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Articles by Kevin Topley
Kyle Shanahan, 49ers to discuss kicker situation after Eddy Piñeiro misses again Original
Kyle Shanahan does not have an answer yet on who his kicker will be going forward. He expects the conversation to start on the 49ers' plane ride home. The 49ers lost 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday for their first defeat of the season, and Eddy Piñeiro's missed extra point after Kyle Juszczyk's 1-yard touchdown catch with 5:05 left kept San Francisco down 26-20. It was Piñeiro's fourth missed extra point this season.
Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski not expected to play in Warriors vs. Suns game Original
The Warriors are 0-2 and are not expected to have both starting guards available when they play the second night of a back-to-back Saturday in Phoenix. After Friday's 111-108 home-opener loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Brandin Podziemski said he will not play, and Steph Curry said he probably will not. Podziemski missed the season opener with a back injury and returned Friday to score 18 points. He said the issue was minor in his postgame press conference.
Yaroslav Askarov's career-high 41 saves fuels Sharks' dominant win vs. Senators Original
The Sharks finally won in regulation, and they needed their goalie to do it. San Jose beat the Ottawa Senators 6-2 on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre, earning its first regulation win of the season in the team's 11th game. Each of the Sharks' first five victories had come in overtime or a shootout. Yaroslav Askarov stopped 41 of 43 shots, a career high, topping the 39 he made in a December 2024 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
Ex-Luka Dončić teammate sends warning to Yaxel Lendeborg after trash-talk Original
Luka Dončić's former teammate has a warning for Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, who played with Dončić in Dallas before the current Los Angeles Lakers' star was traded, commented on an Instagram post featuring Lendeborg's postgame remarks on Thursday.
Doug Christie urges Kings to ‘calm down' after loss to Clippers in season opener Original
The Kings' season opener got away from them in a hurry. Doug Christie wants them to calm down. Sacramento trailed 41-29 after the first quarter Wednesday night, and that came against a Clippers team missing Brandon Ingram, Max Strus and Bradley Beal. The Kings trimmed the deficit to five early in the third quarter but never led, and Los Angeles pulled away for a 121-96 win at Intuit Dome. It was not the group Sacramento planned to open with.
Warriors reportedly contacted Bucks about Kristaps Porziņģis trade amid illness Original
The Warriors have contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential Kristaps Porziņģis trade, "The Athletic's" Sam Amick and Nick Friedell reported Wednesday, citing a league source. The Bucks are among the teams Golden State recently has reached out to, according to the source, who spoke anonymously to describe ongoing deliberations.
Kings' Maxime Raynaud opens up about relationship with Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Original
NBC Universal, Inc. Kings center Maxime Raynaud joins Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan at media day to discuss Sacramento’s rebuild and his connection to Victor Wembanyama. Second-year Kings center Maxime Raynaud spent the summer sharing a locker room with players he used to watch on television. But one of them, he says, happens to be the best in the world -- and his good friend.
Why Kyle Shanahan gives 49ers' Brock Purdy No. 1 compliment he can bestow on QB
Programming note: Watch Matt Maiocco's full interview with Kyle Shanahan on "49ers Game Plan," airing Saturday at 9 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area. Kyle Shanahan has a word for a quarterback he trusts completely. For 49ers signal-caller Brock Purdy, it is "automatic." Purdy enters Monday night's Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders five pass attempts shy of the 1,500 needed to qualify for the NFL's career passer rating leaderboard.
Why Kyle Shanahan gives 49ers' Brock Purdy No. 1 compliment he can bestow on QB
Why Kyle Shanahan gives 49ers' Brock Purdy No. 1 compliment he can bestow on QB Why Kyle Shanahan gives 49ers' Brock Purdy No. 1 compliment he can bestow on QB originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area Programming note: Watch Matt Maiocco's full interview with Kyle Shanahan on "49ers Game Plan," airing Saturday at 9 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area. Kyle Shanahan has a word for a quarterback he trusts completely.
Brock Purdy credits DC Raheem Morris' scheme for 49ers QB's aggressive mindset
Brock Purdy credits part of his success and aggressive approach this season to the 49ers defense he faced every day in training camp. Through five games, Purdy has thrown 13 touchdown passes -- the most in the NFL -- and only two interceptions, while ranking second in passer rating at 119.3. San Francisco is 5-0, and NFL.com ranked Purdy No. 1 in its MVP tracker after the first five weeks.
Remarkable Mike Evans-Brandin Cooks trivia question stumps 49ers QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy was a high school freshman in 2014, the year Mike Evans and Brandin Cooks entered the NFL. Now he throws to both of them on the 49ers, and Evans has been quizzing the quarterback during warm-ups. "Mike does a lot of trivia, you know, with all the guys and stuff when we're warming up for practice and stuff, and he's like, 'You know who won the Biletnikoff my year in college?'" Purdy told reporters Friday.
Brock Purdy credits DC Raheem Morris' scheme for 49ers QB's aggressive approach in 2026 NFL season
5 hours ago Brock Purdy Talks Team's 'Locked In' Mindset, Chemistry with Mike Evans and Brandin Cooks | 49ers www.youtube.com on YouTube • 5h #49ers #nfl San Francisco 49ers QB Brock shares how the defense sharpened the offense during training camp and the growing chemistry with wide receivers Mike Evans and Brandin Cooks.
New Warriors addition Brandon Williams addresses his viral meme with Steph Curry Original
New Warriors addition Brandon Williams spent last year trying to get under Steph Curry's skin. Now he spends his days trying to learn from him. The two share a strange history built almost entirely on viral moments. In a February 2025 Dallas Mavericks win over the Warriors, Williams shrugged on an imaginary backpack and flexed his muscles directly at Curry near the free-throw line -- timed perfectly so Curry's back was turned the entire time.
Ben Simmons sheds light on why he signed with Kings, what he can bring to team Original
Ben Simmons had a simple theory about where he would end up this offseason. Whichever team actually showed up to see him in person, rather than just offering a camp invite, would be the one that signed him for real. That is exactly how his story with the Kings played out. Speaking at Media Day with NBC Sports California's Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan, Simmons explained his thinking when asked why Sacramento made sense as his landing spot.
Ivar Stenberg scores first NHL goal as bright spot in Sharks' loss to Bruins Original
Two Sharks hit milestones Tuesday night. The Boston Bruins still skated out of SAP Center with a 6-3 win. Jacob Trouba got San Jose on the board first, scoring his first goal as a Shark late in the first period as a San Jose power play was expiring. His shot from the top of the zone beat Jeremy Swayman and tied the game 1-1 after Fraser Minten gave Boston the early lead, with Kiefer Sherwood and Dmitry Orlov assisting.
Ivar Stenberg scores first NHL goal as bright spot in Sharks' loss to Bruins
Two Sharks hit milestones Tuesday night. The Boston Bruins still skated out of SAP Center with a 6-3 win. Jacob Trouba got San Jose on the board first, scoring his first goal as a Shark late in the first period as a San Jose power play was expiring. His shot from the top of the zone beat Jeremy Swayman and tied the game 1-1 after Fraser Minten gave Boston the early lead, with Kiefer Sherwood and Dmitry Orlov assisting. Charlie McAvoy put Boston back in front 2-1 before the period ended.
Kyle Shanahan states Dre Greenlaw must be smarter after Seahawks 'baited' him
Kyle Shanahan had no problem with the officials' decision to eject Dre Greenlaw, and made it clear the 49ers linebacker has to be smarter. Greenlaw was tossed with 6:30 left in the first half of the 49ers' 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field, with San Francisco leading 14-10. After Greenlaw hit quarterback Sam Darnold late on a scramble toward the Seahawks' sideline, several Seattle players surrounded him, including linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet.
Kyle Shanahan states Dre Greenlaw must be smarter after Seahawks ‘baited' him
Kyle Shanahan had no problem with the officials' decision to eject Dre Greenlaw, and made it clear the 49ers linebacker has to be smarter. Greenlaw was tossed with 6:30 left in the first half of the 49ers' 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field, with San Francisco leading 14-10. After Greenlaw hit quarterback Sam Darnold late on a scramble toward the Seahawks' sideline, several Seattle players surrounded him, including linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet.
Kings center Maxime Raynaud out at least two weeks with right knee injury Original
Maxime Raynaud will miss at least the next two weeks with a right knee injury, the Kings announced Sunday. An MRI revealed a right patellar subluxation -- a partial dislocation of the kneecap -- and the second-year center will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. The Kings announce a minimum two-week absence for Maxime Raynaud after an MRI confirmed a right patellar subluxation in his knee.
Kings GM Scott Perry responds to reported ‘prolonged roast' at team dinner Original
Kings general manager Scott Perry says the team dinner story of a "prolonged roast" making the rounds this week does not match what he saw in the room.
Kyle Shanahan shares how 49ers plan to fill void from Kyle Juszczyk's injury
Kyle Shanahan does not have a clean one-for-one replacement for 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Juszczyk left Sunday's 24-14 Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos after catching a 16-yard pass from Brock Purdy and absorbing a hard hit to his knee from Jahdae Barron. An MRI revealed a knee sprain and a bone bruise, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting Juszczyk is expected to miss two to three weeks.
Kyle Shanahan shares how 49ers plan to fill void from Kyle Juszczyk's injury
NBC Universal, Inc. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks with reporters Monday following San Francisco’s 24-14 Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos. Kyle Shanahan does not have a clean one-for-one replacement for 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Juszczyk left Sunday's 24-14 Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos after catching a 16-yard pass from Brock Purdy and absorbing a hard hit to his knee from Jahdae Barron.
Warriors' Jimmy Butler believes Steph Curry is greatest he's ever played with Original
Jimmy Butler has played alongside a lot of talented teammates across 16 NBA seasons, but none of them compare to the one he has now. Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area's Kerith Burke at Warriors Media Day on Sept. 28, Butler was asked to reflect on the kind of longevity most athletes only dream about as he enters his 16th year in the league. "My knee aches a little bit, but outside of that, I feel amazing," Butler said, referencing his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL.
Igor Chernyshov's game-winner lifts Sharks past Kings in another OT thriller Original
Two nights after an overtime classic against the Florida Panthers, the Sharks did it again. San Jose beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-4 in overtime on Saturday, with Igor Chernyshov scoring twice -- including the game-winner with 1:42 remaining in the extra period -- to give the Sharks consecutive overtime victories to open the 2026-27 NHL season. ANOTHER OT WINNER AT THE TANK.
Warriors' Steve Kerr was ‘shocked' by Steph Curry's eye condition revelation Original
NBC Universal, Inc. On “Dubs Talk,” NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke sits down with Warriors coach Steve Kerr to preview Golden State’s 2026-27 NBA season. Steve Kerr had noticed something about Warriors' star Steph Curry for years. He just never knew what it actually was. Curry recently told "People Magazine" he was diagnosed with keratoconus, a rare and progressive eye condition, back in 2018 -- disclosing it with a joke about his eventual memoir title.
How young, veteran Sharks players bond so easily to form close-knit group Original
NBC Universal, Inc. San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky sits down with NBC Sports California’s Natalie Noury to preview the 2026-27 NHL season. Ryan Warsofsky has coached at nearly every level of hockey. He says this Sharks group feels different from anything he has seen before.
Giants' farm system earns top honor from MLB Pipeline after massive jump in 2026 Original
The Giants officially have been named baseball's best farm system -- a stunning turnaround for an organization that entered the season with real questions about its player development pipeline. MLB Pipeline named the Giants its 2026 Farm System of the Year, crediting San Francisco's jump from No. 19 in the preseason rankings to No. 5 at midseason, the largest climb of any organization in baseball.
Sharks' offseason defensive additions give team intimidating size on blue line Original
The Sharks spent this offseason making one thing clear: their blue line will not be easy to play against anymore. San Jose signed Jacob Trouba to a four-year, $33 million contract on July 1 and, that same day, acquired Darnell Nurse in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, taking on the four years and $9.25 million annual salary remaining on his deal.
Why Steve Kerr doesn't mind the low external expectations placed on Warriors Original
Steve Kerr and Steph Curry are approaching the same uncomfortable reality in very different ways. At Monday's Warriors Media Day, Kerr was asked whether Golden State's unusually low external expectations this season -- after a 37-45 finish and an NBA Play-In Tournament exit a year ago -- might actually allow the team to play freely. Kerr embraced the premise without hesitation. "I don't mind the fact that everyone's picking us to miss the playoffs.
Why Steve Kerr doesn't mind the low external expectations placed on Warriors
Steve Kerr and Steph Curry are approaching the same uncomfortable reality in very different ways. At Monday's Warriors Media Day, Kerr was asked whether Golden State's unusually low external expectations this season -- after a 37-45 finish and an NBA Play-In Tournament exit a year ago -- might actually allow the team to play freely. Kerr embraced the premise without hesitation. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are "I don't mind the fact that everyone's picking us to miss the playoffs.
Why Brock Purdy jokingly called George Kittle ‘selfish' after 49ers' Week 3 win
Brock Purdy had a 45-yard touchdown run erased Sunday. He knew exactly who to blame. George Kittle's holding penalty wiped out the score, and Purdy responded by finding Kittle for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 1:31 left, the play that iced the 49ers' 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals and moved San Francisco to 3-0. Asked afterward whether he had to grit his teeth to throw that touchdown to the man who cost him one, Purdy did not need long to answer.
Why Kyle Shanahan didn't initially believe 49ers would bring back Deebo Samuel
Kyle Shanahan did not think the 49ers would have a real role for Deebo Samuel when free agency opened. Three injuries later, that entirely has changed. Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco on 49ers Game Plan , Shanahan explained just how crowded the 49ers' receiver room looked when Samuel became available — and why signing him did not initially make much practical sense.
Why Kyle Shanahan didn't initially believe 49ers would bring back Deebo Samuel Original
Kyle Shanahan did not think the 49ers would have a real role for Deebo Samuel when free agency opened. Three injuries later, that entirely has changed. Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco on 49ers Game Plan, Shanahan explained just how crowded the 49ers' receiver room looked when Samuel became available -- and why signing him did not initially make much practical sense.
What Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini learned from Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton
Sharks star Macklin Celebrini has had plenty of time to think about what leadership means to him this year -- and it started long before Joe Thornton ever handed him the captain's jersey for the first time on Friday. Celebrini captained Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship, sharing a locker room with veterans like Sidney Crosby, J.T. Miller and Ryan O'Reilly. Reflecting on that experience, Celebrini said the responsibility never felt like something he had to carry alone.
What Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini learned from Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton
What Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini learned from Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton What Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini learned from Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area Sharks star Macklin Celebrini has had plenty of time to think about what leadership means to him this year — and it started long before Joe Thornton ever handed him the captain's jersey for the first time on Friday.
Trent Williams declares Brock Purdy is in his prime, will be a 'sight to behold'
Trent Williams has blocked the left side of NFL quarterbacks for nearly two decades. His read on Brock Purdy right now carries the weight of that experience. Asked what impressed him most about Purdy's performance in Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins, Williams did not hesitate to make a bold declaration about where his quarterback stands. “It's hard for me to tell because I just see the ball coming over my head, but it was extremely accurate,” Williams said.
49ers QB Brock Purdy's confidence highlighted by trait his teammates love
George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk have seen Brock Purdy's confidence grow in ways that go well beyond the box score. Asked how that growth has shown up in specific moments, Kittle pointed immediately to a throw Purdy made against the in the 49ers' 35-13 win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. "Watching how he handles the ball -- that pass he threw to Mike Evans. He rolls out, pump fakes a guy, keeps his eyes downfield and throws it," Kittle said.
49ers QB Brock Purdy's confidence highlighted by trait his teammates love
George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk have seen Brock Purdy's confidence grow in ways that go well beyond the box score. Asked how that growth has shown up in specific moments, Kittle pointed immediately to a throw Purdy made against the in the 49ers' 35-13 win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are "Watching how he handles the ball -- that pass he threw to Mike Evans. He rolls out, pump fakes a guy, keeps his eyes downfield and throws it," Kittle said.
Trent Williams declares Brock Purdy is in his prime, will be a ‘sight to behold'
Getty Trent Williams has blocked the left side of NFL quarterbacks for nearly two decades. His read on Brock Purdy right now carries the weight of that experience. Asked what impressed him most about Purdy's performance in Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins, Williams did not hesitate to make a bold declaration about where his quarterback stands. "It's hard for me to tell because I just see the ball coming over my head, but it was extremely accurate," Williams said.
Trent Williams declares Brock Purdy is in his prime, will be a ‘sight to behold'
Trent Williams has blocked the left side of NFL quarterbacks for nearly two decades. His read on Brock Purdy right now carries the weight of that experience. Asked what impressed him most about Purdy's performance in Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins, Williams did not hesitate to make a bold declaration about where his quarterback stands.
49ers achieve franchise first with back-to-back blowout wins to open the season Original
The 49ers have never opened a season quite like this. With a 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 and a 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, it marks the first time in franchise history the 49ers have opened a season with back-to-back victories by 20 or more points, according to San Francisco's game notes. The offensive line deserves equal credit for the milestone.
Kyle Shanahan hints at free-agent defensive lineman who could help 49ers
NBC Universal, Inc. On “49ers Talk,” Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss Brock Purdy’s growth, WR injury concerns and Mykel Williams’ potential return. Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers already have reached out to a familiar face as their defensive line injuries continue to mount. During his postgame press conference, Shanahan was asked whether the 49ers had looked into free-agent edge rusher Leonard Floyd, who spent the 2024 NFL season with the team, Shanahan didn't hesitate.
Kyle Shanahan hints at free-agent defensive lineman who could help 49ers
Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers already have reached out to a familiar face as their defensive line injuries continue to mount. During his postgame press conference, Shanahan was asked whether the 49ers had looked into free-agent edge rusher Leonard Floyd, who spent the 2024 NFL season with the team, Shanahan didn't hesitate. "Yeah, we always look at that," Shanahan said. "As soon as we lost Sam [Okuayinonu], and stuff, we talked to Leonard.
Matt Wilkinson shines in Giants' final away game despite 3-1 loss to Dodgers Original
The Giants dropped the finale of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, falling 3-1 to complete a sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers -- but the loss came with a genuine bright spot in rookie left-hander Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson. Making his fifth career start, Wilkinson delivered his best outing yet at the major league level, throwing five shutout innings on 76 pitches, allowing three hits and no walks while striking out six.
Jed York reportedly away from 49ers with possible NFL punishment coming soon Original
49ers owner Jed York will be absent from the team once again this weekend. York, who was in Australia for the 49ers' Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams, but did not attend the game, also will skip Sunday's home opener against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium, with a possible punishment from the NFL soon to follow, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning, citing sources.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan explains why he's so hard on young CB Renardo Green
Programming note: Watch Matt Maiocco's full interview with Kyle Shanahan on "49ers Game Plan," airing Friday at 9 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area. Kyle Shanahan has a history of getting on Renardo Green. On Friday's episode of "49ers Game Plan," he explained exactly why when speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. Asked about Green's progression from where he finished last season to his performance in Week 1, Shanahan did not hesitate to describe his approach with the young cornerback.
Kyle Shanahan gives honest answer on 49ers playing another NFL game in Australia
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan saw the trap in the question before he even answered it. A reporter referenced Sean McVay's blunt comments from a day earlier, when the Rams coach said he hoped Los Angeles would "never" play in Australia again following his team's 27-7 loss to the 49ers in their 2026 NFL season opener. Asked whether he shared that sentiment now that the trip was behind him, Shanahan smirked before answering. "You're really trying to get me in trouble," Shanahan said.
Kaelon Black enjoyed ‘eye-opening' moment with 49ers star tackle Trent Williams
Kaelon Black already has met one of his childhood favorites since arriving in the NFL. He didn't expect the other one to leave him this stunned. Appearing on "The Richard Sherman Podcast," the 49ers rookie running back was asked whether any moments since turning pro had left him genuinely in awe -- the kind of reaction Sherman noted is still human nature for any young player who grew up watching the NFL. Christian McCaffrey was the first name Black brought up.
Steph Curry reveals Li-Ning sneaker release date, his future with Warriors Original
Steph Curry announced he has a new signature shoe on the way. He also used the occasion to make his intentions with the Warriors unmistakably clear. Curry told CNBC on Thursday that his signature shoe with Li-Ning, the Chinese footwear company he signed a reported 10-year, $400 million contract with after 13 years with Under Armour, will debut early next year.
George Kittle recalls first big play with Brock Purdy during QB's breakout game Original
Nobody expected 49ers QB Brock Purdy to be the story of Dec. 4, 2022. By halftime, he already was. Purdy, the final pick of that year's draft, had thrown nine total passes in the NFL before Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a season-ending broken foot in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins. What happened over the next 30 minutes became the foundation of everything that followed. George Kittle remembered the shape of it clearly, speaking at his press conference Thursday.
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