Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 165

Kurtenbach: Forget seeding — the Warriors’ priority should be a spring break

The heavy lifting is already done.

All the Warriors have to do now is take care of business.

Two wins — Wednesday against the Spurs and Friday against the Blazers, and it becomes exceptionally difficult to envision a scenario where the Dubs are not a top-six seed in the Western Conference playoffs come the end of the season at the end of this week.

And while there are higher seeds in play for the Dubs in these final days, it’s that No. 6 seed that they’re after.

It’s all that matters.

Don’t let the allure of higher seeds or “ideal” playoff matchups sway you. The Warriors’ three best players are old—sorry, battle-tested—veterans carrying long-held injuries. That makes a full week of rest, starting Saturday, before the season finale with the Clippers on Sunday, and running until the following Saturday, when the playoffs would begin, the most important thing for this team.

“Whatever squad I’m on, we always have a chance,” Jimmy Butler said earlier this week. “I know whatever squad 30 [Steph Curry] is on, whatever squad 23 [Draymond Green] is on, always [has] a chance, so I’d only like to think that all three of us together have a really good chance. We [do not want to be] in the play-in. We’re playing to not be in the play-in… We [have] a job to do anyways, and that’s to win a championship no matter what seed we are.”

The reason they don’t want to be in the play-in tournament is simple:

It gives 10, 23, and 30 some rest. A surprising spring break, if you will.

Remember: Curry needed a night off for “exhaustion” just a few weeks ago, and Green, coming off of three games in four nights in four cities, declared he was “tired.”

Curry only scored three points in that “tired” game against the Rockets, though he didn’t make such an excuse.

But being tired was understandable. And it served as a reminder that these Warriors are not spring chickens and there’s a marathon coming — either in the play-in tournament starting next Tuesday or the playoffs starting April 19.

Whatever the Warriors can do to expend as little energy as possible, as to save it for that real race, would be wise.

Tuesday night’s win over the hapless, hopeless Suns was a great start: Curry only had to play 25 minutes, which seemed excessive when you consider that Butler and Green both played roughly 20.

But that’s just a start. Taking a fourth quarter off doesn’t match a week of respite.

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Further good news for the Dubs is that they hold tiebreakers on the Grizzlies (tied in the standings) and Timberwolves (one game back), and those two teams will play each other Thursday. That means it should only take two wins against inferior opponents to effectively clinch that No. 6 seed, setting up a what-are-we-doing-here game with the Clippers Sunday.

Is there a scenario in which Sunday’s game could decide whether the Warriors make the play-in tournament? Sure, but again, it’s not likely.

Two wins and you can bet that the Dubs are in.

And there isn’t a Western Conference opponent who should be excited about playing a surging, rested, and oh-so-experienced Dubs there.

Pacific Grove neighborhood replants oaks after storm damage

PACIFIC GROVE – After years of storms battering Pacific Grove’s coast live oaks, one neighborhood is leading the charge to restore the trees that define the landscape.

Country Club Gate, a neighborhood of 62 homes, has launched a reforestation effort to plant 49 coast live oaks — many of them grown from the neighborhood’s own acorns collected nearly a decade ago. The project is supported by Mitsugu Mori, a longtime local landscaper and owner of Green Valley Landscaping Services.

Mori also operates Lakeside Nursery in Salinas, one of the largest nurseries of coast live oaks in the region.

“Preserving Pacific Grove’s coast live oaks has always been important to me,” Mori said in a press release. “My staff thought I was crazy when I planted that first batch of acorns. But I showed them how exciting it is to grow our own trees from local acorns. They’re stronger because they’ve already adapted to this environment.”

For Mori, the project is especially meaningful — the trees are returning to the very place they began.

The planting effort was launched by residents of Country Club Gate neighborhood. Steve O’Bier, who heads the neighborhood’s Tree Committee, said now is the time to act.

“Coast live oaks are slow-growing trees, so the best time to plant them is now — before the old-growth trees die off,” O’Bier said in the press release.

Other committee members shared what inspired the effort.

“These beautiful silver and green trees are iconic on the Monterey Peninsula,” said Catherine Pandori in the press release.

Others shared their love for nature and seeing the project coming together.

“Oak trees can live for hundreds of years. This is about preserving our unique environment for the future,” said Claudia Vierneisel, also in the press release.

Twenty trees were planted in March, with 29 more scheduled for planting this summer. All plantings have been coordinated with local utilities and are compliant with California fire safety regulations according to the press release.

Horoscopes April 9, 2025: Elle Fanning, use your energy to get things going

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Elle Fanning, 27; Kristen Stewart, 35; Leighton Meester, 39; Dennis Quaid, 71.

Happy Birthday: Exaggerating, taking on too much or overestimating your expectations will hold you back. Use your energy to get things going and to have an impact or influence on how others react or contribute to your plans. Be cognizant of what’s available, and take advantage of any opportunity or service to help you reach your goal. Communication is the key; tell it like it is, and you’ll find your way forward. Your numbers are 6, 13, 21, 26, 30, 37, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Play by the rules, look for incentives and put your heart and soul into getting ahead. Keep up with technology or industry changes that can add to your qualifications and ensure you aren’t left behind. Nurture relationships that can help you get ahead, and work as a team player to ensure success. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Venture out, but leave your credit cards at home and only carry a limited amount of cash. A fast-talking salesperson will tempt you with unnecessary bargains. Keeping a low profile or going for a hike instead of going to the mall will encourage peace of mind and a practical and positive attitude. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Broaden your vision by participating in social or networking events that offer insight into something you may want to incorporate into your routine. Say no to temptation, overspending or being guilted into donating to something you cannot afford. Curb habits and avoid making spur-of-the-moment decisions. Time is on your side. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use your clout and connections. Discuss your plans, get your finances and investments in order, and make positive adjustments to ensure you use your skills in the latest and most extraordinary way. You stand to profit if you set your sights on your end game and shoot for the stars. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Reinvent how you want to move forward. Whatever stage of life you are at, it’s time to be true to yourself and to venture down a path that offers self-satisfaction and joy. Live life your way and head in a direction that encourages you to develop what puts a smile on your face. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Do what feels right, and don’t look back. Overreacting will get you nowhere fast, but taking a stance, preparing, planning and following your heart will soothe your soul and encourage you to get involved in matters that concern you. Who you are and what you do matters to your emotional wellness. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You must feel comfortable with what you choose to do, so do things your way. Let your innovative ideas flow and your energy carry you to where you want to be. A positive change at home will offer comfort and make it easier for you to achieve your goals. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stop sitting on the sidelines and take a stance. It’s on you to turn up the volume and let your voice and actions lead the way. Communicate, travel, spread the word and be part of a movement that empowers you. Reunite with someone you miss and love. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take a moment, rethink your next move and watch to see who does what before you reveal your position. Someone will take advantage of you emotionally, financially or physically if you put yourself in a vulnerable position. Earmark your objective, but wait for the right time to make your move. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Welcome change instead of hiding. Once you investigate, you’ll see the benefits of keeping up with the times. Invest in yourself and what you want to do next, and doors will open that encourage higher earning potential and a better use of your skills, experience and knowledge. Romance and communication are favored. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Handle partnerships with care. Listen, think before you respond and offer alternatives that provide incentives for everyone. Adapt your home to encourage peace of mind, safety and a place to enjoy with the ones you love. Less drama and more affection are in your best interests. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Fewer demands and more action on your part will pay off. If you want something done, do it yourself. Overreacting wastes time, but concentrating your strengths on what’s purposeful to you will make a difference in how others respond and what you achieve. Socializing, love and romance are favored. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are influential, opportunistic and accommodating. You are reflective and demanding.

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.

Jimmy Butler isn’t Kevin Durant. He’s exactly what the Warriors need

PHOENIX – Jimmy Butler crashed in a rim-rattling dunk in the third quarter of Golden State’s 133-95 romp in Phoenix on Tuesday night. 

It was a rare ‘loud’ play for a superstar who thrives in the more subtle spaces between his more outwardly-audacious teammates.

“I just want to do whatever it takes to win,” Butler said. “If you’re open, my job is to get you the ball.” 

Butler took four shots, grabbed two rebounds and had three assists in a stat-line that vastly understated his impact.

Butler ran the offense and rumbled on the low block as the team’s power forward next to a locked-in Draymond Green, playing defense that energized a Warriors team that saw every player on the active roster get playing time against Phoenix. 

Elsewhere in the building was Kevin Durant, the one-time Warriors megastar who has missed the past four games with an ankle injury. 

His team has lost seven consecutive games, playoff elimination all but a certainty. 

This winter, Kevin Durant was reportedly linked to the Warriors as the trade deadline approached, the team kicking the tires on reuniting the iconic pair of Curry and KD. 

Instead, the deal fell through, and Golden State shipped Andrew Wiggins to South Beach for Butler, who had been linked to Phoenix for months.  

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) has “saved” the Warriors season (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Two months later, it is impossible to argue the Warriors made the wrong choice.

Yes, the individual statistics are in Durant’s favor. 

The 6-foot-10 scoring machine has averaged 26 points to go along with six rebounds and 4.4 assists in 23 games played. Butler, a mere 16.7 points, 5.7 boards and 5.7 assists in 27 games. 

But the win column, team stats and testimony of Butler’s impact from teammates paint another story. 

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“I think everybody knows Jimmy as Playoff Jimmy, the guy that scored 50 in the finals and all that type of stuff,” Brandin Podziemski said. “But I think so far, sometimes he almost passes to a fault. We want Jimmy to be ultra-aggressive.”

Golden State is 22-6 since the trade, jumping from the No. 10 seed to a team battling for homecourt advantage in the first round.

The Suns went 9-14 during that stretch when Durant played. 

The Warriors defense had the second-highest defensive rating (109.4) in the NBA while ranking first in steals and points off turnovers since Butler arrived. His ability to get to the line (7.2 attempts per game) has also boosted Golden State to being the third-most prolific FT shooting team since the trade.

While he has not had the 40-point scoring binges who earned him his Playoff Jimmy nickname, Butler has consistently provided Golden State with clutch baskets down the stretch. 

There’s a reason coach Steve Kerr has repeatedly said that the Butler trade “saved” the Warriors’ season. 

While a Durant-Curry pairing would have made for nostalgic and fun moments, the addition of Butler has rocketed Golden State up the Western Conference standings. 

The Warriors are 47-32, seeded sixth and in a four-way tie with the Los Angeles Clippers, the imploding Nuggets and seventh-seeded Grizzlies.

Butler and the Warriors will play host to San Antonio on Wednesday.

Steph Curry bounces back, Warriors rout Durant-less Suns

PHOENIX – With tricky layups, sky-scraping threes and even one improbable flip shot that wowed the home crowd with the clock stopped at PHX Arena in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday night, Steph Curry shook off his nightmare performance against Houston. 

After shooting 1-for-10 and scoring only three points in Sunday’s streak-snapping loss to the Rockets, Curry, and the rest of the Warriors team, found a half-checked-out Suns team without former Warriors star Kevin Durant (ankle) to be a far less rugged challenge in a 133-95 victory. 

Curry led the Warriors with 25 points and sat out the fourth quarter, while Brandin Podziemski scored 22, the fourth game in a row that the Santa Clara alum had at least 19 points. 

Jimmy Butler flashed his all-around skillset by scoring 10, grabbing two rebounds and dishing out three assists. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 21 points. 

Golden State (47-32) kept pace with the Grizzlies and Denver, which both have 47-32 records. Minnesota (46-33) lost to Milwaukee and tumbled in the standings.

Phoenix dropped to 35-44, and will need Dallas to lose out to make the No. 10 seed. 

Kerr said that Curry and the other vets were extra-focused during that morning’s shootaround, and it showed.

“We realize how very important all of these are down the stretch to start this playoff push, this playoff run,” Butler said. “I think we’ll all be locked in from here on out.”

Phoenix defended – although that could be too strong a word for the effort the Suns showed – with all of the aplomb of a team that looked like it was just ready for its nightmare season to end while losing its seventh straight. 

The Warriors got any shot they wanted, often several times on the same possession after Phoenix gave up 19 offensive rebounds, and led 69-43 at halftime. Golden State’s biggest lead was 41. 

Golden State improved to 15-1 with the starting lineup of Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Curry, Podziemski and Butler. 

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With Durant not playing, the shorthanded Suns had their hands full against a Warriors team that has now won five consecutive road games. 

Curry scored 13 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the night. He looked more like the flamethrower who had scored 125 points in wins against Memphis, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver, than the frustrated point guard who was smothered by Houston’s Amen Thompson. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis got his first significant action since January and delivered, throwing down a couple of lob dunks and scoring 13 points overall while becoming the second player in franchise history to have 100 dunks in back-to-back seasons. 

“it felt really good, with Draymond, Steph and Jimmy just all talking to me,” Jackson-Davis said. “Steph gave me two lobs, Draymond were telling me I was playing great, and Jimmy trying to coach me a little bit just shows what our vets do, and they instil confidence in you. “

The Warriors kept the pressure on Phoenix in the second half, with Moody throwing down a dunk in transition and Butler jamming in a two-hander against less than stiff resistance. Golden State led 95-61 after three quarters and emptied the bench in the fourth quarter. 

The Warriors travel back to the Bay Area for a Wednesday night game against San Antonio, which will be without stars Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox as well as legendary coach Gregg Popovich.

SF Giants shutout in first game with new City Connect jerseys

SAN FRANCISCO — Despite the mixed opinions, the Giants’ original City Connect jerseys became something of a good luck charm. That status was well-warranted given San Francisco went 30-16 with those bright orange and white threads. As for the remixed uniforms? They don’t have that status quite yet.

Landen Roupp allowed one earned run over a career-high six innings and Hayden Birdsong followed with three scoreless innings of relief, but San Francisco (8-3) was shut out for a second consecutive night and lost to the Cincinnati Reds, 1-0, dropping its first series of the year.

“Both our guys pitched great. It’s tough to waste two really good pitching performances in the last couple nights, but just back out there tomorrow and hopefully the offense is better,” said manager Bob Melvin.

To Melvin’s point, San Francisco has gotten some its best pitching of the young season over the last two nights. Logan Webb went toe-to-toe with Hunter Greene on Monday, tossing seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks. Roupp turned in the first quality start of his career, then Birdsong pitched his fifth, sixth and seventh scoreless innings of relief. For all that excellent pitching, San Francisco’s offense has been nonexistent against Cincinnati.

Roughly a week after allowing two runs over six innings in Cincinnati, the Reds’ (5-7) Nick Lodolo followed up by tossing six shutout innings against the Giants before handing the ball off to the bullpen. Following Lodolo’s departure, Braxton Ashcraft pitched a pair of scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth, then Emilio Pagán shut the door in the ninth. San Francisco finished the night 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, though those lack of runs weren’t completely due to a lack of hard-hit baseballs.

The Giants were close to plating a run when Heliot Ramos hit a line drive to the right-field warning track in the bottom of the fifth inning that would’ve easily scored Casey Schmitt, but Cincinnati’s Jake Fraley made a diving, over-the-shoulder catch to keep San Francisco scoreless. Sam Huff led off the bottom of the eighth with a single and was pinch-ran for by Christian Koss, but the miniature rally evaporated when Ramos hit into a double play. In the ninth, Matt Chapman smashed a 105.0 mph line drive right at an awaiting Fraley.

“We had a tough night last night, then the first few innings don’t go well and they make some pretty good plays in the field,” Melvin said. “I don’t want to say you start pressing, but probably tried to do a little too much and end up getting shut out two nights in a row. Ramos’ ball looks like it’s going over (Fraley’s) head. He makes a great play in right field and we just couldn’t do enough.”

San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames #2 reacts after striking out looking against Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Nick Lodolo #40 in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

For Willy Adames, Tuesday night was an especially frustrating affair. After going hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts, Adames has now struck out at least twice in six of his first 11 games with the Giants after signing a franchise-record $182 million dollar deal. Even with the dramatic walk-off hit to cap the home opener, Adames is currently hitting .200 with a .489 OPS. Melvin, though, isn’t concerned with the early slump.

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“He’s got some RBIs. He’s got some big hits for us. Just hasn’t gotten going yet,” Melvin said. “But not the only guy. So, he will. Not too worried about him. Maybe just trying to do a little too much.”

The Reds generated their lone run of the ballgame against Roupp in the top of the third when Spencer Steer scored on Jose Trevino’s groundout. Schmitt, playing just his third professional game at first base, saved Roupp a run in the top of the fifth inning when Trevino tried to execute the squeeze play with runners at the corners and one out, but Schmitt charged hard and fired home to Huff, who applied the tag and denied a run. Schmitt also recorded two hits at the plate, his first being a 111.4 mph double that was just below his career-high exit velocity of 111.6 mph.

“He played a really good first base tonight,” Roupp said. “They tried to squeeze and it was a really nice play that kept us in the game. You couldn’t ask more from him tonight.”

Cincinnati Reds outfielders TJ Friedl, #29 Cincinnati Blake Dunn #59 and Jake Fraley #27 celebrate their 1-0 MLB win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagán #15 and catcher Jose Trevino #35 celebrate their 1-0 MLB win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 flies out against Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagán #15 in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 heads for the dugout after flying out against Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagán #15 in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt #10 strikes out against Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Graham Ashcraft #23 in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Christian Koss #50 is out at second as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Gavin Lux #2 makes the throw to first base after San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos #17 grounded into a double play in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames #2 tosses his helmet after striking out swinging against Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Graham Ashcraft #23 in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Cincinnati Reds’ Jeimer Candelario #3 strikes out against San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hayden Birdsong #60 in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 catches a fly ball hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Jose Trevino #35 in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hayden Birdsong #60 throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 reaches second base on a balk by Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo #40 in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald #49 catches a line drive hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Jake Fraley #27 in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 follows through on a hit which got him on base due to a fielding error by Cincinnati Reds second baseman Gavin Lux #2 in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo #40 throws against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos #17 can’t get to a ground-rule double hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Spencer Steer #7 as it bounces into the stands in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Tyler Fitzgerald #49 hits a sacrifice bunt off Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo #40 in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames #2 completes throws to first base as Cincinnati Reds’ Gavin Lux #2 reacts after Jeimer Candelario #3 grounded into the double play in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp #65 throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos #17 is safe at second base as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Gavin Lux #2 makes the throw to first base in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)[image error]San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames #2 and teammate Heliot Ramos #17 wear their new City Connect jerseys before their MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 wears the new City Connect jersey with a 1958 patch on it before their MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos #17 talks with teammate Mike Yastrzemski #5 while wearing their new City Connect jerseys before their MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 22Cincinnati Reds outfielders TJ Friedl, #29 Cincinnati Blake Dunn #59 and Jake Fraley #27 celebrate their 1-0 MLB win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Expand

‘It doesn’t seem right’: Warriors coach Steve Kerr reacts to Mike Malone’s sudden firing

PHOENIX – Warriors coach Steve Kerr did not mince words before Tuesday’s game in Phoenix when asked for his reaction to the Nuggets’ sudden firing of longtime head coach Mike Malone.

Malone became the second coach of a Western Conference team bound for the playoffs, the other being Memphis’ former coach Taylor Jenkins, to be fired in the last two weeks. 

“Shocked, like everyone,” Kerr said. “Mike has obviously been a great, great coach. Champion, fantastic record. Like with Taylor, you don’t expect anything like this, this late in the season.”

Malone was an assistant on Mark Jackson’s Warriors staff from 2011-13. 

The Nuggets hired Malone in 2015, and he coached Denver to the 2023 NBA championship, the first in franchise history. 

Denver entered Tuesday 47-32 and seeded fourth, but they cut ties with both Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with the team mired in a four-game losing streak. One of those losses came to Golden State on Friday, a game where Steph Curry dropped 36 points. 

“Organizations have to do their own business, and we aren’t privy to any of that, so I have no idea what was happening so I can’t comment on anything other than wishing Mike well,” Kerr said. “He’s done an amazing job and it doesn’t seem right, but this is the business we’re in. We’re all going to suffer a similar fate at some point.”

Since Kerr took the Warriors job in 2014, six coaches have won NBA titles. Four of them have been fired, with Kerr and last year’s champion Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics being the only survivors. 

Among that group is Mike Budenholzer, the current Suns coach who led the Bucks to the title in 2021 but was fired in 2023. 

“Shocking … this league is tough to win a championship in,” Budenholzer said before the game. “To have all the success he’s had, to build the program that he’s built, the individual success for their players and the organizational success, he’s just a great coach. The proof is in everything he’s done.”

Why are so many successful coaches being let go? Kerr, whose team is 46-32 and seeded sixth in the playoff race, had one hypothesis. 

“There’s so much money in the business now, and there’s pluses and minuses to that,” Kerr said. “We’re all making bigger salaries than we were five years ago, but we’re all much more vulnerable because I don’t think a lot of owners are that concerned with firing a guy and paying him off to go away.”

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Kevin Durant out vs. old team

Former Warriors superstar Kevin Durant was ruled out of Tuesday’s matchup with his former teammates. Durant has been nursing a right ankle injury for the last three games. 

“He got some shots up, moved a tiny bit,” Budenholzer said. “Making progress, but nothing more than shooting right now.”

The man who won back-to-back Finals MVPs in the Bay Area is averaging 26.6 points per game with the Suns this season. Phoenix (35-43) entered Tuesday night 2.5 games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot. 

Gary Payton II ruled out

The defensive guard was ruled out with right knee inflammation against Phoenix. Payton II has also been nursing an injured thumb. 

“He had a little swelling in his knee after the flight, so yeah, he’s out tonight, and hopefully nothing long term,” Kerr said. 

Texas AG Ken Paxton launches Senate primary challenge against Republican Sen. John Cornyn

By NADIA LATHAN, Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate in a primary challenge against Republican Sen. John Cornyn, setting up what is likely to become one of the GOP’s most contentious and expensive contests of 2026.

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Paxton, a close ally of President Donald Trump, announced his decision Tuesday in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham after spending more than a year openly flirting with a Senate challenge. During that time, Paxton has sought to position himself as a national leader among the GOP’s ascendant hard right, launching some of the first criminal investigations in the U.S. over abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Pentagon official: US military has no authority to do drone strikes on drug cartels in Mexico

By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Pentagon official said Tuesday that special operations forces do not have the authority to launch drone attacks at drug cartels in Mexico, even though President Donald Trump has designated them foreign terrorist organizations.

A view from an U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter as it flies along the US-Mexico border as part of Joint Task Force Southern Border Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Douglas, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Colby Jenkins, who is currently working as the assistant defense secretary for special operations, told a Senate committee that Trump’s designation doesn’t automatically give the U.S. military the authority to take direct action against the cartels.

Under questioning from Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, Jenkins said it “helps us unlock the doors” for a broader government approach to the drug problem.

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Slotkin noted that Elon Musk, a top adviser to Trump on overhauling the federal government, has said the foreign terrorist designation means the U.S. can conduct drone strikes against the cartels. Musk posted that on Feb. 19 on X.

Jenkins said it doesn’t, but that now the military can provide options and be ready if Trump needs more done to protect the border.

U.S. Northern Command has increased manned surveillance flights along the U.S.-Mexico border to monitor drug cartels and the movement of fentanyl and is increasing its intelligence sharing with Mexico from those flights, Gen. Gregory Guillot told senators in February.

There are also unmanned U.S. drones conducting surveillance over Mexico’s airspace, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump designated many of the gangs and cartels moving those drugs into the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations on Feb. 19, further increasing the pressure on their ability to move and providing law enforcement with what the State Department said are “additional tools to stop these groups.”

Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, also told senators that he would seek expanded authority from Congress to conduct “more advise-and-assist types of operations between our forces and the tier one Mexican forces,” which are that country’s special forces units.

Trump’s latest round of tariffs are poised to go into effect. Here’s what we know

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump has launched tariff wars with nearly all of America’s trading partners. And there’s no end in sight.

A number of sweeping new taxes on goods from other countries are already here — with more set to take effect as soon as Wednesday. Trump has promised higher rates for his latest and most severe volley of duties, which he calls “reciprocal” tariffs.

With so many back-and-forth tariff actions and threats, it can be tough to keep track of where things stand. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

Trucks with containers drive through a logistic-terminal in Leipzig, Germany, Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jan Woitas/dpa via AP)People walk by shelf displaying imported nuts from the United States, at the Hema supermarket, in Beijing, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)Women shop for clothes at a garments market in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)Workers labor on the production line of towels at a textile manufacturer in Huai’an city in east China’s Jiangsu province, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Chinatopix Via AP)People walk past an electronic board displaying Shanghai shares trading index at a brokerage house, in Beijing, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)Show Caption1 of 5Trucks with containers drive through a logistic-terminal in Leipzig, Germany, Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jan Woitas/dpa via AP)ExpandWhat tariffs go into effect on Wednesday?

Trump announced his latest — and most sweeping — round of tariffs on April 2, which he dubbed “Liberation Day,” as part of his “reciprocal” trade plan. In a fiery speech claiming that other countries had “ripped off” the U.S. for years, Trump declared that the U.S. would now tax nearly all of America’s trading partners at a minimum of 10% — and impose steeper rates for countries that he says run trade surpluses with the U.S.

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The 10% baseline already went into effect Saturday. And when the clock strikes midnight Wednesday, Trump’s higher import tax rates on dozens of countries and territories will take hold — that is, unless anything changes in the eleventh hour.

The steeper levies run as high as 50% — with that biggest rate landing on small economies that trade little with the U.S., including the African kingdom of Lesotho. Some other rates include a tax of 47% on imports from Madagascar, 46% on Vietnam, 32% on Taiwan, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 20% on the European Union.

Economists warn that the levies will raise prices for goods consumers buy each day — particularly as these new tariffs build on some of previous trade measures. Trump last week announced a tariff of 34% on China, for example, which would come on top of 20% levies he imposed on the country earlier this year.

Trump has since threatened to add an another 50% levy on Chinese goods in response to Beijing’s recently-promised retaliation. That would bring the combined total to 104% against China.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a Tuesday briefing that Trump had not been considering an extension or delay for coming rate increases.

“He expects that these tariffs are going to go into effect,” she said.

Are more tariffs coming?

As part of a flurry of countermeasures, China has said it will levy its own 34% tariff on all U.S. goods — matching Trump’s rate — starting Thursday.

Trump was quick to criticize China’s move — but China has maintained that it will “fight to the end” and take countermeasures against the U.S. to protect itself. On Tuesday, China’s Commerce Ministry called Trump’s threat to escalate tariffs “a mistake on top of a mistake” that “once again exposes the blackmailing nature of the U.S.”

The trade war between the U.S. and China isn’t new. The two countries exchanged a series of tit-for-tat levies in recent months — on top of tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term, many of which were preserved or added to under former President Joe Biden.

While China has taken the toughest approach so far, several countries signaled that they are evaluating their own responses to Trump’s levies.

It’s possible that we’ll see more retaliation in the future, but others have signaled some hopes to negotiate. The head of the European Union’s executive commission is among those offering a mutual reduction of tariffs — while warning that counter measures are still an option.

Trump could also roll out more product-specific tariffs down the road. The president has previously threatened import taxes on goods like copper, lumber and pharmaceutical drugs — all of which are currently exempt from Trump’s “reciprocal” levies.

What other import taxes are already here?

A handful of tariffs are already in effect, including Trump’s 10% baseline tax on Saturday.

But prior to that sweeping levy, Trump had rolled out several other rounds of tariffs targeting particular countries and products. His 25% tariffs on auto imports began last Thursday, for example — kicking off with taxes on fully-imported cars. Those levies are set to expand to applicable auto parts in the following weeks, through May 3.

Canada responded on Tuesday with a 25% levy on auto imports from the U.S. that do not comply with the 2020 US-Mexico Canada Agreement. Those are slated to go into effect on the same day as Trump’s higher tariffs on Wednesday.

And Trump’s expanded steel and aluminum tariffs went into effect last month. Both metals are now taxed at 25% across the board, with Trump’s order to remove steel exemptions and raise aluminum’s levy from his previously-imposed 2018 import taxes taking effect March 12.

Beyond levies on China, Trump has also previously targeted Mexico and Canada. While Mexico and Canada were spared from last week’s heightened rates, Trump imposed — and later partially suspended — 25% duties on goods from both countries.

Meanwhile, goods complying with the USMCA can continue to enter the U.S. duty-free, according to the White House. Other imports are still levied at 25%, as well as a lower 10% duty on potash and Canadian energy products.

But once the two countries have satisfied Trump’s demands on immigration and drug trafficking, the White House said the tariff on non-USMCA compliant imports will drop from 25% to 12%.