Author: Don Yaeger

Let’s start here: if you want to be great, you’d better have a short memory. That may sound like an odd statement, but it was the major takeaway from the weekend’s NBA action. Whether you’re talking about Steph Curry’s dismal Game 6, Damien Lillard’s abysmal Game 7, or Kawai Leonard’s long struggle in Toronto’s final game, the Conference Semifinals ended far differently than they began.

Have you ever screwed up so badly you wanted to go into hiding? It’s a natural response to failure. We don’t like to own our mistakes, because they make us feel small. Unworthy. Less than human. Know what’s not a natural response to failure?

I’ve sat down twice in the last few days to enjoy the Golden State Warriors versus the Houston Rockets in the NBA playoffs. Like a lot of hoop-heads, I’ve been savoring this matchup since these teams went seven games in the Western Conference finals a year ago. Stephen Curry against the indomitable Chris Paul. Kevin Durant against the crafty Clint Capella. James Harden against anybody. These are the matchups that...

On Thursday night, the National Football League will host an event that’s become one of the league’s crown jewels: the annual player draft. This year, the draft is in Nashville, and while there’s sure to be plenty of parties and activities, the real show will be what happens on stage. Because that’s what Thursday night’s first round has become: a show. Same with Friday night’s second and third rounds. The NFL draft...

After starting the day bright and early to avoid the threat of thunderstorms, the 18th hole of Augusta National was hit by a roll of thunder yesterday afternoon that no meteorologist could have predicted. But no one panicked. No one ran for cover. No one cried—unless they were tears of joy.

One of the most storied programs in NCAA basketball history just hired a new head coach. The press release quoted UCLA’s athletic director, Dan Guererro, as “excited to welcome him to Westwood.” I should hope so. Especially since former Cincinnati Mick Cronin was the only coach who seemed willing to say yes when offered the chance to lead UCLA. The Bruins search for Steve Alford’s replacement took almost four months...

If you and I went to an empty basketball gym, and I walked you to the free throw line, handed you a ball, and asked you to make one free throw, would you feel good about your chances of sinking it? What if I asked you to make three in a row? Would you still feel good?