Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Democratic Governors
Democratic governors say the party’s midterm strategy must focus on voters’ pocketbook concerns
SUMMARY: Democratic governors who met over the weekend in Arizona say the party must focus on affordability in next year’s midterm elections. They aim to build on wins last month in governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia by addressing everyday concerns such as housing prices, rent and grocery costs. The strategy seeks to unite Democrats across the ideological spectrum while confronting President Donald Trump’s policies. Yet there are risks if economic conditions change for the better or if Democrats fail to deliver on their promises. Governor’s offices will be up for election in 36 states next year.
WORDS: 1162 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 6:23 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US–Cinnabon-Worker Fired
Cinnabon worker fired after racist outburst directed at customers goes viral
SUMMARY: A Cinnabon worker in Wisconsin has been fired after a racist outburst directed at two customers went viral. A video showing part of the incident was posted on TikTok and shows the white employee cursing and taunting at the customers from behind the counter. The TikTok user who posted video said the incident happened while she and her husband were taking a break from shopping Friday at a mall in a suburb of Green Bay. The Georgia-based cinnamon roll chain said in a social media post on Saturday that the worker was immediately terminated by the franchise owner over the “disturbing video.”
WORDS: 337 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 2:25 p.m. CST
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US–FBI-Kneeling Agents
12 FBI agents fired for kneeling during racial justice protest sue to get their jobs back
SUMMARY: Twelve former FBI agents fired after kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest in Washington have sued to get their jobs back. They say their action had been intended to de-escalate a volatile situation and was not meant as a political gesture. The agents say in their lawsuit filed Monday that they were fired in September by Director Kash Patel because they were perceived as not being politically affiliated with President Donald Trump. But they say their decision to take a knee on June 4, 2020, days after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, has been misinterpreted as political expression.
WORDS: 768 – MOVED: 12/08/2025 11:46 a.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–T25-Vanderbilt-13th Game
Vanderbilt was serious about scheduling a 13th game to bolster its CFP chances
SUMMARY: Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea lobbied all week and offered to add a 13th game to the schedule, “in the parking lot” if they had to, for one more shot at impressing the College Football Playoff selection committee. He said Sunday the idea was no joke. His school’s chancellor and athletic director already were working behind the scenes trying to schedule a last-ditch effort for Vanderbilt’s most successful football team in school history. Vanderbilt was one of multiple schools that were skipped over because of the CFP’s conference champion qualifier rule.
WORDS: 364 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 4:50 p.m. CST
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FBC–No Bowl
Bowl officials seek 5-7 teams to fill in after Irish, Iowa St, Kansas St say they’re done for year
SUMMARY: Bowl organizers were left scrambling to create matchups after Notre Dame, Iowa State and Kansas State announced they would decline bids despite being eligible. There are 41 bowls this year, and 82 teams won the necessary six games to be eligible. That changed when Iowa State and Kansas State teams going through coaching changes nearly simultaneously said they were hanging up their cleats for the season. Notre Dame followed a few hours later after it was announced the Irish were the first team left out of the College Football Playoff. Mississippi State, Rice and Appalachian State are 5-7 teams that will play in bowls.
WORDS: 776 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 11:17 a.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–T25-Missouri-Kansas
Darryn Peterson scores 17 in return from injury, No. 21 Kansas beats rival Missouri 80-60
SUMMARY: Darryn Peterson scores 17 points in his return from a hamstring injury, helping No. 21 Kansas secure an 80-60 victory over Missouri on Sunday. Peterson, a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick, had missed the past seven games. He played 17 minutes in the first half but only six in the second. Tre White led the Jayhawks with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Missouri’s Mark Mitchell scored 21 points. The game, held at T-Mobile Center, saw Kansas fans create a lively atmosphere. Kansas extended its lead to 20 early in the second half and maintained control throughout.
WORDS: 383 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 2:25 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Peterson
Peterson returns from injury with 17 points, leading No. 21 KU past Mizzou despite flu-like symptoms
SUMMARY: Kansas has shown it can compete with top teams without Darryn Peterson. On Sunday, they proved they can dominate with him. Peterson returned from a hamstring injury to score 17 points in 23 minutes against Missouri, leading the No. 21 Jayhawks to an 80-60 victory. Despite flu-like symptoms, Peterson’s presence made a significant impact. Kansas coach Bill Self praised his efficiency and influence on the game. Peterson had missed games due to his injury, but his return has been a boost for the team. Self believes the scrutiny Peterson faces will prepare him for the NBA.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 3:31 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Mississippi-Kansas St
Brandie Harrod’s clutch layup lifts Kansas State women to 61-60 win over No. 13 Mississippi
SUMMARY: Brandie Harrod’s layup with 1 second remaining lifted Kansas State to a 61-60 victory over No. 13 Mississippi in the third annual Dan Snyder Classic. Neither team led by more than four points in the fourth quarter and it was 56-all heading to the final minute of regulation. Sira Thienou hit two free throws for a 58-56 lead for the Rebels with 48 seconds remaining. A three-point play by Taryn Sides, who scored 13 points, gave K-State a 59-58 lead then Cotie McMahon scored in the paint to put the Rebels back in front with 16 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Harrod, a freshman, scored ahead of the final horn to give the Wildcats the victory.
WORDS: 360 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 4:31 p.m. CST
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SOC–World Sevens Soccer
World Sevens 7v7 women’s soccer wraps up US debut with champion Wave winning $2 million
SUMMARY: The World Sevens soccer tournament crowned its second champion on Sunday as the innovative seven-on-seven event for professional clubs made its U.S. debut with teams from North, Central and South America. The NWSL’s San Diego Wave defeated Mexico’s Tigres UANL 3-0 in Sunday’s final of the three-day tournament, played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The prize purse for the tournament was $5 million, with $2 million going to the Wave. The first World Sevens tournament was held in Portugal in May, featuring mostly European teams. The winner was Germany’s Bayern Munich women.
WORDS: 542 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 5:39 p.m. CST
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FBC–No Bowl
Bowl officials seek 5-7 teams to fill in after Irish, Iowa St, Kansas St say they’re done for year
SUMMARY: Bowl organizers were left scrambling to create matchups after Notre Dame, Iowa State and Kansas State announced they would decline bids despite being eligible. There are 41 bowls this year, and 82 teams won the necessary six games to be eligible. That changed when Iowa State and Kansas State teams going through coaching changes nearly simultaneously said they were hanging up their cleats for the season. Notre Dame followed a few hours later after it was announced the Irish were the first team left out of the College Football Playoff. Mississippi State, Rice and Appalachian State are 5-7 teams that will play in bowls.
WORDS: 776 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 11:17 a.m. CST
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FBN–Texans-Chiefs
Texans stifle Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs in 20-10 victory to keep pace in AFC South race
SUMMARY: The Houston Texans have won their fifth straight game. They relied on the NFL’s top-ranked defense to shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, and Houston came away from Arrowhead Stadium with a 20-10 victory over Kansas City on Sunday night. Nico Collins contributed four catches for 121 yards, and Dare Ogunbowale added a go-ahead touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Texans remained a game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South. The Chiefs fell to 6-7 and are in danger of missing the playoffs.
WORDS: 967 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 10:44 p.m. CST
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FBN–Texans-Chiefs Injuries
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
SUMMARY: The Chiefs have lost left tackle Wanya Morris to a knee injury against the Houston Texans. That left rookie Esa Pole to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. The Chiefs are already playing with a makeshift offensive line. Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons is on injured reserve after wrist surgery, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor was inactive with a triceps injury. Jaylon Moore started at right tackle, and Mike Caliendo filled in for injured right guard Trey Smith. Later in the first quarter, Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie suffered a knee injury. Also, the Texans lost running back Nick Chubb to a rib injury.
WORDS: 561 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 7:44 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ playoff hopes dim after 20-10 loss to Texans
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have faced a tough season, highlighted by a 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday night. Despite trailing 17-10 with just over six minutes left, the Chiefs couldn’t capitalize, with Rashee Rice dropping a crucial fourth-down pass. Injuries have plagued the team, but ongoing issues like penalties, dropped passes, and blown coverages have been more damaging. The Chiefs, now 6-7, need a strong finish to have any playoff hopes. Their defense has been a bright spot with the Chargers up next Sunday.
WORDS: 726 – MOVED: 12/08/2025 9:43 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Commanders-Vikings
McCarthy, Vikings rebound with 31-0 win over reeling Commanders, who lose Daniels to injury again
SUMMARY: J.J. McCarthy threw a career-high three touchdown passes in his first turnover-free game, returning from his latest injury absence in prime form for the Minnesota Vikings in a 31-0 victory that sent the Washington Commanders to their eighth straight loss. McCarthy went 16 for 23 for 163 yards in his seventh NFL start. He sat out last week with a concussion while the Vikings were shut out for the first time in 18 years. McCarthy hit his tight ends for all three scores, two to Josh Oliver and one to T.J. Hockenson. The Vikings are 5-8. The Commanders are 3-10.
WORDS: 851 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 3:01 p.m. CST
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FBN–Commanders-Daniels
QB Jayden Daniels out again for Commanders after landing hard on previously injured left elbow
SUMMARY: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was forced out again at Minnesota after landing hard on his previously injured left elbow during an interception return. Daniels missed the past three games. The Commanders faced fourth-and-1 from the Minnesota 30 in the third quarter when Daniels tried a quick throw to his left that Vikings edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel leaped to deflect and secure before a 40-yard runback. Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers delivered a clean block on Daniels during the return with a two-handed shove to the chest that caused him to lose his balance and land on his left elbow.
WORDS: 601 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 2:02 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Maryland-Minnesota
No. 7 Maryland scores 10 points in less than a minute to beat Minnesota in double OT, 100-99
SUMMARY: Saylor Poffenbarger had 30 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 7 Maryland scored 10 straight points with less than a minute remaining in double overtime to beat Minnesota 100-99. Oluchi Okananwa had 25 points and eight rebounds for the undefeated Terrapins, who trailed 99-90 with less than a minute to play in the second overtime. Poffenbarger hit two free throws, and then the Gophers turned it over on the in-bounds pass twice in a row. Steals by Kyndal Walker and Okananwa resulted in three-point plays for each, cutting Minnesota’s lead to one with 35 seconds to play. Poffenbarger completed the comeback on a layup with 10 seconds remaining.
WORDS: 362 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 6:06 p.m. CST
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FBC–Baylor AD
Doug McNamee named as Baylor’s athletic director, replacing Mack Rhoades
SUMMARY: Doug McNamee has been named Baylor University’s athletic director. He replaces Mack Rhoades, who stepped down for personal reasons last month after nine years as AD. The school announced McNamee’s hiring on Monday. McNamee, a Baylor graduate, previously served as senior associate AD for external affairs at the university. He left in 2018 to become president of Magnolia, a lifestyle company founded by Baylor alums Chip and Joanna Gaines. McNamee in 2022 went to oversee Field & Stream’s revitalization as that company’s president.
WORDS: 482 – MOVED: 12/08/2025 9:56 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BKC–T25-Missouri-Kansas
Darryn Peterson scores 17 in return from injury, No. 21 Kansas beats rival Missouri 80-60
SUMMARY: Darryn Peterson scores 17 points in his return from a hamstring injury, helping No. 21 Kansas secure an 80-60 victory over Missouri on Sunday. Peterson, a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick, had missed the past seven games. He played 17 minutes in the first half but only six in the second. Tre White led the Jayhawks with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Missouri’s Mark Mitchell scored 21 points. The game, held at T-Mobile Center, saw Kansas fans create a lively atmosphere. Kansas extended its lead to 20 early in the second half and maintained control throughout.
WORDS: 383 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 2:25 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Peterson
Peterson returns from injury with 17 points, leading No. 21 KU past Mizzou despite flu-like symptoms
SUMMARY: Kansas has shown it can compete with top teams without Darryn Peterson. On Sunday, they proved they can dominate with him. Peterson returned from a hamstring injury to score 17 points in 23 minutes against Missouri, leading the No. 21 Jayhawks to an 80-60 victory. Despite flu-like symptoms, Peterson’s presence made a significant impact. Kansas coach Bill Self praised his efficiency and influence on the game. Peterson had missed games due to his injury, but his return has been a boost for the team. Self believes the scrutiny Peterson faces will prepare him for the NBA.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 3:31 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Mississippi-Kansas St
Brandie Harrod’s clutch layup lifts Kansas State women to 61-60 win over No. 13 Mississippi
SUMMARY: Brandie Harrod’s layup with 1 second remaining lifted Kansas State to a 61-60 victory over No. 13 Mississippi in the third annual Dan Snyder Classic. Neither team led by more than four points in the fourth quarter and it was 56-all heading to the final minute of regulation. Sira Thienou hit two free throws for a 58-56 lead for the Rebels with 48 seconds remaining. A three-point play by Taryn Sides, who scored 13 points, gave K-State a 59-58 lead then Cotie McMahon scored in the paint to put the Rebels back in front with 16 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Harrod, a freshman, scored ahead of the final horn to give the Wildcats the victory.
WORDS: 360 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 4:31 p.m. CST
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FBN–Dolphins-Jets Injuries
Dolphins’ Achane leaves with a rib injury; Jets rookie QB Cook steps in for injured Taylor
SUMMARY: Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane left the 34-10 victory against the New York Jets after injuring his ribs. Achane was slow to walk off the field after a 29-yard run late in the second quarter Sunday. Coach Mike McDaniel said Achane could have returned in an emergency. Achane ran for 92 yards and a touchdown on seven carries before leaving. Jets rookie quarterback Brady Cook made his regular-season NFL debut when he replaced the injured Tyrod Taylor in the first quarter. Cook was signed in May as an undrafted free agent. He finished 14 of 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions.
WORDS: 728 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 12:59 p.m. CST
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BKC–Central Michigan-Saint Louis
Quentin Jones’ 19 points lead Saint Louis over Central Michigan 107-65
SUMMARY: Led by Quentin Jones’ 19 points, the Saint Louis Billikens defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 107-65. The Chippewas were led by Tamario Adley, who recorded 19 points, six rebounds and four assists.
WORDS: 194 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 5:33 p.m. CST
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HKN–Blues-Canadiens
Blues captain Brayden Schenn has 2 goals and an assist in 4-3 win over the Canadiens
SUMMARY: St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn had two goals and an assist and the Blues beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Sunday to complete a three-game trip with their second victory in two nights. On Saturday in Ottawa, the Blues beat the Senators 2-1. The Canadiens also played Saturday night, winning 2-1 in a shootout at Toronto. Dylan Holloway scored and assisted on both of Schenn’s goals. Pavel Buchnevich also scored, and Jordan Binnington made 23 saves. Cole Caufield scored his 16th goal of the season for Montreal to extend his points steak to 11 games. Defensemen Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson also scored, and Jakub Dobes stopped 14 shots.
WORDS: 303 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 8:57 p.m. CST
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FBN–Texans-Chiefs
Texans stifle Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs in 20-10 victory to keep pace in AFC South race
SUMMARY: The Houston Texans have won their fifth straight game. They relied on the NFL’s top-ranked defense to shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, and Houston came away from Arrowhead Stadium with a 20-10 victory over Kansas City on Sunday night. Nico Collins contributed four catches for 121 yards, and Dare Ogunbowale added a go-ahead touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Texans remained a game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South. The Chiefs fell to 6-7 and are in danger of missing the playoffs.
WORDS: 967 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 10:44 p.m. CST
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FBN–Texans-Chiefs Injuries
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
SUMMARY: The Chiefs have lost left tackle Wanya Morris to a knee injury against the Houston Texans. That left rookie Esa Pole to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. The Chiefs are already playing with a makeshift offensive line. Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons is on injured reserve after wrist surgery, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor was inactive with a triceps injury. Jaylon Moore started at right tackle, and Mike Caliendo filled in for injured right guard Trey Smith. Later in the first quarter, Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie suffered a knee injury. Also, the Texans lost running back Nick Chubb to a rib injury.
WORDS: 561 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 7:44 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ playoff hopes dim after 20-10 loss to Texans
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have faced a tough season, highlighted by a 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday night. Despite trailing 17-10 with just over six minutes left, the Chiefs couldn’t capitalize, with Rashee Rice dropping a crucial fourth-down pass. Injuries have plagued the team, but ongoing issues like penalties, dropped passes, and blown coverages have been more damaging. The Chiefs, now 6-7, need a strong finish to have any playoff hopes. Their defense has been a bright spot with the Chargers up next Sunday.
WORDS: 726 – MOVED: 12/08/2025 9:43 a.m. CST
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BBO–Gray-Yankees
Cashman says Gray expressed desire to play for Yankees at behest of agent to protect value
SUMMARY: Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says Sonny Gray admitted he expressed a desire to play in New York at his agent’s behest so as not to harm his free-agency value. Cashman says Gray didn’t voice his dislike of the city until after the 2018 trade deadline. Gray was acquired by Boston from St. Louis last month and spoke of his time in New York during a Zoom news conference on Dec. 2. He said New York wasn’t a good situation for him and his family. Gray was traded from Oakland to the Yankees in July 2017 and went 15-16 with a 4.52 ERA over 1 1/2 seasons.
WORDS: 875 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 10:23 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKW–T25-Women’s Poll
Big Ten ties record with nine teams in AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll; UConn, Texas still 1-2
SUMMARY: The Big Ten has matched the Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball record with nine ranked teams. The conference set the mark last year and has three teams in the top 10 alone. UConn remains No. 1, receiving 23 first-place votes, while Texas is second place with nine votes. The top 10 remains unchanged this week.
WORDS: 516 – MOVED: 12/08/2025 11:00 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–CFP-Rose Bowl
No. 1 Indiana will face Oklahoma or Alabama in Rose Bowl after topping the CFP bracket
SUMMARY: No. 1 Indiana is headed to its first Rose Bowl in 58 years to face Oklahoma or Alabama. The Hoosiers made a storybook transformation into a college football powerhouse over the past two years, and now they’re headed to the most fabled arena in the sport. Indiana formally received its invitation Sunday to the 112th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All, which doubles as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Coach Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers will learn the identity of their blue-blood opponent after the Sooners host the Crimson Tide in a rematch of Oklahoma’s 23-21 victory over Alabama on Nov. 15.
WORDS: 903 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 12:13 p.m. CST
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BKN-Thunder-Jazz
Thunder improve to 23-1 with 15th straight victory, routing Jazz 131-101
SUMMARY: Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each scored 25 points and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder improved to 23-1 with their 15th straight victory, routing the Utah Jazz 131-101 on Sunday night. Holmgren added nine rebounds, and Williams had eight assists. Aaron Wiggins scored 19 points. Oklahoma City shot 58% from the field and made 21 3-pointers. The Thunder scored 27 points off 17 Utah turnovers. Kyle Filipkowski led the Jazz with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks added 20 points apiece. Clayton had nine assists. Both teams played without their leading scorers. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined because of left elbow bursitis. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen sat out with an undisclosed illness.
WORDS: 286 – MOVED: 12/07/2025 9:46 p.m. CST
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