Despite their shooting slump, the Rangers are a playoff team. There are cries that this “is not a playoff team” and that “there is no offense” and “they can’t score.” The hyperbolic doom and gloom surrounding the Rangers occurs every season, just this season it’s happened earlier than usual. But the Rangers are a playoff team. They were when the season started. They are still one now.

Emotions run wild early in the season, especially as the Rangers look to cement themselves as true contenders after a great season last year. They have expectations this season, unlike last season, and it is easy to overreact. We are, after all, human. But a deep breath and some critical thinking is all it takes to realize the Rangers are a playoff team, and nothing has changed due to a .500 start.

The only thing that can keep the Rangers out of the playoffs is themselves. They have certainly played down to their opponents lately after dominating both Tampa and Minnesota to start the season. If not for an epic gaffe by Igor Shesterkin, they likely beat Colorado in one of the more entertaining games of the year as well. The Rangers will right the ship against Dallas and Arizona.

The Brooklyn Nets and head coach Steve Nash have “agreed to part ways.” Nash, a FIBA and Basketball Hall of Famer, as well as a two-time NBA MVP as a player, was hired by the Nets in 2020, taking on the head coaching role without prior coaching experience.”

A very heartfelt thanks to Nets owners Joe and Clara Tsai along with general manager Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets,” Nash said in his official statement.

 “It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”

“It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team and front office everyday. I’m especially grateful to my coaching staff and video room who are a talented group with so much character and professionalism.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett will miss the remainder of the 2022 NFL season due to a torn Achilles suffered in Thursday night’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

An MRI has now confirmed a torn Achilles. He is out for season.

Barrett was carted off the field during the third quarter of the Buccaneers’ 27-22 loss.

The 29-year-old finished Thursday’s game with four tackles — three for loss — and one sack.Barrett signed a four-year contract extension worth $72 million ($36  million guaranteed) with the Buccaneers in March 2021, several weeks after winning Super Bowl LV, having previously won Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Denver Broncos.