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Folarin Balogun gets the nod from Mauricio Pochettino as the United States opens its round-of-sixteen campaign against Belgium in Seattle on Monday. The young striker earns his spot in the starting eleven with the nation watching, and the weight of a World Cup knockout match on his shoulders. No pressure, kid.
Shifting to the hardwood, Nikola Jokic isn't going anywhere — but he's also not rushing to sign anything. The three-time MVP confirmed he wants to stay in Denver long-term, yet he's choosing to wait until next summer to put pen to paper on an extension with the Nuggets. Jokic playing it cool, as always, while the front office holds its breath until two thousand twenty seven.
And in Boston, Brad Stevens is doing his best to explain the unthinkable. The Celtics president told fans that trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia was the right opportunity for the franchise, but it's hard to imagine that landing softly in a city that just watched a cornerstone of a championship roster walk out the door. Stevens has some convincing left to do.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
