Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 220

PHOTOS: A day with the amateurs at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

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Mia Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, talks with her fans on the 16th hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

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Alex Smith, former NFL quarterback, share a laugh with his partner, Mackenzie Hughes, on the 17th green during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, celebrates with his caddie after sinking a long putt on the 17th green during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

Mary Meeker, venture capitalist, reacts to her shot after teeing off on the 16th hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

Mia Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, hits out of the bunker on the 16th hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

Steve Young, former NFL quarterback, talks with his caddie on the 18th green during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

Mia Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, tees off on the 16th hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

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Mia Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, talks with her fans on the 16th hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament on Thursday. (Raul Ebio - Herald Correspondent)

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Pro Soccer: Monterey Bay FC adds another piece to its defense

SEASIDE — Adding more depth to a defense that was already the strength of the team, Monterey Bay FC has signed Miles Lyons to a one-year contract, with an option for 2026.

Having spent the last three years in the United Soccer League Championship with El Paso, the 22-year-old is a tenacious defender that can contribute on the attack.

“Miles is a player with a lot of athleticism, versatility and a good soccer IQ,” Monterey Bay FC coach Jordan Stewart said. “He works hard on both ends of the field. Fans can expect him to bring a lot of energy and will enjoy his ability to cover ground out wide.”

In 61 career appearances with El Paso between 2022-24, the 5-foot-8 Lyons produced two goals and five assists, securing their back row on defense.

Prior to that, Lyons helped lead the US Soccer Development Academy and MLS NEXT under-19 team to back-to-back Southwest Division titles.

“Coach Jordan emphasizes possession and values players expressing themselves on the ball,” Lyons said. “Even though I’m on the younger side, I’m working towards being a player that can lead through positivity, work rate and performance on the field.”

 

Senate confirms Doug Burgum as interior secretary after Trump tasked him to boost drilling

By MATTHEW BROWN

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Doug Burgum as interior secretary late Thursday after President Donald Trump tapped the North Dakota billionaire to spearhead the Republican administration’s ambitions to boost fossil fuel production.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | Some hospitals pause gender-affirming care to evaluate Trump’s executive order National Politics | Rubio says Trump’s interest in Greenland and Panama Canal is legit and driven by China concerns National Politics | Trump says tariffs on Canada and Mexico coming Saturday, and he’s deciding whether to tax their oil National Politics | Trump was challenged after blaming DEI for the DC plane crash. Here’s what he said National Politics | Big Oil wants a lot from Trump. It has an ally in Doug Burgum, the president’s Interior pick The vote was 79-18.

Burgum, 68, is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who came from a small North Dakota farming community, where he worked at his family’s grain elevator.

He served two terms as governor of the oil-rich state and launched a presidential campaign in 2023, but dropped out months later and quickly endorsed Trump.

Trump also picked Burgum to chair a new National Energy Council that’s tasked with achieving American “energy dominance.” He would have a seat on the National Security Council — a first for the interior secretary.

His directive from Trump is to make it even easier for energy companies to tap fossil fuel resources, including from public lands. That raised alarms among environmentalists and some Democrats as greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels bake the planet.

Burgum eagerly assisted the energy industry during his time as governor, when he was also profiting from the lease of family land to oil companies, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.

During his confirmation hearing, Burgum said the U.S. can use energy development as leverage to promote peace and to lower consumer costs.

He raised concerns about the reliability of renewable power sources promoted under former President Joe Biden, and said the U.S. needs to generate more electricity from sources such as coal and nuclear that can run constantly.

Democrats in response accused the Trump administration of abandoning an “all of the above” energy policy to favor fossil fuels.

“They said wind is dead on the offshore. They are trying to do as much of this as possible to create demand for coal, for fossil gas,” Hawaii Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz said during a Thursday floor speech.

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, said Burgum would rightfully prioritize energy innovation over regulation.

“He’s going to take the common-sense action of unlocking our lands for oil and for gas production,” Barrasso said. He added that more than 600,000 acres of land in Wyoming have been approved for energy production but were not offered for development by the Biden administration.

The U.S. currently produces more crude oil than any nation in history, according to the Energy Information Administration. More cost-effective technology in recent decades drove drilling booms in states including New Mexico, Texas and North Dakota, where vast expanses of rural farmland have been industrialized by oil and gas companies.

The booms brought billions of dollars in tax revenue to state and federal governments. But burning those fuels is also unleashing immense volumes of carbon dioxide that scientists say is warming the planet.

The Interior Department has jurisdiction over a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore. Those areas produce about one-quarter of U.S. oil annually.

The interior secretary also oversees the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management and other subagencies.

Burgum succeeds Deb Haaland, who under Biden sharply scaled back oil and gas sales and promoted solar and wind projects on federal lands.

Trump made energy development a centerpiece of his first term and is again vowing to abolish restrictions on the industry that are intended to protect the environment and public health.

Burgum, during his hearing earlier this month before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee, suggested to lawmakers that carbon dioxide from fossil fuels could be captured to neutralize their contribution to global warming.

Carbon-capture skeptics say the technology is untested at scale and allows the fossil-fuel industry to continue largely unchanged even as climate change becomes increasingly urgent.

During Haaland’s tenure at the Interior Department, officials also reversed actions taken during Trump’s first term that weakened protections for imperiled species while making it easier for private developers to pursue projects on public lands.

Republicans in Congress have said they plan to again seek changes to rules on endangered species and they want Burgum to help.

Burgum says federal lands can be used for many purposes including recreation, logging and oil and gas production that can lift local economies.

“Not every acre of federal land is a national park or a wilderness area,” he told lawmakers.

Some hospitals pause gender-affirming care to evaluate Trump’s executive order

By CARLA K. JOHNSON, DEVNA BOSE and LAURA BARGFELD

Hospitals in Colorado, Virginia and the nation’s capital said Thursday they have paused gender-affirming care for young people as they evaluate President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at cutting federal support for such care.

Related ArticlesHealth | For homeless seniors, getting into stable housing takes a village — and a lot of luck Health | The growing inequality in life expectancy among Americans Health | Led by RFK Jr., conservatives embrace raw milk. Regulators say it’s dangerous Health | Trump administration’s halt of CDC’s weekly scientific report stalls bird flu studies Health | Monterey County may get water, soil samples report by end of week Denver Health in Colorado has stopped providing gender-affirming surgeries for people under age 19, a spokesperson confirmed Thursday, in order to comply with the executive order and continue receiving federal funding. It is unclear whether the hospital will continue providing other gender-affirming care for youth, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers.

In Virginia, VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond said they have suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures for those under 19 years old.

In Washington, D.C., Children’s National Hospital said the hospital had “paused prescriptions of puberty blockers and hormone therapy to comply with the directives while we assess the situation further.” The hospital already did not perform gender-affirming surgery on minors, a spokesperson said Thursday.

Trump’s order, signed Thursday, is part of a push to reverse Biden administration policies meant to protect transgender people and their care. It ordered agencies to take steps to makes sure that hospitals receiving federal research and education grants “end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”

Other hospitals told The Associated Press that their current practices would continue. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago said hospital officials are reviewing the order and “assessing any potential impact to the clinical services we offer to our patient families.”

“Our team will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care, grounded in science and compassion for the patient-families we are so privileged to serve,” the statement said.

The language in Trump’s executive order — using words such as “maiming,” “sterilizing” and “mutilation” — contradicts what is typical for gender-affirming care in the United States. It also labels guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as “junk science.”

WPATH said in a statement that restrictions and bans on “access to necessary medical care for transgender youth are harmful to patients and their families.”

Gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth isn’t common. A new study shows that fewer than 1 in 1,000 U.S. adolescents with commercial insurance received puberty blockers or hormones during a recent five-year period, and the bulk of gender-affirming surgeries are not performed on youth.

The Denver hospital said Trump’s order would affect the mental health of its transgender patients, and that they would continue to receive primary and behavioral health care.

“Denver Health is committed to and deeply concerned for the health and safety of our gender diverse patients under the age of 19,” the hospital’s statement said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Rose hoping to bloom again

PEBBLE BEACH — Justin Rose has spent his long career as a global golfer. He’s won tournaments from Hong Kong to South Africa to the Monterey Peninsula and on the six continents on which golf courses exist.

The South African native who moved to England with his family at age 5, made an early move toward his second win on the Monterey Peninsula Thursday with an opening-round 65 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Starting on the back nine, Rose, the 2023 AT&T winner, birdied three of the last four holes at Pebble Beach Golf Links and is in a multi-player crowd near the top of the leaderboard at 7-under-par.

With the AT&T beginning its second year as a Signature Event, Rose is one of five former AT&T titlists in the 80-player field. He tallied an eight-birdie, one-bogey round, completing his second nine with a 5-under 31.

Rose, who tied for 11th last year, is 55th in the world rankings. He’s playing for the second time this season after missing the cut last week in the Farmers Insurance Open.

With his desire to compete worldwide, Rose, 44, didn’t compete in the AT&T until 2016 when he tied for sixth. He returned the next year, finishing tied for 39th. He didn’t play again until 2022, finishing 62nd. A year later, Rose secured his 25th professional title and 11th on the PGA Tour.

After four days of fickle weather that included overcast skies, rain, hail, gusting winds and sunshine, Rose claimed a rare weekday win.

A two-shot leader after Sunday’s partial fourth round last year, Rose birdied three of his first four holes in the Monday finale for a final round 66 at Pebble Beach. Rose’s 18-under 269 total gapped Brendon Todd, who finished with a 65, and Brandon Wu, who carded a 66, by three shots. He was the only player to shoot in the 60s in all rounds.

Rose belongs to a rare golfing fraternity. With David Graham, Hale Irwin, Bernhard Langer and Gary Player, Rose is among the only pros who’ve tournaments on six continents. Rose joined the elite group when he won the gold medal in Brazil when golf debuted in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Like many top players, Rose has also had his lean years when his consistency vanished and his world ranking tanked. He fell out of the top 100 in 2005 and decided to play only on the European Tour. He reversed his decision later in the year and retained his PGA Tour card with several strong late-season results, including third place at the Buick Championship.
Rose’s newfound success occurred with one of golf’s never-ending traits. Players tweak their grips, backswings, putting stances and equipment. Rose did some of all it and his consistency and top results returned.

Rose became the first Englishman in 43 years to win the U.S. Open with his title at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania in 2013.

Horoscopes Jan. 30, 2025: Christian Bale, pay attention to details before acting

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Wilmer Valderrama, 45; Christian Bale, 51; Phil Collins, 74; Charles S. Dutton, 74.

Happy Birthday: Consider every angle of the situations you face this year before implementing change. Opportunity is present, but your timing will fall short if you aren’t explicit. Pay attention to detail regarding investments, money exchanges and how you earn your living. Leave nothing to chance and make details your expertise. Home improvements that add to your comfort, convenience and productivity will set the stage for a successful and profitable year. Your numbers are 3, 10, 17, 23, 32, 39, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be receptive to what others offer. Criticism will stand in your way. A positive attitude will encourage others to pitch in and help. Greater involvement in an organization dealing with something that concerns you will allow you to change your professional goals but may also threaten your emotional well-being. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take a step back and reevaluate your position, how much you enjoy what you do and what options are available. A change may not fix what troubles you, but it will buy you time to reconfigure your resume and consider what you want to do next. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Fine-tune and update your skills. Keeping up with trends and marketing yourself for success will help you maintain your status quo. Refuse to let emotional changes throw you off your game or cost you professionally. Don’t mix business with pleasure; when an outlet is necessary, choose to do something physical. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put everything you’ve got into getting ahead. Nurture meaningful connections, protect your reputation and keep your worth, opinion, beliefs and preferences to yourself. Avoid spending time on damage control. Take time to help someone in need; your gesture will make a difference. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Speed things up and get on with your day. Stick to your plan and your budget, and fulfill your promises. A partnership will present you with an opportunity that can change how or where you live. Consider your options, negotiate on your behalf and redesign your lifestyle to suit your needs. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll desire change, but at what cost? Think twice before you agree to something that will stretch your budget further than what makes you feel comfortable. Refuse to let your emotions interfere with common sense. Draw the line if someone pressures or tries to manipulate you. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Engage in something that stimulates your mind and pushes you in a direction that promotes growth. Learning and updating your skills, knowledge and qualifications will set you up for a position you want. Travel, seminars and events that allow you to mingle with people who can help you get ahead are favored. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Make plans to do something creative or physical. You are best to distance yourself from conversations that require choices you aren’t ready to make. Take some time to go over your expenses, contracts or any investments that need updates. Getting your business in order will clear your head. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Monitor where your money goes, and don’t buy into someone else’s scheme. Look for opportunities and partnerships that are beneficial and easy for you to control. Problems at home will surface if someone feels left out or shows jealousy. Don’t fuel the fire; offer reassurance and affection. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention, finish what you start and create a to-do list that addresses what’s meaningful to you. Change is up to you. Stop putting off your dreams and begin building a life that has a purpose and offers emotional and monetary rewards. Do what makes you happy. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take the high road. Choose honesty, integrity and responsibility; and set standards that win respect, trust and a seat at a table you want to be a part of. Look for unique alternatives to boost your intake and revenue while making a name for yourself among your allies. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take your time. Consider costs, how much you need and where you can cut corners to stay within budget. Put a plan in place that puts your mind at ease and acts as a reserve if necessary. Your success depends on how fluent you are in representing what you offer. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are forceful, opportunistic and intriguing. You are expressive and flexible.

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.

Build upper body strength with the best pullup bars

Which pullup bar is best?

Gym memberships can be expensive, especially when some of those gyms may not have the space or equipment you’re looking for. You may not even have a gym near your home, and you just want to be able to work out in your private space.

Pullup bars aren’t just useful for pullup exercises — many models can be used as pushup stations, dip stations and more. If you’re looking for a sturdy yet easily adjustable pullup bar, the Stud Bar Ceiling or Wall Mountable Pullup Bar is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a pullup barInstallation

Pullup bars can be installed with four main types of mounts: tension mounts, leverage mounts, wall mounts and ceiling mounts. Other pullup bars are freestanding.

Tension mount bar: A tension mount bar is similar to tension shower curtain rods, using tension to keep it in place and allowing it to be adjusted to various heights.Leverage-mounted bar: A leverage-mounted bar uses your door frame to keep it stable and can be great if you have a stable door frame.Wall-mounted bar: Wall-mounted bars attach to the wall and can be more stable than tension and leverage-mounted bars.Ceiling-mounted bar: Ceiling-mounted bars can be helpful if you don’t have the space to place a pullup bar anywhere else; just keep in mind how high your ceiling is.Freestanding bars don’t have any mounts at all; they just stand on their own.Weight limit

Look for pullup bars that can handle your weight and then some, as you don’t want to get a bar that’s too close to your weight. Also, take into consideration if you want to do weighted pullups and how much weight you’ll be using if you’ll be doing weighted exercises. There are pullup bars that have weight capacities over 500 pounds, which can give you more than enough comfort when using them.

Height

If using a tension- or leverage-mounted pullup bar would be too low to do pullups, go with a wall or ceiling-mounted bar, which will likely give you more height to work with, but consider what heights you can reach in your home.

What to look for in a quality pullup barDifferent grips

Having a pullup bar with different grips can be helpful if you want to work out different muscles and add more variety to your workouts. The different grips can also allow you to do different workouts on the ground with the bar. Grips such as boulder grips can make pullups more difficult.

Padded grips

Most pullup bars with padding on the grips are made of soft materials such as foam, silicone, or rubber. Having padded grips can make pullups feel more comfortable. However, thicker grips can make pullups more difficult than having no grips on a bar, as larger grips place more work on the forearms.

How much you can expect to spend on a pullup bar

You can find some simple doorway-mounted or tension rod pullup bar designs for $10-$30. If you want a bar that can be more multipurpose and durable, those cost $30-$100. More advanced models with extra features cost from $100-$200.

Pullup bar FAQIs there a proper form for pullups?

A. Yes. The proper form consists of placing your hands with an overhand grip on the bar slightly wider than your shoulders. Have your thumbs next to your hands with the grip, not wrapped beneath the bar, and lift yourself up. Keep your shoulders back and maintain an arch while leading with your chest going up to the bar.

The pullup bar that I’m interested in doesn’t offer too many options. How important is my grip?

A. Even with the most basic pullup bar, you can do chin-ups using an underhand grip, and pullups using an overhand grip. However, for other grips such as a hammer or neutral grips, you’ll have to look for models that offer those grips. These grips can be less strenuous on the wrists and can be effective if you can’t do chin-ups or pullups yet.

What are the best pullup bars to buy?Top pullup bar

Stud Bar Ceiling or Wall Mountable Pullup Bar

What you need to know: Giving you a gym-quality feel, this pullup bar can be placed either on the ceiling or wall of your home.

What you’ll love: The bar is adjustable, so you’re able to adjust it whether it’s mounted to the wall or ceiling. It has a great 600-pound capacity and comes with a lifetime warranty.

What you should consider: The bolts that come with the bar may weaken considerably after frequent use.

Top pullup bar for the money

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Pro Doorway Pullup Bar

What you need to know: Providing versatility with its multiple uses, this pullup bar can be adjusted to fit different door frame sizes.

What you’ll love: Along with being able to do pullups with the product, you can place it facing down toward the ground to perform pushups, situps, and more. It has a reliable 300-pound weight capacity.

What you should consider: The grips are on the thinner side.

Worth checking out

Stamina X Boulder Doorway Trainer

What you need to know: This pullup bar is quick to attach to your door trim with no installation needed, giving you quick access to your workouts.

What you’ll love: This item is supported by an audio coaching app that lets you integrate the equipment with the app. It offers various types of grips, including a unique boulder grip.

What you should consider: With no adjustable capabilities, you’ll need to have a sturdy doorway trim for this item to be useful.

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

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The best running headphones that won’t slip or fall

Which running headphones are best?

Running is challenging enough without the added pain of your headphones slipping off your head or falling out of your ears. Running headphones are specially designed to stay in place while running or when engaging in other forms of vigorous exercise.

This guide will give you all the information you require to find the best running headphones.

What to know before you buy running headphonesHeadphone type

While some people find standard in-ear or over-ear headphones work for them while running, the majority of folks have issues with these styles staying put. Enter the ear-hook headphones. These are essentially standard earbuds with an extra part that hooks over the ear to keep them in place. Most runners find these effective for running in. For the minority of people who still can’t stop them from slipping off their ears, there are models with a solid band that sits around the back of the neck, connecting the two earbuds together. Despite being bulkier, they tend to stay where they’re meant to be during exercise.

Wired vs. wireless

Wired headphones feature wires that run from each earpiece and plug into the headphone jack of your phone or other music-playing devices. Wireless headphones usually have a wire connecting the two earpieces, and then they connect to your device via Bluetooth. Wireless headphones are generally much less of a hassle for exercising in because you don’t have a wire in the way or restricting where you can stash your phone. Plus, it’s becoming more common for phones to do away with headphone jacks altogether. On the other hand, wired headphones tend to be cheaper than wireless models, don’t need recharging and can’t run out of battery.

What to look for in quality running headphonesWater-resistance

We’d recommend choosing running headphones with some degree of water resistance, so they won’t be damaged by sweat and they’re safe to run in the rain with.

External controls

Quality running headphones should have external controls to allow you to change the volume of the music you’re listening to, pause, play, and skip between tracks.

Noise cancellation

While noise cancellation can help you focus on running in noisy environments, running headphones should still let in a small amount of ambient noise so you’re aware of any hazards in your surroundings.

Cases

Some running headphones include cases to store them in when they’re not in use.

How much you can expect to spend on running headphones

If you’re looking for budget-friendly running headphones, you can find options between $10-$20. Midrange headphones cost about $20-$40, and high-end choices land between $50-$150.

Running headphones FAQQ. Can I take calls with my running headphones?

A. Many, but not all, running headphones have a built-in microphone, which allows you to easily take hands-free calls when your headphones are connected to your phone, either wirelessly or through the headphone jack. If this is a feature you want from your headphones, also ensure there’s a button positioned on the headphones or on their wires to answer incoming calls easily.

Q. Are ear-hook headphones suitable to wear with glasses?

A. If you’re a glasses wearer or you regularly wear shades while out on a run, you might be wondering if the ear hooks will interfere with your glasses. Luckily, in most cases, it’s comfortable enough to wear ear-hook-style headphones with glasses or sunglasses.

What are the best running headphones to buy?Top running headphones

JLab Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless Bluetooth 5 Earbuds

What you should know: These top-quality wireless running headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods and won’t come loose.

What you’ll love: They have active noise cancellation and automatically pause what you’re listening to when you take them out of your ears. They’re durable and do a good job staying in your ears, even during long sprints.

What you should consider: Some customers had trouble with the battery life decreasing after using them for a few months.

Worth checking out

mucro Foldable Wired Running Sports Headphones

What you should know: These headphones are a slightly different design with a solid band that runs around the back of the head — great for anyone who struggles to keep other headphones in place while running.

What you’ll love: They’re foldable, so they don’t take up too much room in your bag. They have a decent sound quality. They come with interchangeable earbuds of different sizes for a correct fit.

What you should consider: They lack volume control and are not wireless.

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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Warriors shock Thunder despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 52 points

SAN FRANCISCO — During the Warriors’ blazing 12-3 start to the season, when they looked as legitimate as anyone, they beat the Thunder in their building.

A hellish two months and 20 losses later, they stunned the Thunder at Chase Center.

Key Warriors have maintained belief in the current roster, knowing the team that sprinted out of the gates is in there somewhere. If only for a night, it reappeared against the top team in the Western Conference.

“I think this group, we know we’re capable,” Steve Kerr said postgame after getting a celebratory ice-water shower from his team in the locker room. “What we saw early in the year, that was not a mirage. You don’t just fall into that.”

Whether the Warriors’ 116-109 win over Oklahoma City was validation that these Warriors can regain their early-season form or not, it was certainly as inspired an effort as they’ve had all year. On the second night of a back-to-back, without Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors overcame 52 points from superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Steph Curry dropped 17 points in the second half and made key plays down the stretch. Andrew Wiggins dropped a team-high 27 points, including five 3-pointers. Kevon Looney matched his regular season career-high with 18 points and Gary Payton II (15 points, nine rebounds) stamped the game with a vicious slam dunk with under a minute left.

“This is a big win for us,” Wiggins said. “They’re the best team in the West. Knowing what we’re capable of when we play together and play the right way and lock in. Hopefully this is a momentum swing for us.”

Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II #0 dunks past Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein #55 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

The Warriors (24-23) came into the game as 10-point underdogs at home. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP candidate, the Thunder have been by far the most impressive team in the conference all year.

Gilgeous-Alexander outscored the Warriors in the first quarter by himself. He shot 7-for-8 from the field and hit six of seven foul shots. With his pinpoint handle and otherworldly body control, he got to any spot on the floor he wanted.

On one play, Gilgeous-Alexander shook Andrew Wiggins — Golden State’s best perimeter defender — out of his shoes with a crossover on the perimeter and converted at the rim with a nifty, hanging layup.

Hot shooting from Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schroder off the bench allowed the Warriors to win the six minutes Gilgeous-Alexander sat — 17 to nine  — to start the second quarter, pulling the Warriors within six.

With an and-1 over Quinten Post, drive-and-kick dime and 3-pointer, Gilgeous-Alexander stretched Oklahoma City’s lead back up to 10. It would’ve been 13 heading into halftime, but Wiggins drilled a buzzer-beating 3 from the wing.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21-point quarter and 31-point half were both the most the Warriors have surrendered in such time frames this year. Oklahoma City won his first 17 minutes by 18 as he scored more than half of his team’s points.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 shoots in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Curry, meanwhile, the greatest guard of the past decade, had to get off the ball as he faced frequent traps. He went 1-for-7 from the field in the first half for four points.

Kevon Looney started the second half, replacing Post — who, in his first career start, gave the Warriors their league-leading 28th distinct starting-five but was a non-factor.

The Warriors threw more double teams at Gilgeous-Alexander in the second half, forcing his teammates to beat them. They also mixed in zone defense on occasional possessions. He missed three straight shots, including an airball, in a 15-6 run to pull the Warriors within one.

“I don’t know what to do with Shai,” Kerr said. “I asked Mark (Daigneault) at one point to just leave him on the bench for a couple more minutes, he didn’t comply.”

The only M-V-P chants of the night came for the hometown hero, Curry, as he headed to the line halfway through the third quarter. His free throws extended Golden State’s run to 21-6 as Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first four shots of the half. The Warriors had their first lead since the opening minutes

Looney drew a foul on Gilgeous-Alexander for pushing off and finished twice inside. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who had been starting, was a DNP as Kyle Anderson soaked up spot minutes as the small-ball center.

“Loon was fantastic,” Kerr said. “Probably the key to the game.”

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green sits on the bench with teammate Kevon Looney #5 in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

The lead changed hands four times in the third quarter. A tough take off a baseline drive from Moses Moody evened the score at 84 heading into the fourth.

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Curry freed himself from face-guards twice for deep 3s early in the fourth quarter, coming alive at the right time as the Warriors and Thunder went back and forth.

Defensive-minded lineups got stops, opening up the transition game. Wiggins, Schroder and Brandin Podziemski made tough shots in the half court to fend off Gilgeous-Alexander as Curry sat in the middle chunk of the quarter.

Curry returned after Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20th and 21st foul shots of the night. The Warriors led by four with 4:39 left.

Podziemski and Anderson each hit insane fadeaway jumpers at the end of the shot clock, punishing Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense.

When consecutive baskets from Jalen Williams drew the Thunder within three, Curry drained a 30 footer. On the next possession, he found Wiggins for a corner trey that found the bottom of the net with 1:20 left. The Chase Center crowd impersonated Oracle Arena and erupted after Payton posterized Isaiah Hartenstein.

Payton scaled the mountain. For a night, so did the Warriors.

“To finish a game like that was special,” Curry said of Payton’s slam. “You just want to be able to have a stamp on a game like that. The crowd was going crazy, the whole bench was up. That’s what a team needs when we’ve had a run like we’ve had.”

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 brings the ball downcourt in the first quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II #0 shoots a layup past Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 in the first quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 and head coach Steve Kerr are presented with awards before their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. They were named USA Basketball coach and athlete of the year in recognition of their gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein #55 in the first quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield #7 shoots past Oklahoma City Thunder’s Cason Wallace #22 in the first quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams #8 is double-teamed by Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney #5 and Gary Payton II #0 as he puts up a shot in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 reacts to a referee’s call in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Joe #11 looks to pass as he’s double-teamed by Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins #22 and Gary Payton II #0 in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney #5 gets tangled up with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Luguentz Dort #5 while going for a rebound in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Luguentz Dort #5 lays on the court after being fouled in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schroder #71 is congratulated by teammate Andrew Wiggins #22 after making a 3-point basket in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 blocks a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams #8 but is called for a foul in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors fans cheer in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins #22 and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams #8 battle for a loose ball in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 checks out his USA Basketball championship ring before their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Curry received the ring in recognition of their gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schroder #71 loses control of the ball as he drives to the basket in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Kyle Anderson #1 puts up a shot in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski #2 and the bench react after a 3-point basket in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jaylin Williams #6 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schroder #71 brings the ball downcourt in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Kyle Anderson #1 shoots in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 watches from the bench in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski #2 passes as he’s pressured by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody #4 shoots a layup in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody #4 drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder’s Cason Wallace #22 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 reacts fro, the bench in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 goes to the basket as he’s guarded by Golden State Warriors’ Kyle Anderson #1 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams #8 moves the ball as Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski #2 tries to get through a screen set by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Gui Santos #15 congratulates teammate Gary Payton II #0 after their 116-109 NBA win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 walks off the court as fans cheer after their 116-109 NBA win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

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Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 brings the ball downcourt in the first quarter of their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

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Quinten Post joining Warriors’ starting lineup vs. Thunder

SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr joked that he’s trying to set the record for most different starting lineups in a season.

He’s not a on a bad pace.

Golden State’s latest wrinkle is inserting two-way center Quinten Post into the starting-five, taking the place of Trayce Jackson-Davis. Post, who has impressed in his first four games in an NBA rotation, gives the Warriors a new look as a floor-spacing center.

The starting-five of Post, Steph Curry, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II is the Warriors’ 28th unique starting lineup combination of the season — tied with Philadelphia for the most this year. Memphis set the all-time record for distinct starting units last year with 51.

Post has been shooting the ball with confidence from behind the arc, hoisting up four, 10, five and five 3-point attempts in the past four games. The 24-year-old rookie has developed fast chemistry with Curry, whom he’d never played alongside — not even in training camp — before last week.

Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga remain sidelined by injuries, but it’s easy to imagine Post’s skill set unlocking them when they return.

“I think the beauty of a stretch big is that everybody can play with a stretch big,” Kerr said earlier this week. “It opens up the floor. It literally makes everybody better.”

Post is shooting 37.5% from 3 on what’s still a small sample. There are concerns about his defensive ability, particularly in the pick-and-roll and in staying out of foul trouble. Oklahoma City, which plays a five-out style, is bound to target him by drawing him out of the paint on switches.

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But this season has been about searching for combinations that work, and Post seems like an easy player to fit around.

Jackson-Davis, meanwhile, heads to the bench a day after being team as a sophomore. He and Kevon Looney should still factor into nightly game plans, particularly with Green unavailable. Jackson-Davis is shooting 57.2% from the field this year, well down from his 70.2% mark as a rookie.

Notable

— Steve Kerr presented Grant Hill with an Olympics championship ring before the Warriors game tipped off. Kerr and Steph Curry, along with coaches Klint Carlson and Khalid Robinson, also got honored with rings pregame for their work on the gold medal-winning Team USA. Kerr was named Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year and Curry Player of the Year.

— Quinten Post was named to the G League Up Next Game, which is essentially a G League All-Star game. The miniature tournament will be played at Moscone Center during All-Star weekend in San Francisco.

— The first-place, 37-8 Thunder entered Wednesday as 9.5-point favorites over the Warriors.