Sports Perspectives

Erin Popovich’s death puts game in perspective for Spurs, Warriors

In a May, 2017 file photo, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich walks on the sideline during the second quarter of a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors in San Antonio, Texas.<br>Jose Carlos Fajardo, Bay Area News Group/TNS

Game 3 it didn’t seem all that important in the build-up to tip-off Thursday. And even after the game started it didn’t feel like the most important game of the year in the AT&T Center. That’s what happens when someone the entire NBA knows and respects endures a personal tragedy.

In a January, 2017 file photo, The Sacramento Kings' Matt Barnes reacts at the conclusion of a 122-119 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.<br>Steven M. Falk, Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS

PERSPECTIVE

'All my best games I was medicated': Matt Barnes on his game-day use of marijuana

During his 15-year NBA career, Matt Barnes developed a reliable game-day routine. First there was the morning shoot-around. Then he'd go home for a rest, where he'd do what so many NBA players do during those long afternoons: nap, shower, eat a meal. But before all that, he'd smoke a joint.

The Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki is thrown out in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics as first baseman Matt Olson takes the throw on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Safeco Field in Seattle.<br>Ken Lambert, Seattle Times/TNS

COLUMN

We all love him, but it’s time for the Mariners to release Ichiro

The Ichiro moment of truth is coming quickly. The Seattle Mariners are doing everything within their power to put it off as long as they can, juggling the roster with moves that delay the inevitable, but you can see where this is going.

Cleveland Cavaliers' JR Smith holds his head during the first half of Game 3 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Friday, April 20, 2018, in Indianapolis.<br>Darron Cummings/AP

COLUMN

After days of derision, Cavaliers’ supporting cast makes a point, even in defeat

Together with a healthy roster for just the third game this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers couldn’t solve all their problems against the Indiana Pacers. But the “Seven Dwarfs” proved they have pride.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger strikes out against the Washington Nationals with runners at first and second in the seventh inning on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.<br>Luis Sinco, Los Angeles Times/TNS

COLUMN

Dodgers fall back again into funk of April, lose that special feeling

It felt like October, sweaters, blankets, fans huddled and howling. It looked like October, Dodgers and Washington Nationals, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, playoff shadows, Cy Young shine. Then the October game started, and the Dodgers fell flat back into April.

Kurt Busch gets fuel and a new set of tires from his crew during the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway Sunday, April 8, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas.<br>Bob Booth, Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS

COLUMN

NASCAR power rankings: The five best teams so far in 2018, and a surprise at No. 1

At this point in the NASCAR season, teams and drivers have revealed their true colors. We know, for the most part, who is contending this season and who is not. Who is good, and who is not-so-good.

Agent Martin Fischman, center, talks with Tulane cornerback Parry Nickerson as Fischman's fellow agent and business partner, Stanley Wiltz, looks on.<br>Edmund D. Fountain/For The Washington Post

PERSPECTIVE

'Super agents' rep 75 percent of NFL players, and it's a competitive fight to sign the rest

There are about 830 agents certified by the NFL Players Association — more than one for every three players in or around the league — which makes it a brutally competitive business. Roughly 75 percent of NFL players are represented by just 17 percent of all certified agents, according to NFLPA statistics.