy to whatever brings the highest return. Protect your reputation by going a step above others’ expectations. Pay attention to how you present yourself and how you handle your money. Keep your lifestyle simple and affordable. Take responsibility, and you’ll find happiness and peace of mind. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take pride in what you do and say; you’ll appeal to those who can contribute to your long-term goal. Direct your energy wisely. What you learn and how you apply the knowledge and experience you gain will decide the outcome. Strive to reach the highest pinnacle and take a bow. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Concentrate on what’s important to you. Initiate domestic and home improvements that can help to lower your cost efficiency and encourage comfort and convenience. A joint venture or shared expenses will work if you set ground rules that ensure equality. Love, romance and commitment are favored. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Heart-to-heart talks will help you avoid a meltdown with someone. Use your way with words to soften the blow, but be sure to get your point across. Incentives, a positive attitude and suggestions regarding what you can contribute to make your relationship purposeful will help. Look for common ground, and you’ll find hope. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Tone down your rhetoric and avoid a dispute. Live within your means, regardless of temptation. Set feasible goals and focus on personal growth, health and fitness. Look inward, and you’ll discover how great you are and what you can do to achieve peace of mind and appease your soul. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to basics, the truth and a budget you can afford. You will set yourself back if you take on too much or try to impress others with exaggerated information. Avoid lavish events, unnecessary purchases, travel and impossible promises. Get your home and finances in order. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Cultivate meaningful relationships. Don’t ignore the signs and signals you receive. An astute recollection of what transpires and finding solutions that satisfy everyone will put you in the driver’s seat. Being the go-to person moving forward will give you the courage and clout to develop and incorporate positive enterprises. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Smile and move forward positively. What you achieve will send you to bigger and better opportunities. Don’t be shy; express your desires and promote and market who you are and the talent and experience you can offer. Financial gain, personal growth and advancement are apparent. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Educate yourself and confidently move forward. What you know and how you present your wisdom will help manifest optimal changes. Don’t limit yourself by setting boundaries. Explore places that offer opportunities to develop your skills and pay for the lifestyle of your choice. Commitment and responsibility will lead to security and stability. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are inspiring, optimistic and authentic. You are empathetic and helpful.

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.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

Warriors’ coach Kerr voices support for Harvard during feud with Trump administration

SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s choice to wear a Harvard basketball t-shirt to the postgame press conference after Golden State’s 121-116 play-in victory over Memphis was followed by a statement in support of the university currently under pressure by the Trump administration.

Harvard has challenged the administration over its demand to limit activism on campus. The Associated Press has reported that the government is freezing $2.2 billion in grants and an additional $60 million in contracts in response.  

“Felt like a great day (to wear it). I believe in academic freedom,” Kerr said. “I think it’s crucial for all our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to, and they should not be shaken down and wold what to teach, what to say, by our government.”

The coach continued, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, but it’s kind of par for the course right now. So yes, this is me supporting Harvard. Way to go, way to stand up to the bully.”

Related Articles An early look at the Warriors’ first-round matchup with the Rockets Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler carry Warriors to thrilling play-in victory over Grizzlies Moses Moody questionable for Warriors-Grizzlies play-in game; Kerr talks guarding Morant, Kuminga’s role

The man who has won four NBA titles with in the Bay Area said that he counts longtime Harvard coach Tommy Amaker as a friend, and that Amaker gifted him the shirt after the Warriors held a November practice at the university.

The Warriors coach taking a political stance against the Trump administration, and speaking on non-basketball issues, is nothing new. 

Kerr spoke in support of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August, and in November implored Warriors fans to push back on Trump’s belief that the presidential election was rigged. 

Kerr has also spoken in support of stricter gun laws after multiple mass shootings throughout his 11 years as the Warriors head coach. 

An early look at the Warriors’ first-round matchup with the Rockets

SAN FRANCISCO — It took longer than they wanted, but the Warriors’ first-round playoff matchup is set.

With a thrilling 121-116 win over the Grizzlies in the play-in tournament Tuesday, Golden State earned the seventh seed in the Western Conference and will rekindle an old rivalry to open the NBA playoffs.

The Houston Rockets await, though they are a different team than the one Steph Curry and Co. ousted on four of their five trips to the NBA Finals from 2015-19.

The storyline: There won’t be James Harden or Chris Paul on the opposing bench this time, but in their place is the bounty of a rebuild that blossomed into one of the league’s most exciting squads this season under coach Ime Udoka.

Udoka, whom you’ll remember from the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals battle with Boston, has a talented, young group of athletes fully bought into the his intense defensive style. The coach showed in the teams’ most recent matchup that he isn’t afraid to mix it up himself, jawing with Steph Curry just before halftime about the Rockets’ physical defense.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr will have to find a way to counter the length the Rockets get from Amen Thompson (14.1 ppg, 8.2 reb), Jabari Smith Jr. (12.2 ppg, 7.0 reb) and Tari Eason (12.0 ppg, 6.4 reb), the size they have down low in Alperen Sengun (19.1 ppg, 10.2 reb) and Steven Adams, and the pure scoring ability of Jalen Green (21.0 ppg). And sure to stir things up, Dillon Brooks (14.0 ppg) provides another character from Golden State’s postseason past.

The schedule

• Game 1: Warriors at Rockets (Sun., April 20, 6:30 p.m. PT, NBCSBA/TNT)• Game 2: Warriors at Rockets (Wed., April 23, 6:30 p.m. PT, NBCSBA/TNT)• Game 3: Rockets at Warriors (Sat., April 26, 5:30 p.m. PT, ABC)• Game 4: Rockets at Warriors (Mon., April 28, 7 p.m. PT, NBCSBA/TNT)• Game 5: Warriors at Rockets (Wed., April 30, time/TV TBD)*• Game 6: Rockets at Warriors (Fri., May 2, time/TV TBD)*• Game 7: Warriors at Rockets (Sun., May 4, time/TV TBD)**=if necessary

Season series: GSW 3, HOU 2

127-121 GSW (Nov. 2)99-93 GSW (Dec. 5)91-90 HOU (Dec. 11)105-98 GSW (Feb. 13)106-96 HOU (April 6)

The Rockets are responsible for one of just seven losses the Warriors have been handed since Jimmy Butler III debuted on Feb. 8. Houston blitzed Curry for 48 minutes and contained him to 3 points on 1-of-10 shooting. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield combined to drain 10 3-pointers, but Golden State turned the ball over 20 times.

It went better for the Warriors in their first post-trade deadline meeting, getting 27 points from Curry and 19 from Butler in his fourth game with Golden State, but Houston was playing without Eason and Fred VanVleet (14.1 ppg, 5.6 ast) in the 105-98 loss.

Key stat: 109 vs. 110.3

The series promises to be a brawl.

While the Warriors have been the NBA’s best defensive team since adding Butler, the Rockets have been doing it all season. Golden State has allowed 109 points per 100 possessions in 31 games with Butler; Houston has allowed 110.3 per 100 over the course of 82 games.

The Rockets also crash the glass and create second chances better than anyone, leading the NBA with 48.5 rebounds per game and a league-best 14.6 on offense.

X factor: Playoff experienceRelated Articles Warriors’ coach Kerr voices support for Harvard during feud with Trump administration Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler carry Warriors to thrilling play-in victory over Grizzlies Moses Moody questionable for Warriors-Grizzlies play-in game; Kerr talks guarding Morant, Kuminga’s role

The Rockets may be on the rise, but the Warriors are wise with experience.

The future looks bright in Houston, and the Rockets’ regular season was impressive. But the fact remains that they haven’t proven they can do it when the lights are the brightest.

The same can’t be said for a team led by Curry, Draymond Green and Butler. The three have combined to play more postseason games (448) than the Rockets’ entire roster.

Jalen Green, Segun and Thompson make up Houston’s three-headed monster, and this weekend will be the postseason debuts for all three of them.

Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler carry Warriors to thrilling play-in victory over Grizzlies

SAN FRANCISCO – The seventh-seeded Warriors entered Tuesday night’s game at Chase Center looking to move past their . Facing them was a familiar foe.

The Memphis Grizzlies, four years prior, had eliminated the Warriors from the 2021 play-in tournament. It was a loss that contributed to Golden State’s 0-3 record in the round in three trips.

To break through and outlast Memphis 121-116, Golden State followed the formula that fueled its second-half turnaround.

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

led the team in scoring with 38, and Steph Curry made two back-breaking late 3-pointers to help the Warriors survive a spirited last-second Memphis push.

Curry scored the last 10 points of the game.

“Every game for me, though, he’s always … it’s like I always say, you never are really out of any game when you have him on your team,” Butler said.

“Playoff Jimmy” starred at the power forward spot in Golden State’s rollercoaster victory, one that saw star Ja Morant sustain an ankle injury late in the third quarter but re-enter the game as the Grizzlies gave Golden State everything it could handle.

Curry scored a crucial 37 points and the Warriors bench scored 30 to clinch a first-round playoff series with No. 2 seed Houston.

Game 1 will be in Texas on Sunday. Memphis will host the winner of tomorrow night’s Sacramento-Dallas matchup on Friday in a win-or-go-home game.

“We know what it takes to win at a high level. So that’s the focus,” Draymond Green said. “But yeah, the goal is to get to the playoffs and win. So it’s good to be here.”

The Warriors may have won, but it was no walk in the Golden Gate Park.

After enjoying a lead as large as 20, the Grizzlies cut the deficit to just four late in the third.

The Grizzlies endured a major blow when Morant went down holding his ankle after making a floater and landing on Buddy Hield’s foot with 4:25 left in the third quarter. He made the free throw, and then left the game until early in the fourth period.

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) fights for the ball against Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant (12) in first half of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Memphis cut the deficit to just 94-91 entering the fourth quarter, and took a 96-94 lead a minute into the final period on a Desmond Bane 3-pointer.

The teams traded baskets, with the Warriors enjoying a 109-105 lead with five minutes remaining before Memphis cut it to just one with another Bane three.

Related Articles Warriors’ coach Kerr voices support for Harvard during feud with Trump administration An early look at the Warriors’ first-round matchup with the Rockets Moses Moody questionable for Warriors-Grizzlies play-in game; Kerr talks guarding Morant, Kuminga’s role

The teams continued to go back and forth down the stretch, but in the end, it was Curry’s Hall of Fame shotmaking that pushed Golden State’s lead to 117-111 with a minute to go.

The game was far from over, though, with Draymond Green fouling out, and late Warrior fouls cutting the lead to 117-116.

Curry hit a pair of free throws with five seconds remaining, and Memphis was called for a five-second violation on the ensuing possession.

Curry made two more free throws with 3.4 seconds remaining to ice the game.

Tiipoff time for the Warriors’ playoff opener Sunday against Houston is yet to be announced.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) celebrates a turnover against the Memphis Grizzlies in the final seconds of fourth quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Edey (14) in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) fights for the ball against Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Edey (14) in first half of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Quinten Post (21) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama (7) in fourth quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) dribbles against Memphis Grizzlies’ Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) watches his 3-point basket attempt against the Memphis Grizzlies in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Quinten Post (21) celebrates his 3-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in first quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) fights for a rebound against Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Edey (14) in second quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Edey (14) in second quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) dunks the ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane (22) in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant (12) in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) tries to save the ball from going out-of-bounds against the Memphis Grizzlies in fourth quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody (4) celebrates his dunk against the Memphis Grizzlies in first half of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) talks to Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr about a foul against the Memphis Grizzlies in third quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Memphis Grizzlies in the final seconds of fourth quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks with Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) after their 124-119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies for their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 17Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) celebrates a turnover against the Memphis Grizzlies in the final seconds of fourth quarter of their NBA play-in tournament game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand

Moses Moody questionable for Warriors-Grizzlies play-in game; Kerr talks guarding Morant, Kuminga’s role

SAN FRANCISCO – One of Golden State’s best defenders is questionable for its . 

Moses Moody began suffering back spasms during the morning shootaround and is a game-time decision. 

Moody has played in 74 games and has been an every-night during the second half of the season. He has averaged 9.8 points while being arguably the team’s top perimeter stopper. 

Should he play, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Moody is expected to be the primary defender on Memphis superstar point guard Ja Morant. 

But if he can’t go, or is limited, then the Warriors believe they still have other solid options to throw at the player who scored 36 in the teams’ last matchup on April 1. 

“Gary’s healthy, so Gary (Payton II) will guard him,” Kerr said. “Brandin Podziemski too, you now, would be the two main guys, but we’ll mix and match and go from there.”

Regardless of who is guarding him, Kerr said that keeping Morant out of transition will be key. The Grizzlies lead the NBA in pace at 103.69 possessions per game.

Kerr said that to counter that, it is not as simple as walking the ball up the floor on each possession.

“It’s not about playing slower, it’s about playing smarter,” Kerr remarked. “Way too many turnovers the other night against the Clippers, and we can’t have those careless turnovers tonight and expect to get away with it given their pace.”

The Warriors beat Memphis 134-125 in early April, with Curry scoring 52 points and making a dozen 3-pointers. 

“I think we can draw a lot from that game, for example … allowing Curry to go for 52 points is not a winning recipe,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo quipped. 

Related Articles Warriors’ coach Kerr voices support for Harvard during feud with Trump administration An early look at the Warriors’ first-round matchup with the Rockets Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler carry Warriors to thrilling play-in victory over Grizzlies

Kuminga’s role up in the air

After being a regular part of the rotation since coming back from a severe ankle injury in March, Jonathan Kuminga was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Clippers. 

Kerr declined to say whether he had spoken to Kuminga about his role in the playoffs moving forward, shaking his head when asked. When questioned if he was concerned about Kuminga’s morale, Kerr kept things short. 

“When you through the 82-game season, you factor in everything,” Kerr said. “You try to help everybody along, understanding where everyone is. When you get to the playoffs, everything goes out the window.”

SF Giants can’t hold lead, Verlander still searching for first win

PHILADELPHIA — The ballgame entered a critical juncture, and manager Bob Melvin had a decision to make. He could either stick with Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer with 262 wins who has gotten himself out of plenty of jams. Or, he could go to his bullpen.

“I wanted to give him a chance,” Melvin said.

Melvin gave his veteran a chance. The decision didn’t pan out.

Verlander allowed the tying and go-ahead runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and the Giants surrendered a lead they’d never reclaim, falling to the Philadelphia Phillies, 6-4, on Jackie Robinson Day at Citizens Bank Park. Following another unlucky outing, Verlander admitted to feeling “tested” following his fourth start without a win.

“Not sure why I’m being tested so hard,” Verlander said. “I’ll keep working hard. I’ll keep trying to make my pitches. I do everything that I can do. Just try to make pitches, try to get guys not to hit the ball hard and let the results happen. (Heliot Ramos) said something to me. (I said), ‘It’s all good man.’ We’re all trying the best we can here. Tough. It’s tough.”

Ramos didn’t chat with Verlander after the game-deciding sixth inning just for the sake of doing so.

With one out and runners on first and second, J.T. Realmuto hit a towering fly ball to left field that hung in the air for about five seconds. Ramos, shaded towards left-center field, took an inefficient route to the ball. He got a glove on the ball, but the ball still found grass and Kyle Schwarber scored to tie the game at three apiece.

Given Tuesday night’s wind patterns, the play was far from routine. In the first inning, the winds swirled towards right field with so much force that the flag poles behind center field began to sway. Trea Turner drove a ball to the warning track in the first that appeared headed for the bleachers, but the ball was knocked down by the gusts. In the third inning, first baseman Bryce Harper had difficulty playing Ramos’ pop up to shallow right field, resulting in the ball finding grass.

By the sixth inning, the wind patterns had shifted. With Realmuto’s fly ball, then, Ramos essentially had to guess where the wind would take the ball. When Ramos saw Verlander after the inning, he told his starter, ‘My bad.’

“He brings a lot of energy every day,” Ramos said of Verlander. “Obviously, when he’s out there on the mound, we want to give our best for him because he’s out here. He obviously doesn’t have the need — it’s not for money. He loves the game. He loves being here. He loves his teammates. We all want to give our best to him.”

Related Articles Adames hits first home run of season as SF Giants rout Phillies Why Harper, Schwarber, Turner believe Posey will excel as SF Giants’ team president Lee’s two-homer day leads SF Giants to series win over Yankees SF Giants lose on frigid afternoon as Hicks allows career-worst seven runs How SF Giants enjoyed unintended benefit from Friday’s rain-shortened win

With the game tied at three apiece, Melvin had an opportunity to summon reliever Randy Rodríguez, who had already been warming in the bullpen. Still, Melvin stuck with his starter. Melvin said after the game that Verlander’s pursuit of 300 career wins didn’t play into his decision making but did acknowledge that Verlander’s track record of success “may have played into it some.”

Verlander recorded the inning’s second out when Max Kepler hit a line drive to shortstop Willy Adames, bringing Verlander one out away from completing six. On Verlander’s 104th and final pitch, Alec Bohm gave the Phillies a lead they wouldn’t lose with an RBI single to left. The lead gone, Melvin went to his bullpen.

“The decision was after Kepler lined out,” Melvin said. “The ball that falls in left field, he makes a good pitch. It just ended up falling, but it was after the Kepler at-bat that I had a decision to make and I gave him one more guy.”

For Verlander, his outing against the Phillies represented a second straight start where he was bit by a bit of bad luck.

The 42-year-old struck out nine batters against the Cincinnati Reds in his last outing and touched as high as 98 mph but suffered batted-ball misfortune en route to allowing five earned runs. Verlander has a .356 BABIP, or batting average on balls in play, this season. Given his career mark is .279, Verlander has been on the unluckier side of things to begin the season — a notion he didn’t entirely disagree with.

“That’s what it feels like,” Verlander said. “I still feel like I’m headed in the right direction. Trying not to overthink it best I can, which is difficult.”

Review of decision not to award Space Command to Alabama inconclusive, with Trump reversal expected

By TARA COPP

WASHINGTON (AP) — With the Trump administration expected to reverse a controversial 2023 decision on the permanent location of U.S. Space Command, a review by the Defense Department inspector general could not determine why Colorado was chosen over Alabama.

Related Articles Texas judge throws out rule that would have capped credit card late fees Pentagon senior adviser Dan Caldwell ousted during investigation into leaks Judge orders federal agencies to release billions of dollars from two Biden-era initiatives Justice Department can cut funding for legal guidance for people facing deportation, US judge says Federal judge blocks Labor Department from enforcing key part of Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders

The inspector general’s report, issued Friday, said this was in part due to a lack of access to senior defense officials during the Biden administration, when the review began.

The location of U.S. Space Command has significant implications for the local economy, given the fast growth in national defense spending in space-based communications and defenses.

In 2021, the Air Force identified Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as the preferred location for the new U.S. Space Command due to cost and other factors. But a temporary headquarters had already been established in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and after multiple delays President Joe Biden announced it as the permanent headquarters.

Alabama’s Republican congressional delegation accused the Biden administration of politicizing the decision. But Colorado, which has Republican and Democratic lawmakers, is home to many other Air Force and U.S. Space Force facilities.

As recently as last week, Rep. Mike Rogers House, an Alabama Republican who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, told a panel at Auburn University he expects the decision to be reversed by the White House before the end of April.

The location of Space Command would be one of many decisions that have swung back and forth between Biden and President Donald Trump. For instance, Biden stopped the construction of the border wall that began during Trump’s first term, only to have Trump now vow to complete it. And Trump is again seeking to ban transgender troops from serving in the military, after Biden removed Trump’s first-term limitations.

The controversy over the basing decision began seven days before Trump’s first term expired, when his Air Force secretary announced Alabama would be home to Space Command, pending an environmental review.

That review was completed about six months into Biden’s term and found no significant impact with hosting the command in Alabama. But the new administration did not act on the decision.

Instead, a year later, the Biden White House said it was keeping the headquarters in Colorado Springs, citing the time that would be lost relocating staff and the headquarters to Huntsville.

The report said interviews has been requested with Biden’s Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to understand why Huntsville was not named, but the Biden White House would only allow the interviews if administration lawyers were present. The inspector general rejected that condition, saying it could affect its unfettered access to information.