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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't backing down against the heavily favored Boston Celtics.

Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics

The Cleveland Cavaliers are silencing the home crowd in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics.

Highlighting the toughest quarterbacks the Bears will face this season

This coming season, the Chicago Bears will be facing off with old friend Matthew Stafford, among others.

Three offseason moves the Lions must make

The defending NFC North champions have few holes to fill heading into the 2024 campaign. However, there are always areas to shore up in the offseason.

Bruins HC rips Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk following fight with David Pastrnak in 6-1 blowout

While both combatants clearly agreed upon the fight, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery took issue with punches from Tkachuk that may have come well after the brouhaha was technically over.

MVP Nikola Jokic reveals how long he plans to play in the NBA

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic solidified a future spot in the Hall of Fame on Wednesday after being named the NBA's MVP for the third time in his career. However, when reflecting on another incredible accolade, the six-time All-Star revealed an interesting tidbit about how long he plans to keep playing. 

Hall of Famer isn't happy about Nikola Jokic winning NBA MVP Award

Shaquille O'Neal wasn't bashful about sharing his displeasure on this one.

With Paul Skenes to make first MLB start, how have No. 1 picks fared in their debuts?

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates called up the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, starting pitcher Paul Skenes, who will make his first major league start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. 

Three offseason moves the Bears must make

The Chicago Bears can't rest on their laurels just because they crushed the 2024 NFL Draft.

Three offseason moves the Vikings must make

Here are three moves the Minnesota Vikings must make ahead of the 2024 season. 

NFC North check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft

Checking in with the NFC North following the 2024 NFL Draft.

Watch: David Pastrnak's OT winner helps Bruins survive Leafs

The Boston Bruins won't blow another 3-1 series lead. On Saturday, they prevailed 2-1 in an overtime thriller over the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to an incredible backhand goal by star winger David Pastrnak.  

Luis Arraez makes history in Padres debut

Less than 24 hours after trading away two-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres, the move isn't looking so hot for the Miami Marlins.

Controversial call brings rain-delayed White Sox-Cardinals game to abrupt end

Umpire C.B. Bucknor is in the spotlight again for all the wrong reasons. 

Photo finish at 150th Kentucky Derby marred by controversy

Mystik Dan won by photo finish at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but the historic moment didn't come without controversy. 

Recent hot streak could be a good omen for Twins

The 2024 MLB season is still in its infancy, and dissecting a team's performance in May is usually a futile exercise. However, the red-hot Minnesota Twins are not only the talk of baseball, but their recent play has fans dreaming of October. 

Caitlin Clark's strong WNBA debut dismisses concerns about transition to pros

NCAA's all-time leading scorer and WNBA No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark made her unofficial pro debut Friday in the Indiana Fever's exhibition loss to the Dallas Wings, 79-76. 

Marlins trading away two-time All-Star as fire sale may already be underway

The fires ale may already be underway for the struggling Miami Marlins, who are reportedly close to trading away their two-time batting champion.

Watch: Phillies' Trea Turner records remarkable run, leaves game with injury

On Friday night, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner proved why he might be arguably the fastest player in MLB — but possibly at a cost. 

Watch: Caitlin Clark shines in electric first quarter of WNBA debut

The NCAA's all-time leading scorer and WNBA No. 1 pick, Caitlin Clark, wasted little time making an impact during her unofficial pro debut Friday for the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings. 

Giants trade up to select QB Daniel Jones' replacement in 2025 mock draft

One analyst believes the franchise will go to great lengths to find Jones' replacement in next April's NFL Draft. 

Golden Knights HC reacts to Alex Pietrangelo's costly penalty in Game 5 loss

On Wednesday, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo's unnecessary penalty late in Game 5 helped set up the go-ahead powerplay goal in a pivotal 3-2 win for the Stars over the defending Stanley Cup-Champion Golden Knights, who are now only one loss away from a first-round exit. 

Cubs' Shota Imanaga joins impressive club after another incredible outing

Shota Imanaga posted another scoreless outing, helping him join an impressive shortlist. 

Watch: Stars' Tyler Seguin delivers head shot on Golden Knights' Shea Theodore

Things got a bit chippy between the Stars and Golden Knights during Game 5. 

Analyst highlights concerns about Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

The former Michigan product may need a year or two of seasoning — a luxury the franchise might grant him.