New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 51 SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) There will be occasions over the next few days when you struggle to stay in control of your emotions, but control them you must. If you do at any point overreact there will be clear signs that you have gone too far and need to make amends. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You like to act on impulse occasionally but if you do so over the next 24 hours the results may not be to your liking. Try to look ahead and see what the consequences of your actions might be before you actually make them. Is that so hard? CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Everyone and his dog seems to have advice for you at the moment but you already know what needs to be done, so get on with it and don't stop until it is finished. Plug in your earphones and tune out the noise of the world. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) If you take time out of your busy schedule today to decide what is important and what is not then your schedule won't be busy for long. As usual you are doing too many things for too many people when you should be doing more for yourself. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) The ideas that you come up with today may be a bit too controversial for some people but don't let that stop you pursuing them. Others can think in the same old grooves if they want to but you are far too creative for that. ARIES (March 21-April 20) Don't worry too much if you are having second thoughts about something that up until now you were convinced was the right thing to do. The choice you made is still a good one but you may need to remind yourself of that fact occasionally. TAURUS (April 21-May 21) There will be times today when friends and colleagues make demands that are clearly unreasonable. Make sure they know you mean it when you say "no". If you let them take advantage of you once they will do so every chance they get. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) If you find your eyes getting heavy and your head beginning to sag today then clearly you have been doing too much. Even a livewire Gemini cannot function at 100 per cent every minute of every day, so be kind to yourself and take a break. CANCER (June 22-July 23) The moves you make over the next few days will determine whether your creative plans are going to be a massive success or a huge flop. If you have done your homework then everything should be fine - but if you haven't, then do it now! LEO (July 24-Aug. 23) Why are you spending so much time and energy keeping other people happy when you are clearly not so happy yourself? Maybe it is time to stop worrying what friends and loved ones are up to and worry about your own needs instead. VIRGO (Aug. 24-Sept. 23) If someone entrusts you with sensitive information today you must keep it to yourself, no matter how much you may believe that the world needs to know. You will lose credibility with people in positions of power if you can't keep your mouth shut. LIBRA (Sept. 24-Oct. 23) The planets warn you may have overlooked certain warning signs when it comes to what you are being told about your money situation. It is of the utmost importance that you check all facts and figures for yourself. It could cost you if you do not. BIRTHDAY WEDNESDAY Your mind will open up to a higher level over the coming year and you will see connections that you could never have imagined before. Once the world makes more sense you will find it easy to take advantage of the many new opportunities that arise. Sally Brompton Daily Horoscope DISCOVER MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS AT SALLYBROMPTON.COM
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 52 IN ODD WE TRUST NINE games into the season and the Rangers have established a template of success by becoming, well, by becoming Bizarro Rangers. There is less flash and not as much dash, though Artemi Panarin might like to have a word about that. There is both attention to detail and patience but no shortcuts. The Rangers have a game plan and they are sticking to it. That apparently includes winning lots and lots of faceoffs. But that’s not all there is to it. Because the Blueshirts, 7-2 off a 5-0 road trip entering Thursday night’s match at the home-sweet-home Garden against the Hurricanes, still have Chris Kreider in front on the power play and they still have Adam Fox weaving magic and they still have Igor Shesterkin making gamesaving stops and they still have Mika Zibanejad unleashing that one-timer. But this is a group that is forging its own identity under new coach Peter Laviolette. It is not as if the head coach and his staff threw out the baby with the dirty bath water that stagnated during the playoff defeat to New Jersey. There’s something borrowed, something blue. After all, that first powerplay unit is getting more time than ever, Fox is with Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller is paired with Jacob Trouba and Kreider and Zibanejad remain linemates. Change was not made for change’s sake. But this group is doing its darndest to incorporate its high-end skill within a disciplined system that gives higher priority to preventing odd-man rushes than creating them. The risk-reward equation has been reformatted in the Blueshirts’ favor, though a well-oiled neutral-zone trap should be able to accomplish both objectives. The infamous trapping Devils of 1993-94 ranked second in the NHL in both goals against and goals scored. When Laviolette’s system becomes more instinctive, the Rangers should generate open-ice and odd-man chances off counterattacks. Maybe breakouts will include stretch passes. That didn’t happen all that much through these first three weeks. Indeed, according to Natural Stat Trick, the Blueshirts rank 31st in the 32-team NHL in five-on-five scoring chances per 60:00; 29th in shots per 60:00; 28th in attempts per 60:00; and 27th in goalsscored per 60. Meanwhile, they are first in the NHL in shots against per 60:00; second in scoring chances against per 60:00; and fifth in goals against per 60 at five-on-five. The Rangers? Yes, the Rangers. There are some inalienable strengths here. Panarin, apparently unencumbered by curly locks, playoff frustrations or expectations, has been at the top of his game, making plays, shooting the puck and avoiding unforced errors. He has four of the club’s 12 five-on-five goals, with linemate Alexis Lafreniere accounting for three. (No other Ranger has more than one at five-onfive, while, get this, not one of the club’s centers — that would be Zibanejad, Filip Chytil, Vincent Trocheck and Nick Bonino — has scored at all at five-on-five. Nevertheless, they are thriving at 7-2. They are thriving because of their work on special teams, killing 17 of 18 powerplay opportunities during the five-game sweep while going 7-for-18 on the power play. The Blueshirts are 11- for-32 overall with the manadvantage, their 34.4 percent second to the Devils’ 14- for-33, 42.4 percent. The first unit has been even more than the sum of its elite parts, the Fox-Kreider-Panarin-Zibanejad-Trocheck quintet on for 10 of the club’s PPGs while on the ice for 30:48 of the club’s 46:48 of PP time. That accounts for 65.8 percent of power-play ice time. Monday, when trailing 2-1 nearly midway through the third period, PP1 stayed on for the full 2:00 but did not score. When the Blueshirts got another opportunity four minutes later, PP1 hopped on again and tied the game off a Kreider deflection just 31 seconds later. This is a unit that is demanding and earning its time. The second unit will have to wait. The Rangers have not won more than half of their draws since 2008-09, when they clocked in at 50.9 percent. That was the last time the Blueshirts ranked in the top half of the league at the dots, placing 15th out of 30 teams. Over the five seasons preceding this one, they ranked 30th out of 32 teams with an aggregate 47.2 percent at the dots. But when they left the ice following Monday’s 2-1 victory in Winnipeg, the Rangers ranked third in the NHL at 54.5 percent with Trocheck third at 61.8 percent and Bonino 15th at 58.3 percent among players taking at least 75 draws. Butch, who are these guys? Except that Shesterkin has played very much to type and so has Jonathan Quick (if you’re talking about circa 2010-2016). The team built on the proposition that its goaltending will be superior has indeed played to that form. Shesterkin’s overall numbers are somewhat pedestrian (.905 save percentage, 2.56 GAA), but he has played to his Vezina level with games on the line. The Blueshirts were outshot 6-2 by the Canucks in OT and then outshot 5-1 by the Jets in overtime yet won both games. Tuesday was Halloween. The players came dressed as Bizarro Rangers. You might want to order your action figures for the holidays, today. [emailprotected] Larry Brooks THE POWER IS ON: Chris Kreider (center) celebrates his game-tying power-play goal in the third period Monday night. While the Rangers’ five-onfive scoring is down, their special teams have helped pave the way to a 7-2 start. Getty Images CAN TO LISTE NYPOST.COM/PODCASTS/UP-IN-THE-BLUE-SEATS SCAN STEN NEW SHOW NOW LIVE fi fffflffi fl fiffffl fflfl fi fifffflffifffl ffl fiff flffl ffi ffflfl ffl ffififfl fifl fifffflffi fi Thursday HURRICANES AT RANGERS 7 p.m. MSG ESPN Radio (98.7 FM)
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 53 New Prostate Discovery Helps Men Avoid “Bathroom Planning” Men across the U.S. are praising a revolutionary prostate pill that’s 1000% more absorbable. Now the visionary MD who designed it is pulling out all the stops to keep up with surging demand… THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY 18 Among the all-too-familiar, occasional sleepless nights have many men rushing to the toilet – and feeling like their bladder hasn’t emptied the way it should. These occasional inconveniences can be a sign that you’re getting older. But men nationwide are now reporting they’ve found help these occasional problems thanks to a major breakthrough in nutrient technology. Prosta-Vive LS is giving men new hope. Men say they feel they’re having regular, consistent, strong, complete, effortless urine fow similar to what they enjoyed in their 30s and 40s. The key to its success is a new nutrient technology that makes the key ingredient 1000% more absorbable, according to a study by endocrinologists at Washington University in St. Louis. Nick Summers is the spokesman for Primal Force Inc., the frm in Royal Palm Beach, Fla. that makes Prosta-Vive LS. He reports demand is surging due to word-of-mouth and social media. “We knew Prosta-Vive really worked to ‘support healthy, stronger urine fow,” Summers stated. “But no one could have predicted the tens of thousands of men looking for a truly supportive prostate pill.” NEW PROSTATE FORMULA DRAWS RAVE REVIEWS It’s not the frst time Dr. Al Sears, the Florida-based MD who designed the breakthrough formula, has shaken up the status quo in men’s health. A nationally recognized men’s health pioneer and the founder of the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Royal Palm Beach, Fla., Dr. Sears has been featured on ABC, CNN, and ESPN. He’s authored many books, reports, and scientifc articles, many focusing on prostate health that may affect all men sooner or later. “By age 60, I fnd about half of my male patients feel the need for prostate support,” Dr. Sears explains. “By the time they reach age 80, it’s over 90 percent.” Prosta-Vive LS has reportedly made a positive difference for these men. One appreciative thank you letter came from Jim R, a patient. “I had immediate benefts,” Jim R. wrote in his thank-you note. “I slept through the night without going to the bathroom. “Last night was the most amazing of all,” he added. “I slept for 10 hours without interruption.” Results like these explain the food of phone calls the company’s customer service department is handling from men who want to know how the new formula works... PROSTATE PILL BACKED BY CLINICAL RESULTS Prosta-Vive LS’s extraordinary success is being attributed to advanced innovations in nutrient technology. Most prostate pills rely on either saw palmetto or the prostate-soothing compound Beta-Sitosterol. But Dr. Sears cites growing evidence that saw palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol work much better together than either does on its own. In fact, a recent clinical trial involving 66 men taking a saw palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol combination reported support across the board. Among the results were fewer of those occasional late-night wake ups, a stronger stream, less starting and stopping, and complete emptying of the bladder. That’s why Prosta-Vive LS includes both saw palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol, to ensure men get the extra prostate support they need. Frustrated men say it’s giving them tremendous support. But there’s another key reason Prosta-Vive LS is helping men support their health as they age. YOUR PROSTATE IS HUNGRY FOR HEALTHY FAT The other key innovation in Prosta-Vive LS is its addition of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. “It turns out what’s good for your heart is also good for your prostate,” says Dr. Sears. “That’s why I put heart-healthy omega-3s in a prostate pill.” Researchers have long known Beta-Sitosterol has a great potential to support healthy prostate function. But Beta-Sitosterols are “hydro- phobic” -- they don’t mix well with water. And that can make them much harder for the body to absorb. That’s where long-chain omega- 3s come in. The latest research shows they boost Beta-Sitosterol absorption by 1000%. Dr. Sears explains, “Most people only get trace amounts of Beta-Sitosterol because it can be hard to absorb.’ In this respect, the long-chain fatty acids in Prosta-Vive LS are a real game-changer. They supercharge the absorption.” Now, grateful men are calling regularly to thank Prosta-Vive LS for supporting a renewed sense of empowerment over their own lives. One patient, Ari L., wrote, “I used to get up on occasion at night to go to the bathroom. Now I only get up once… and I feel it has supported my prostate.” Patients report they have more energy, sleep better, and no longer feel embarrassed by that occasional sudden need to use the restroom. Thanks to Prosta-Vive LS, thousands of men feel more confdent about their urinary health. But we know that regaining control is just the frst step to a peaceful night. That’s why we’re introducing a special offer that addresses your bathroom trips and overall sleep quality with a FREE bottle of Native Rest – Your Key to a Restful Night! When you order Prostavive LS today, you’ll receive a FREE bottle of Native Rest, our natural sleep aid designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. No more tossing and turning, no more waking up feeling groggy. A Complete Night-time Solution: Why settle for half the support when you can have it all? Prostavive LS for bladder and prostate support and Native Rest for the sleep you deserve. It’s a combination that’s already benefting lives. HOW TO GET PROSTA-VIVE LS Right now, the only way to experience the difference that complete nighttime relief can make is with Dr. Sears’ breakthrough Prosta-Vive formula plus a FREE Bottle of Native Rest. To secure a supply of Prosta-Vive plus a FREE Full-Size Bottle of Native Rest, men need to contact the Sears Health Hotline directly at 1-800-348-4321. “It’s not available in retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship directly to the customer and we’re racing to keep up with demand.” Dr. Sears feels so strongly about Prosta-Vive’s effectiveness that all orders are backed by a 100% moneyback guarantee. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days from purchase date, and I’ll send you your money back,” he says. Given the intense recent demand, the phone number may be shut down to allow for restocking. If you are not able to get through due to extremely high call volume, please try again! Call 1-800-348-4321 NOW to secure your limited supply of Prosta-Vive LS at a signifcant discount. To take advantage of this exclusive offer use Promo Code: NP1023PV14 when you call. PAID ADVERTISEMENT NO more extra “pit stops”, NO more interrupted meetings
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 54 TEXAS RANGERS ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS By MIKE PUMA PHOENIX — Trick or treat, the Diamondbacks smell like dead meat. The World Series isn’t over, but Tuesday night the Rangers sure made it look that way, with a Halloween display that put the franchise on the precipice of its first world championship. This one got resolved quickly. The Rangers jumped to a 10-run lead before the third inning concluded and rolled to an 11-7 victory over the D’backs in Game 4 of the World Series at Chase Field. Marcus Semien, a no-show for most of this postseason, homered and drove in five runs and Corey Seager continued his October magic with his third homer of the series, blowing up Arizona manager Torey Lovullo’s bullpen game in a hurry. “This was nothing we saw coming,” Lovullo said. The D’backs will attempt to rally from a 3-1 series deficit. Only six teams have escaped that hole in the World Series — most recently the 2016 Cubs against Cleveland. “We win the ballgame, we get the ring,” Semien said. “But you need to think about the process of how you get that done — good defense, good pitching, timely hitting, two-out RBIs. Those things that we did the last two nights we need to continue.” These unflappable Rangers extended their own record by winning a 10th straight road game to begin a postseason. The 10-game road winning streak is also the longest in MLB postseason history overall, one ahead of the Yankees in 1996-97 and also from 1937-42 when all the wins came in the World Series. Seager’s sixth homer of the postseason gave the Rangers a 5-0 lead in the second. Josh Jung doubled against Joe Mantiply to start the inning and with two outs scored on Miguel Castro’s wild pitch. After Leody Tavares’ walk and Travis Jankowski’s single, Marcus Semien delivered a tworun triple. Seager’s ensuing two-run blast gave him six homers in 17 career World Series games. The game turned into a runaway in the third following first baseman Christian Walker’s fielding error that led to five unearned runs. Jung and Nathaniel Lowe stroked consecutive singles before Jonah Heim hit a grounder which Walker mishandled. With the bases loaded, the former Mets outfielder Jankowski — starting in place of Adolis Garcia, who was removed from the roster before the game with an oblique strain — delivered a two-run double. Semien followed with a three-run homer that extended the Rangers’ lead to 10-0. “The offense exploded tonight, and that is always a good thing,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. gave the sellout crowd a reason to cheer (but much too late) with a three-run homer in the eighth that moved the D’backs within 11-5. The D’backs added two runs in the ninth. It came after lefty Andrew Heaney gave the Rangers a solid five-inning performance in which he allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks. The Rangers are expected to deploy Nathan Eovaldi for the Game 5 start. The D’backs will turn to ace Zac Gallen on Wednesday in trying to keep their season alive. The right-hander is still searching for a dominant performance in this postseason. Gallen owns a 5.27 ERA in his five starts this postseason, which includes an underwhelming outing in Game 1 of the World Series. In that start he allowed three earned runs over five innings in a game the Rangers rallied to win against the D’backs bullpen. “I’m still trying to get better each day, really,” Gallen said before Game 4. “I just threw like a 35-pitch bullpen [Monday], where I think some people might try to taper it off … I’m still trying to work on things.” [emailprotected] fifffflffifl ffl Rangers 6, Diamondbacks 5 (11) Å Diamondbacks 9, Rangers 1 ç Rangers 3, Diamondbacks 1 è Rangers 11, Diamondbacks 7 Rangers lead series, 3-1 êflfflù Rangers at Diamondbacks RHP Eovaldi vs. RHP Gallen †ffù≠ Diamondbacks at Rangers ù≠ Diamondbacks at Rangers * if necessary Diamondbacks vs. Rangers
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 55 TEXAS RANGERS ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS ON THE MARC’: Marcus Semien belts a three-run homer that put Game 4 out of reach. Arizona fought back late, but still lost 11-7 to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead in the World Series, leaving them one win away from the franchise’s first title. USA Today Sports By MIKE PUMA PHOENIX — If the Rangers are going to win this World Series it will be without further contributions from two of their biggest stars. Adolis Garcia and Max Scherzer were removed from the Rangers’ roster before Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday and are finished for the season after sustaining injuries a night earlier. But neither was missed much as Texas cruised to victory and sits a win away from its first Series win. Garcia was diagnosed with a moderate left oblique strain and Scherzer had back spasms that curtailed his Game 3 start. The Rangers added utilityman Ezequiel Duran and left-handed pitcher Brock Burke to the roster as replacements for Garcia and Scherzer. Garcia is the more crushing loss. The outfielder has been the Rangers’ MVP during this run to the World Series, with a postseason record 22 RBIs. Included was his walk-off homer in the 11th inning of Game 1 against Miguel Castro. Garcia sustained his injury on a fly out in the eighth inning of the Rangers’ 3-1 victory in Game 3. “This team has dealt with it many times,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said when asked about the potential impact. “It started early in the season. You start with [Jacob] deGrom. We lost Corey Seager for a while. We lost [Garcia], Jonah Heim. I could keep going.” Travis Jankowski, who spent part of the 2023 season with the Mets, replaced Garcia as Tuesday’s starter in right field and made an immediate impact. The 32-year-old got a hit and scored a run in the second inning and stroked a two-run double and scored another run in the third. “With this lineup I don’t feel pressure,” Jankowski said. “I go out there and do what I have been doing the whole year and I think we’ll be all right.” But Jankowski acknowledged the significance of losing Garcia’s bat, even if it wasn’t needed on Tuesday. “There is no replacing Adolis, especially what he has done this postseason run,” Jankowski said. “I’m not trying to replace Adolis. I am trying to play my game and do what I can to help the team win.” Scherzer’s back “locked up” after the veteran righthander pitched three scoreless innings in Game 3. The three-time Cy Young award winner would have been lined up for a potential Game 7 start, but the Rangers hope they won’t need it. Two of biggest names out for World Series PHOENIX — Chris Young had just finished a press conference in which he had to deliver difficult information prior to Tuesday’s Game 4 — Max Scherzer and the rampaging Adolis Garcia were too injured to continue in this World Series. As he exited, by happenstance, we bumped into each other. As these things go, the Rangers’ general manager asked how I was doing, so — by rote — I did the same and then, before he could reply, interjected that it was a dumb question under the circumstances. Undeterred, Young replied, “No pity for us. We’ll be fine.” A few hours later his club was so much better than fine. The Rangers were overpowering. Because of that, they were one win away from a designation previously unknown to this organization — champion. Garcia stood in a pregame hitter’s meeting and expressed his personal devastation not to be able to finish what he had so contributed to with eight postseason homers. But even without Garcia, Texas smashed Arizona’s bullpen-game strategy and won 11-7. The Rangers lead the 119th World Series three-games-to-one. A franchise that began in 1961 as the Washington Senators has been tantalizingly close before. The Rangers were twice one strike away — in the ninth and 10th innings — from winning Game 6 of the 2011 World Series and, thus the title, but lost in 11 innings, then lost Game 7 to the Cardinals. “Let’s get one more and get that ring,” said former Met Travis Jankowski, who batted ninth and played right field in place of Garcia and delivered a two-run double as the Rangers stormed to a 10-0 lead in the third inning. The Rangers have three chances to finalize the title, beginning Wednesday with a Game 1 rematch of Nathan Eovaldi against Zac Gallen. That the game is at Chase Field seems irrelevant. The Rangers are 10-0 on the road this postseason. It exemplifies a toughmindedness also on display to move on after losing Scherzer (back) and, especially, Garcia (oblique), who had a record 22 RBIs this postseason. “It’s been a theme of our team,” Young said at the pregame press conference. “It’s kind of the next-man-up mentality. Our guys don’t feel sorry for themselves, and I love that. That’s a true characteristic of the Texas Rangers, and I’m proud of that. And I’m sure the guys will respond in the same manner that they have all year.” They did so, in part, because after the 2021 season, Young initiated a go-for-it plan most defined by a half-billion-dollar free-agent investment in a middle infield of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Seager has been the best player in these playoffs. Semien has struggled. In Game 4, their combined pedigree overwhelmed the fringy types trying to hold a Diamondback pen game together. Seager won the NLCS and World Series MVP for the 2020 champion Dodgers. He signed a $325 million contract. Thus, it is hard to portray him as an unappreciated player. Yet, this postseason has still felt like a full coming-out party to a nation. Seager has excelled at shortstop and on the bases and has made a claim for the best overall hitter in the sport. He hit a two-run homer in the second inning to give him three in this World Series, six in this postseason and 19 for a career — only Derek Jeter (20) has more as a shortstop. Seager has a 1.136 OPS these playoffs with 14 walks against 12 strikeouts. Semien had seemed to play tight, going into Game 4 hitting .197 with a .491 OPS, no homers, three RBIs and two extra-base hits. Then between the second and third innings, Semien delivered a two-run triple and a three-run homer. Those two innings decided this game. Well, actually, it was decided because Arizona does not have a trustworthy No. 4 or No. 5 starter. That contributed to its meh 84-win season. By having to play just 15 times in 28 days to open the postseason, the Diamondbacks masked the shortcoming, needing to go beyond three starters just once. But the second time was their 16th game in 29 days — and their undoing. Joe Mantiply started with a shutout first, but without a clear long man even, manager Torey Lovullo pushed the lefty to open the second against righty Josh Jung; Mantiply this season had a .440 OPS against lefties and .876 versus righties. Jung crashed a double. And that began a fourpitcher caravan through the two innings — Mantiply, Miguel Castro, Kyle Nelson and Luis Frias — which surrendered 10 runs on eight hits that included two doubles, a triple and two homers. For some reason, with a base open, two outs and no Garcia behind Seager, Lovullo did not walk Seager, which seems the only sound play now. Seager’s tworun homer off the lefty Nelson made it 5-0 in the second and unleashed loud boos from the 48,388 at Chase Field. It was 10-0 after three innings. Texas catcher Jonah Heim mentioned long injury absences this year for Seager and Jacob deGrom and others and stated, “We’ve been true professionals all year, we’ve had injuries all year and we’ve overcome them.” It turned out Young’s toughminded team did not need pity. The Diamondbacks did. [emailprotected] Resiliency gets Texas to brink of 1st championship Joel Sherman HEAT SEAGER: Corey Seager watches his two-run homer that blew Game 4 wide open in the second inning. Getty Images
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 56 By RYAN DUNLEAVY Welcome to the 2023 Giants’ season, Part II. No NFL team needed a midseason reset quite like the Giants, who return to practice Wednesday with a 2-6 record but peace of mind knowing that starting quarterback Daniel Jones is back from a three-game absence, left tackle Andrew Thomas is tracking to return from a seven-game absence, only one starter was dealt at the trade deadline and the most difficult stretch of their schedule is complete. Here are five questions to reprogram the Giants’ season: 1. Can Dexter Lawrence still dominate without Leonard Williams? Let’s not insult Lawrence by implying that his two-year dominance is due to playing alongside the now-traded Williams. Let’s also not underestimate Williams’ value. Lawrence is the top-ranked interior defender in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, after a 15-pressure game that tied for the most at his position by any player since 2006 and upped his season total to 44. He is the No. 2-ranked run-stopping defensive tackle. Williams, a former 11.5-sack passrusher earning $21 million per year, unselfishly did a lot of the dirty work that freed up Lawrence. That job now falls to A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who will see increased reps. Both veterans are solid run-stuffers but do not pose the same threat to quarterbacks — there’s a reason the Seahawks parted with two draft picks for a half-season rental of Williams — if teams adjust to Lawrence. 2. Why is Saquon Barkley still here? Simply, because both sides still want to work out a multiyear extension when talks can resume in January. Easier said than done, after last season’s tense negotiations ended $1 million to $2 million apart in average annual salary and guaranteed money, Barkley’s injury history continued with three games missed due to a high ankle sprain and the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor re-signed for three years and $42 million ($26.5 million guaranteed). The Giants rebuffed trade interest in Barkley this week for football and non-football reasons. Imagine the NFL’s lowestscoring team (11.9 points per game) trying to gain first downs — let alone score — without Barkley. What he did rushing for 132 yards (112 after contact) in a no-pass-threat offense against the Jets was appreciated. Trading Barkley would send a sour message of quitting on the season and not rewarding loyalty to the locker room. And what reason would fans — who wear more Barkley jerseys than any other active player — have to come to the final four home games? 3. Who is the backup quarterback? With Tyrod Taylor (rib cage) reportedly considered week-to-week, who is Jones’ backup? It looks like a competition between undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito (who was signed to the 53-man roster after maxing out his three practice-squad elevations) and veteran Matt Barkley (who was added to the practice squad). Jones, who takes big hits on the move, has missed 13 career games due to injuries to his neck (twice), ankle and hamstring, so there is a reasonable chance one of the two will be called upon. Barkley was the only free agent capable of getting up to speed by Sunday, given he played in head coach Brian Daboll’s offense from 2018-20 in Buffalo. He also has completed passes beyond the line of scrimmage, which DeVito did not when the play-calling showed no confidence in him over 50 snaps in his NFL debut last week. 4. Can the offense be saved? If Thomas returns, the Giants are one step closer to a respectable offensive line of Thomas, Justin Pugh, John Michael Schmitz, Mark Glowinski and Evan Neal (left to right). Actually, there hasn’t been any noticeable dropoff from former first-round pick Neal to fill-in Tyre Phillips over the last two games, which is its own problem. If the Giants’ offense still is flailing with Jones, Thomas and Barkley healthy, Daboll could have no choice but to take over play-calling from coordinator Mike Kafka. Holding a play sheet over his face on game day and getting more involved in preparation make his input heard, but, if he learned anything from predecessor Joe Judge’s quick demise, Daboll can’t wait too long to take the nuclear step he has been trying to avoid. 5. Are the playoffs still a possibility? Penciling in all of the NFC’s division leaders and teams with five or more victories still leaves an opening for the No. 7 seed. The Vikings were in the driver’s seat until quarterback Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles tear, though their trade for Cardinals starter Josh Dobbs suggests they are going for it. On one hand, the Giants are two games out of the playoffs with nine to play. On the other, they sit No. 13 in a 16-team conference once tiebreakers are factored in. The Giants play just three games against teams with winning records — Eagles twice and Cowboys — the rest of the way. Sounds like three more certain losses — they are 3-23 against those two rivals over the last six seasons — but maybe the Eagles will have the No. 1 seed wrapped up and rest starters in their Week 18 visit north. Could Part II of this season be the rare sequel better than the original? [emailprotected] Sunday GIANTS AT RAIDERS 4:25 p.m. Fox WFAN (660 AM, 101.9 FM) Line: Giants +2.5 • O/U: 37.5 GIANTS
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 57 Jones confirms he’s good to go Daniel Jones expects to be back under center Sunday when the Giants travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders. The fifth-year quarterback confirmed Tuesday during his weekly appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams that he was cleared and was gearing up to play. Jones, 26, has been dealing with a neck injury that forced him to be a limited participant in practice for the last two weeks and miss the previous three games. “I’m cleared, I’m ready to go. Barring any setbacks this week, I’ll be ready to go,” Jones said. “We’ll see, we got a few days to prep and get ready to go, but the plan is to be out there on Sunday.” Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Monday that Jones had been given the green light for contact and had actually received medical clearance prior to their game against the Jets this past Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Jones cleared up the timeline of events during his interview with Adams. “Met with the doctors during the week and didn’t pass the tests at that point. I was closer, but still hadn’t passed the tests,” Jones explained. “Then all the doctors come to the game, so met with them at the game and got cleared for this week. “I went through the tests throughout the week and couldn’t pass, so they didn’t feel good about clearing me last week, but on Sunday met with them again and they felt good about clearing me for this week.” — Christian Arnold Vet QB Barkley added for depth The Giants signed a veteran quarterback to add some needed depth. Matt Barkley signed with the Giants’ practice squad on Tuesday after undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito was signed to the active roster. While starter Daniel Jones was cleared for contact after missing three games with a neck injury and is expected to start Sunday against the Raiders, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a rib injury during Sunday’s loss to the Jets. DeVito took over in the second quarter and finished the game. Barkley, 33, hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2020 and was most recently with the Bills, who released him before the start of this season. He appeared in seven games for the Bills from 2018-20 and is familiar with Brian Daboll’s offense from their time together in Buffalo. Barkley has since spent time with the Titans, Panthers and Falcons. Barkley saw his most action during the 2016 season with the Bears, when he went 1-5 in six starts, throwing for 1,611 yards, eight touchdowns and 14 interceptions. — Justin Tasch With season slipping away, Big Blue deal DT Williams to Seattle for pair of picks LEONARD GOINí Leonard Williams, who spent the first eight-plus years of his career in New York with the Jets and the Giants, is headed to the Seahawks for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder. The Giants are paying much of his remaining salary to get the higher-thanexpected picks. PAGE 52 RANGERS RALLY TO FINISH OFF THEIR BEST ROAD RUN EVER / P. 43 Corey Sipkin BER 31, 2023 www.nypost.com fi ff fflffifl flffi NAR JONES ON WAY BACK QB CLEARED, EXPECTED TO START SUNDAY PAGE 53 PAGES 48-49 TUESDAY, OCTOB ffl ffl RIGHTY RESCUES RANGERS AFTER MAX LEAVES EARLY; TEXAS GRAY MATTERS TAKES 2-1 LEAD TRIP THROUGH HISTORY T G T By RYAN DUNLEAVY It turned out that the Giants trading Leonard Williams was more a case of receiving an offer you can’t refuse rather than the start of a fire sale. The Giants kept intact their secondary — and the rest of their team — Tuesday by staying quiet on the final day of the season to make trades. In fact, their biggest moves of the day were signing Tommy DeVito — who completed 2 of 7 passes for minus-1 yard last week in his NFL debut — to the active roster and veteran Matt Barkley to the practice squad to set up a backup quarterback competition while Tyrod Taylor (rib cage) is sidelined. Neither cornerback Adoree’ Jackson nor safety Xavier McKinney — two prime candidates to follow Williams out the door — was traded. And the Giants stuck to their word by turning away all interest in running back Saquon Barkley because both sides still have hope of working out a multiyear extension. Though Jackson and McKinney both are on expiring deals, the circumstances around retaining them are very different. Jackson, who had one of the best 10- game stretches of his career before a knee injury last season, has slipped to the No. 112-ranked cornerback (out of 116) by Pro Football Focus. He is owed $5.5 million over the rest of the season and seems to have been supplanted as the Giants’ top cornerback by rookie Deonte Banks. The Giants could not restructure the 28-year-old Jackson’s contract to pick up some money and make it more attractive for another team to acquire in exchange for draft picks — as they did to entice the Seahawks into giving up second- and fifth-round picks for Williams — because the NFL-imposed deadline for that action was Monday. The return for Williams looked like a bigger heist after the 49ers parted with just a thirdrounder to land edge rusher Chase Young from the Commanders. The decision to keep McKinney, 24, is interesting because he is owed only $877,117. That price is a bargain for PFF’s No. 39-ranked safety and one of two Giants (alongside linebacker Bobby Okereke) to play every defensive snap this season. But McKinney figures to be seeking a free-agent contract on the high end of the safety market. The Giants and McKinney’s agent David Mulugheta — who has a long history of securing record-setting deals for defensive backs, including taking Landon Collins from New York to Washington in 2019 — agreed to put off negotiations until after the season. It could have been a very different deadline for the Giants (2-6) had the first half of the season gone closer to preseason expectation and created a “buyer” situation. General manager Joe Schoen and his lieutenants check in regularly with all teams about availability, and one possible trade partner could have been the Buccaneers if receivers Chris Godwin (who fits the Giants’ mold for positional versatility) or Mike Evans (half-season rental) had been made available. Instead, the Buccaneers are in the race in the mediocre NFC South, while the Giants are clinging to hopes of a major turnaround. The Giants also did not trade seldomused free-agent-to-be receiver Parris Campbell, who it was thought might be on the move in a late-round pick swap like the Jets-Chiefs did with Mecole Hardman and Rams-Falcons did with Van Jefferson. ➤In addition to their moves at quarterback, the Giants re-signed Gunner Olszewski, who averaged 9.3 yards on six punt returns Sunday, to the practice squad after a procedural release. Center Jaylon Thomas was released to clear a roster spot. Big Blue quiet after dealing DL Williams MATT BARKLEY TRADING PLACES: Dexter Lawrence has been a standout on the Giants’ defensive line alongside Leonard Williams, but after Williams was shipped out to Seattle at the trade deadline, Lawrence will have to find a way to dominate without his teammate. Saquon Barkley (left), meanwhile, remains in New York, with the team and its star running back still hoping to work out a new contract following last offseason’s franchise-tag dispute. N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg (2) STICKING AROUND: Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson remained with the Giants following Tuesday’s trade deadline. Getty Images
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 58 By PETER BOTTE If the Jets are in playoff contention late in the season, injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows that Sunday’s ugly overtime win over the Giants will be part of the reason. “Like we say in golf, they don’t drop pictures in the scorecard. They don’t really drop pictures in the standings either,” Rodgers said Tuesday during his weekly appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” “A win is a win and those ones seem to always count a little bit more late in the season. Being 4-3 now and coming away with a win in that ugly game is going to make things a little bit more interesting as we get into November and December. “It wasn’t a pretty game, but that s--t doesn’t matter. At the end of the season, when you’re vying for playoff spots, that one counts in the ‘W’ column.” Rodgers threw passes on the field during pregame warm-ups and said he’s “continuing to make progress” in his rehab from Achilles surgery in September. The four-time MVP reiterated that he’s still targeting a return to the lineup before the season is over. “For sure. I mean, the goal is to come back and the goal is to be able to have that conversation,” the 39- year-old Rodgers said. “Again, there’s still a lot that has to happen, but every week there seems to be a progression. “There’s still a long way to go and a lot of things have to happen. We obviously have to be still alive, but God I love the vibe on our team.” GM Joe Douglas, speaking with the media Thursday for the first time since the season started, said he expects Rodgers to be back with the team this season, but did not say he expects him to play. He is not putting any timeline on a Rodgers’ return. Zach Wilson replaced Rodgers after the first offensive series in the season opener, and the former No. 2-overall pick has quarterbacked the Jets to four wins in seven games (six starts), including a three-game winning streak entering Monday night’s game against the Chargers. Wilson didn’t have a strong game against the Giants, but he led them down the field for a game-tying field goal at the end of regulation and again in overtime for a 13-10 comeback victory. “Obviously our defense has been incredible, and offensively, we’ve gone through our struggles for sure ... but I’m proud of our guys,” Rodgers said. “And I’m really proud of Zach there late in the game with two really huge throws and a clock with a second left to get us in a position.” Aaron: ‘Ugly’ win could be pretty in December By BRIAN COSTELLO After weeks of talk and speculation, the Jets ended up having a quiet trade deadline day Tuesday. The Jets did not trade any of their players or acquire anyone in a trade, letting the deadline pass. It was not because general manager Joe Douglas did not try. Douglas inquired about wide receivers like Davante Adams and Mike Evans, but the Raiders and Buccaneers were not willing to trade them. Douglas also looked into offensive line help, but could not find anything that worked. “There need to be buyers, there need to be sellers,” Douglas said shortly after the deadline passed on Tuesday. “We made a lot of inquiries and had a lot of discussions about a lot of different positions but ultimately didn’t get any other deals done. That’s where we are.” The Jets are 4-3 and are in the AFC playoff hunt. Despite losing Aaron Rodgers in Week 1, the Jets have been able to salvage their season and are riding a three-game winning streak. It is clear the offense could use an upgrade, but the Jets could not find one. The Jets made repeated inquiries about Evans and Adams, according to sources, but were told neither was available. The Raiders were willing to trade Hunter Renfrow, but the Jets were more interested in adding an outside receiver than a slot receiver, especially with Renfrow making $11 million this season. The Jets also need help along the offensive line after losing center Connor McGovern (knee) and guard Wes Schweitzer (calf) to injured reserve this week. But there were not many linemen available. The Vikings traded guard Ezra Cleveland to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. A source said the Jets did talk to the Vikings about Cleveland but felt he was not a good fit for their style of play. Minnesota benched Cleveland a few weeks ago, so no one should act like the Jets passed on a sure thing. “I won’t get into specific conversations but I will say that we had a lot of talks with a lot of teams on a lot of players at a lot of different positions,” Douglas said when asked about Cleveland. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, we did what we felt was best for the team. We’re excited about the guys we have.” The Jets did add one offensive linemen, but not through a trade. They signed veteran Rodger Saffold to the practice squad with the intention of him moving to the active roster at some point. Saffold was a Pro Bowl alternate last year after starting all season for the Bills. He played for Jets offensive line coach Keith Carter in Tennessee. “Rodger is an experienced guy, who has played a lot of games,” Douglas said. “Tough, smart. He knows Keith Carter well, being with him in Tennessee. He’s the exact type of person, competitor, mental makeup, toughness that we’re looking for, to add to the group. I think he’s going to be a really good acquisition for us.” In terms of selling, the two players the Jets had been willing to move were defensive end Carl Lawson and running back Dalvin Cook. Neither is playing much and both have expressed frustration with their limited roles. The Jets could not find any interested buyers, though, with the money that both players are still due. “We had talks with a lot of teams,” Douglas said. “Ultimately, we did what we felt was best for the team. Those guys are great teammates and great players. I have a feeling we’re going to need those guys a lot down the stretch. They’re assets to the team and we’re glad they’re here.” ➤Douglas did touch on something nontrade related. He said the team has had talks about extending edge rusher Bryce Huff, who his scheduled to be a free agent in March. “There have been some informal conversations with Bryce’s representatives,” Douglas said. “They’re trending in a positive direction. There’s still a long way to go. Bryce is another, not to pontificate, but that’s an unbelievable player-development story. For him to come in as an undrafted free agent and just work and work and work and get better every day. I think the last two years you’ve really been able to see a huge progression for him. Everyone’s excited about Bryce.” [emailprotected] Monday CHARGERS AT JETS 8:15 p.m. ABC, ESPN ESPN Radio (98.7 FM) Line: Jets +3 • O/U: 41.5 CHARGERS
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 59 Of his pregame catch session, Rodgers joked that he was “throwing some darts,” but the most important thing was to “feel like I’m part of it” with his teammates. “That felt great honestly,” Rodgers said. “Last week was a tough week of rehab. But we kind of adjusted some things with shoes and with my insoles, and later in the week I really started to progress kind of back onto what I was doing before that. “And that was honestly the goal, to just kind of keep on getting better, to be able to do a little bit more. I’ve been doing more in my rehab and feeling like I can kind of get into a little abbreviated left-right, left-right drop. And I just felt normal just to be out there and throw. ... That’s why I’ve been flying back here to see the guys, encouraging them, to be on the headset. For me that’s just fun to be able to feel like I’m kind of a part of it, and not too distant from the squad.” Rodgers added he still hasn’t resumed jogging and can’t “walk on the beach,” but he has begun some light cardio work. “Sometimes when you’re in it, it doesn’t feel like anything’s happening and stagnant, some sort of plateau,” Rodgers said, “But then you look back and think, ‘I was walking on crutches, about a month ago.’ ” [emailprotected] WE’D all like a guardian angel to look over us. Joe Douglas’ guardian angel is Aaron Rodgers. It’s why the face of the Jets’ general manager lit up when Rodgers was brought up in conversation Tuesday in his annual trade-deadline-day meeting with reporters at the team facility. Rodgers, of course, made it through only four offensive plays of the season opener before he ruptured his left Achilles tendon and doomed his first year in green, though he’s vowed to return to play before the end of the season. Douglas was so stoked about Rodgers that he nearly unwittingly set the internet on fire when he said, “We’re excited to see him progress through his rehab. Certainly, we’ll all be excited when he’s back in the fold. We’re expecting Aaron to be back.’’ Playing this year? “With the team,’’ Douglas clarified when asked to elaborate on his initial comment. “I have no timeline [for his return]. No, I’m not putting anything out there like that. I don’t have any breaking news for you on that.’’ The fact is this, though: By Rodgers publicly remaining all-in with this team and making it abundantly clear that he’s not only planning to play for the Jets in 2024 but before the end of this season, he represents a free pass of sorts for Douglas. Does that mean Douglas has done a poor job? Not at all. But the results haven’t suggested that he’s done a masterful job, either. Douglas was hired and given a six-year contract in the middle of 2019. The team, coached by Adam Gase, went 2-14 in Douglas’ first full season here in 2020 and was 4-13 in 2021, Robert Saleh’s first season. The Jets finished 7-10 last season after the team was 7-4 and lost its final six games. The first thing that gets general managers fired is missing on a franchise quarterback with a high draft pick. And so far, Douglas has done exactly that with his choice of Zach Wilson at No. 2-overall three years ago. The previous man in Douglas’ position, Mike Maccagnan, missed on Sam Darnold at No. 3-overall in 2018, and he took a controversial flier on Christian Hackenberg with the second pick of the second round in 2016. Darnold never stuck as a starter and remains a journeyman backup. Hackenberg never played a single down in an NFL game and was out of the league in two years. And Maccagnan is out of a job. Those draft whiffs at quarterback ended up being the downfall of Maccagnan, who didn’t have a guardian angel. Before Maccagnan was John Idzik, who was asked to leave after two years for myriad misgivings, but he drafted Geno Smith to replace Mark Sanchez. Smith’s career was a mess with the Jets, but of course he’s currently flourishing in a career renaissance with the Seahawks. Wilson was well on his way to jeopardizing Douglas’ job security until the Jets convinced Rodgers to sign on with them this offseason. And now, regardless of where this season — currently at 4-3 entering Monday’s home game against the Chargers — finishes, the mere specter of Rodgers playing in 2024 pretty much guarantees that Douglas will be back for the fifth year of his contract next season. This, in no way, is to suggest that he shouldn’t be. Despite being wrong about Wilson so far — barring him becoming one of the great late-bloomers in NFL history — and his surprising inability to secure a consistent offensive line, even though that was his unquestioned strength in background when he was hired, Douglas deserves a lot of credit for many of the players who are key current members of the roster. He’s unearthed some terrific players, with undrafted defensive lineman Bryce Huff, who’s developed into one of the best pass rushers in the league, as Exhibit A. Douglas signed Quincy Williams, who’d been waived by Jacksonville two years ago, and all he’s done is become one of the most active linebackers in the league. His signing of free-agent cornerback D.J. Reed has been a huge gain. Outside of the quarterback, Douglas has drafted players who figure to be cornerstones of the roster for years, if not stars in the league, including cornerback Sauce Gardner, receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall. Even with those positives, everything right now revolves around Rodgers, whose mere presence has kept hope alive for the Jets — if not for this year, for next. Rodgers’ carefully choreographed pregame tosses before home games and having him on the sideline with a headset represents eye candy for the team and its fans. “When he’s out there in pregame, when he’s around the team, it’s just good having him in the building,’’ Douglas said of his guardian angel. [emailprotected] Mark Cannizzaro INSURANCE POLICY: The looming return of Aaron Rodgers — whether late this season or in 2024 — offers job security to GM Joe Douglas, writes The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro. USA Today Sports
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 60 By STEFAN BONDY CLEVELAND — The Knicks still own the Cavs. After a summer of plotting revenge against their playoff conquerors, the Cavaliers trotted out a depleted roster for a feeble payback attempt and had their candy snatched by the Knicks in a 109–91 Halloween stroll at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Julius Randle combined for 72 points in a game that turned, according to the Knicks, with a thirdquarter timeout and an oldfashioned Tom Thibodeau timeout chat. “We started the third quarter terrible, really lackadaisical and then we picked it up,” Brunson said. “Thibs got on us and we just turned it around.” The Knicks (2-2) had five players score in double digits and led for the final 39 minutes, with Randle grabbing 10 boards to notch his fourth straight double-double to start the campaign. Donovan Mitchell returned to face his hometown squad and tried to keep the Cavs (1-3) afloat while dropping 26 points on 11 of 20 shooting. But, as former Knicks GM Scott Perry said recently to explain why the Knicks didn’t trade for the athletic guard, Mitchell wasn’t that “singular force.” The Knicks blew open the game in the third quarter and the Cavs turned back into pumpkins while going six straight minutes without a field goal. Just before that game-breaking stretch, Randle knew the Thibodeau energetic lecture was coming. The Knicks had just let the lead get cut to four and were coasting defensively. “I’m used to it by now,” Randle said. “I kind of know where his mind is at, what he’s expecting out of us. It was just kind of a wake-up call to get us going and we responded.” Mitchell’s status was supposedly up in the air until close to game time, with the team listing him as questionable because of a sore hamstring. But he looked perfectly healthy and athletic over his 26 minutes. He just didn’t have any help. It’s unclear yet if that’ll be different for the rematch Wednesday at MSG, with Caris LeVert, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen all missing Tuesday’s game with nagging injuries. “It’s tough. We’re missing a bunch of guys,” Mitchell said. “At the end of the day, you want a win. But you can’t dwell on this one. It sucks but we have another one [Wednesday].” On Tuesday, the Knicks — who shot 44.2 percent overall and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc — dominated on the road. The Cavs had been vocal the previous two days about returning favors to the Knicks after getting hammered by Thibodeau’s squad in last season’s playoffs. Isaac Okoro, the team’s starting small forward, said the defeat stuck with him until the Knicks were eliminated by Miami. Max Strus, a newcomer, said he adopted Cleveland’s beef with the Knicks. “Whatever we have against the Knicks, I’m in debt to that here,” said Strus. Strus added nothing Tuesday while missing 7 of his 9 attempts. Okoro finished with 11 points in 24 minutes. They scared nobody. The Knicks, conversely, were fully healthy and, like the Cavs, were operating on two days’ rest. They took advantage and handled their business without reciprocating Cleveland’s verbal chest bumping. “Yeah, you always see it. We don’t really care. That’s for them,” Josh Hart said. “If they want to have that chip on their shoulder that’s good for them. We don’t really care.” [emailprotected] KNICKS 109 CAVALIERS 91 Boxscore Page 45 BOO-TIFUL: Donovan Mitchell, going up for a shot against Isaiah Hartenstein, scored a game-high 26 points, but it wasn’t enough. RJ Barrett (right) and the Knicks routed the Cavaliers, 109-91, as Cleveland fell short again in a Halloween rematch of last season’s first-round playoff matchup. Getty Images; AP
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 61 T HE Knicks have ushered in a new era for their fans. You are familiar with the Glory Era, which yielded the only two banners presently hanging at the Knicks’ end of Madison Square Garden. Surely you know of the Patrick Era, a decade worth of close-but-no-rings frustration that spanned the ’90s. Undoubtedly you recall the Dark Era, that two-decade realm when even the presence of a procession of Hall of Famers (Isiah Thomas and Lenny Wilkens, Phil Jackson and Larry Brown) couldn’t stop the franchise’s free-falling descent into drek, and you have recently been buoyed by the Era of Hope, engineered by Tom Thibodeau and Leon Rose. But this is a new one. This is the Era of Tasseography. By definition this is the divine practice of identifying symbols and interpreting messages in the patterns of particles at the bottom of a cuppa, and also the process of picking up on subtle clues combined with intuition and experience. More colloquially, we call that “reading the tea leaves.” And slowly, this is becoming an obsessive hobby for Knicks fans. So far they seem perfectly pleased, for the moment, to see how far this likeable band of ballers can carry themselves this season after blending together nicely a year ago to the tune of 47 victories and a playoff win over the Cavaliers — who visit the Garden Wednesday night after the Knicks clobbered them Tuesday in Cleveland, 109-91. For the moment. But even the most optimistic Knicks fan understands that there remains a vacuum on this roster, and that is the superstar, the alpha dog, the foundational centerpiece. The Knicks have an array of guys who would be perfect secondary and tertiary options to a Giannis/Jokic/ KAT/Embiid primary. But securing that North Star is elusive. Thus, the tea leaves. And so far, those leaves have revealed nothing. Giannis Antetokounmpo just re-upped with the Bucks, so that’s off the table for now. Karl-Anthony Towns’ star has dimmed somewhat over the last year. The only way to pry Nikola Jokic out of Denver would be through hypnotism. Even Donovan Mitchell’s time as a Knicks dreamboat seems to have passed. So most of those tea leaves are focused on Joel Embiid. It is a good focus. It is a wise focus. Embiid is the reigning MVP of the league. He is still, for the next few months anyway, on the right side of 30. He would make the Knicks an instant contender, even with the boatload of players and assets that would have to head south on the Turnpike in order to bring him north. And there is clear mutual (if muted) interest, along with the long-standing relationship between Embiid and his former agent, Leon Rose. And now the 76ers have finally parted ways with James Harden, and here is where Tasseography turns turbo. Will the loss of a fellow star sour Embiid on staying in Philly? Will the loss of a disgruntled pain in the neck make Embiid more eager to stay in Philly? Are the Sixers going to be able to make a second move to resupply their lineup with firepower? Can the pieces they pick up work well together? The tea leaves right now look like the maple and oak leaves covering your front lawn. The Knicks? Here’s one pity: For years the Knicks have been a vastly unattractive destination for stars because of a losing culture and a chaotic organization, two problems fostered in the owner’s suite that festered throughout Penn Plaza. They would sell, sell, sell, and the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant and the rest would run as fast as they could in the other direction. Which leads to another pity: Generally, the sense is the Knicks are finally what they’ve always wanted to be. There is stability thanks to Thibodeau. The owner has stayed quiet for a few years. Jalen Brunson not only did what so many before him didn’t — signed on the dotted line — he has helped create an atmosphere of hope that the big names want. But the big names haven’t lately been available. And Embiid isn’t available. So the Knicks must wait and see if Embiid can develop chemistry with his new teammates, and whoever might arrive later. They must see what the next few months look like for the Sixers — do they go 30-10 over their next 40 games? 10-30? 20-20? Even if the best-case scenario happens and the Sixers start to listen, Philly would almost certainly demand an overpay to ship a legit franchise player to a division rival. (And not to be a dark storm cloud here, but there’s also this question: Can Emiid stay healthy? That’s always a relevant question with him.) The Knicks ought to still win plenty of games in the meantime. The Garden will still be the place to be on game nights. But the game on the floor is only part of the story these days. To paraphrase the noted basketball philosopher Sting: “A star fall/A phone call/It joins all/ Tasseography” [emailprotected] Mitchell back at MSG with sour taste from latest defeat By STEFAN BONDY CLEVELAND — After another loss to his hometown team, Donovan Mitchell confirmed he’ll play in the rematch Wednesday but didn’t seem as excited about returning to MSG as previous trips. Tuesday’s 109-91 blowout defeat to the Knicks — which followed the Cavs getting pummeled in the playoffs by New York — was probably a factor. “You always have that game circled. But at the end of the day, we lost. Move on,” Mitchell said. “It’s a new year. We’re competitors for sure. When you lose to a team like that you want to go out there and get it but we got to go out and get one Wednesday]. And if not, we have to move on with this season. A much as we continue to harp on what happened last season, neither of us won the championship.” Mitchell, an Elmsford product who was nearly traded to the Knicks a year ago, averaged 24.7 points in his previous appearances at MSG, not counting the playoffs. “You always look forward to playing at home,” Mitchell said. “We started the year in Brooklyn [against the Nets]. Wednesday’s no different. But at the end of the day we’re 1-3. We need a win. That’s the mindset.” ➤Josh Hart heard Cavs forward Tristan Thompson insult his rebounding and responded with sarcasm. “We don’t really care,” Hart said. “We’re just sirloin steaks.” A day earlier, Thompson, who is about 5 inches taller than Hart, laughed off a reporter’s attempt to compare their rebounding abilities. “Me and Josh Hart rebounding-wise? No. That’s like a filet and a sirloin steak,” Thompson said. On Tuesday, Hart outrebounded Thompson, 7-3. Hart also played nine more minutes. ➤Quentin Grimes was always an ideal match with Tom Thibodeau. The coach has a soft spot for defensive players and Grimes fits his Knicks role exquisitely. He’s prepared to guard the opposition’s top perimeter threat and won’t get in the way on offense. So to nobody’s surprise, the team picked up the fourth-year contract option on Grimes before Tuesday’s deadline. It was a given. The big question, as it was even before the contract option pick-up, is whether he’ll be worthy of a big extension next summer. Mike Vaccaro Trade details Å çÅè êù è † ≠Äè è Ç Éè † ÑÖè ÑffiÜÜffl á fi ffl fi flfl fi ffiffi ≠Äffl á fi ffi fi ffi ffl fi ffi fi Å ffi fi ç èffèê ùffi † ffi ≠ffi ffiÄ fi Ç † ffi ≠ffi ffiÄ fi ffi † ffi ùffl É fi ffi † ffi Ç ≠ffi ffiÄ With Harden gone, is Embiid up next? JAMES HARDEN JOEL EMBIID KNICKS NOTES
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 62 the Civil War. “For me personally, and for the other writers, the idea of an enslaved man being forced to ride into various battles in the Civil War, on the side of the Confederacy — then to escape enslavement, and go live amongst the American Indians — that was the most exciting inciting incident I’ve heard of for a character,” said Feehan. “It was an easy and obvious Reeves encountered on a daily basis, not only during his time of enslavement, but his time of being a deputy US Marshal.” The series was filmed in North Texas and was not an easy shoot, he said. “We shot in January through May. The weather elements were extraordinarily difficult. We had ice storms, extreme heat. The locations which were absolutely necessary for the show were often difficult to get to, sometimes we had to drive three hours. “It was a grueling shoot,” he said, “but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” It’s a ’toon in for ‘Scott’ Here’s a first look at the Netflix anime series “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” starring Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers. It premieres Nov. 17. It’s based on the graphic novels created by Bryan Lee O’Malley. TV vet Paul Reiser will film his first standup comedy special in 30 years Nov. 17 at the Newman Center for Performing Arts in Denver, Deadline reports. TV Wednesday TOIL & TROUBLE “Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale” will stream on Sundance Now starting Jan. 4. It’s set in a contemporary world where witchcraft is real and takes place in a small English town called Sanctuary. Elaine Cassidy (near left) stars, along with Hazel Doupe and Amy de Bhrun. WEST By LAUREN SARNER WORLD ‘Y ELLOWSTONE” co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s latest series, “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” is about the legendary trailblazer known for being the first black deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi river. “As a child, and I think most people’s experiences with Bass – you hear about this badass gunslinging lawman, pursuing the most hardened outlaws in the West,” showrunner Chad Feehan told The Post. “He had 3,000 arrests. But his backstory was shocking to me.” The series is executive-produced by Sheridan as part of his TV empire that includes “Yellowstone,” “1923” starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, and “Tulsa King” starring Sylvester Stallone. “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” stars David Oyelowo (“Selma”) in the title role,with Donald Sutherland as a judge, Dennis Quaid as deputy US Marshal Sherill Lynn and Shea Whigham as George Reeves, the man who enslaves Bass at the beginning of the show. The historical drama premieres Nov. 5 on Paramount+. “Working with David has been the highlight of my career,” said Feehan. “David is not only the most dedicated craftsman that I’ve ever been around, but he’s the most graceful human being. It’s remarkable to watch somebody with that much God-given ability, as an actor, but who also has incredible grace as a collaborator. “And, I grew up in the ’80s, so to work with these cinematic heroes of mine [Donald Sutherland and Dennis Quaid], from when I was a child was a trip.” Although Sheridan’s name on the show might generate expectations of another “Yellowstone,” Feehan (“Ray Donovan”) said that he had no thoughts of imitating the hit series. “Didn’t cross my mind, to be honest,” he said. “I was purely guided by telling the best story I could tell, and by honoring Bass Reeves. “Taylor and I have been in the same orbit for many years. He recommended me to David [Oyelowo, who is also an executive producer on the show]. I’m incredibly grateful to both of them for entrusting me,” he said. “Taylor gave me a lot of freedom and autonomy to not only tell this story, but [to] produce the show. He came in at key moments and sprinkled some magic storytelling dust for us.” For instance, Sheridan suggested a scene in the pilot where Bass has an emotional reunion with his wife, Jennie (Lauren E. Banks), he said. “That was pitched by Taylor, and it ended up being one of my favorite scenes in the episode.” The story begins in 1862, when Bass Reeves is enslaved and fighting for the Confederacy in New series: the trailblazing true story of deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves David Oyelowo and Shea Whigham as Bass Reeves and George Reeves, the man who enslaved him. Below, left and right: Margo Bingham and Oyelowo; Dennis Quaid as Sherill Lynn. Mic’d up choice, where to start this story. So, I knew that was the beginning point.” The pilot has some moments of gory violence in the battle scenes. “I’m going to steal a quote from David himself, which is ‘You have to go into the dark for the light to shine,’” said Feehan. “We didn’t want to shy away from the brutality of war, or the brutality that Bass ADVICE FROM THE BEST Wynonna Judd will join “The Voice” as a Season 24 mega mentor on the NBC series. She’ll appear alongside Niall Horan, John Legend, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani to mentor the remaining artists.
New York Post, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 nypost.com 63 BestBets What’s on Tonight Celebrity Jeopardy!: 8 p.m. on WABC 7. Actor Dule Hill, comic Sheryl Underwood and actor Peter Facinelli show off their general knowledge. GAME SHOW Quantum Leap: 8 p.m. on WNBC 4. Magic (Ernie Hudson) joins Ben on his leap as he lands in the body of an 18-year-old working in Koreatown. DRAMA SurrealEstate: 10 p.m. on SYFY. Luke (Tim Rozon) must improvise when a client’s home traps her inside; August pays a visit to his past. SCI-FI Wednesday November 1, 2023 Evening SP C F 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 2 WCBS 222 CBS News Norah Inside Edition Entertainment Tonight Survivor: Iím not Batman, Iím the Canadian The Amazing Race: Driving Head On Into Scooters CBS 2 News at 11PM (11:35) Late Show 4 WNBC 444 NBC Nightly News News 4 New York at 7 Access Hollywood Quantum Leap: One Night In Koreatown Magnum P.I.: The Retrieval Chicago P.D.: Trapped (R) News 4 New York at 11 (11:35)Tonight Show 5 WNYW 555 TMZ MLB on FOX Pregame Live. 2023 World Series: Game 5: Texas Rangers at Arizona Diamondbacks from Chase Field. Live. The 10 OíClock News Family Feud 7 WABC 777 ABC World News Jeopardy! (R) Wheel of Fortune Celebrity Jeopardy!: Quarterfinal #6: DulÈ Celebrity Wheel of Fortune: RuPaul, Gayle (R) The $100,000 Pyramid: Jesse Tyler Ferguson vs News (11:35)Kimmel Live 9 WWOR 999 Dish Nation Family Feud Family Feud Dateline: Under a Halloween Moon Dateline: Return to Manitowoc County Family Feud (R) Family Feud (R) TMZ Live 11 WPIX 11 11 11 PIX11 Evening News Sports Nightly The Big Bang Theory Sullivanís Crossing: Pressure Drop The Spencer Sisters: The Decoratorís Debacle PIX11 News at Ten Seinfeld: The Rye Seinfeld: The Couch 13 WNET 13 13 13 BBC News America The PBS NewsHour Spy in the Ocean, A Nature Miniseries NOVA: Ancient Earth: Humans Secrets of the Dead: Death in Britannia Amanpour and Company 21 WLIW 21 21 21 (6:00) News Metro (R) Tell Me (R) Antiques Roadshow (R) The American Buffalo: Into the Storm (R) Metro (R) BBC News 25 WNYE 25 22 25 Report 92Y on NYCLife Secrets NY New York Neighbor Eat Harlem $9.99 Story in Speakeasy 31 WPXN 31 3 531 (6:00) Blue Blue Bloods Blue Bloods Blue Bloods: Atonement Blue Bloods: Redemption Blue Bloods: Spilling 41 WXTV 41 6 41 Noticiero La rosa de Guadalupe Eternamente am·ndonos Mujer Minas de pasiÛn Noticias Noticiero 47 WNJU 47 16 12 Noticias ExatlÛn Estados Unidos: All-Stars Vuelve a mÌ Secretos de sangre Noticiero Noticias 55 WLNY 55 10 10 Queens Man Man News 8pm News 8pm 48 Hours Judge Judy Judge Judy Neighbor. Neighbor. A&E 46 46 181 Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam Court Cam AMC 54 43 231 (6:00) Jeepers Creepers (2001, Horror) World War Z (2013, Horror) Brad Pitt. PG-13 fififi War of the Worlds (2005) Tom Cruise. BET 37 54 270 Assisted Payne (R) Payne (R) Neighbor. Neighbor. Tyler Perryís Sistas Ms. Pat Ms. Pat Tyler Perryís Sistas (R) BBCAM 71 101 189 Bones Bones: Shallow in Deep Bones: Babe in the Bar Bones: Twisted Bones Bones: Doctor in Photo Bones: Body in the Bag BRAVO 18 44 185 Housewives Real Housewives (R) Real Housewives The Real Housewives of Miami (10:45) Real Housewives Housewives CNBC 15 24 102 Money Last Call Shark Tank Shark Tank Shark Tank Shark Tank CNN 78 25 100 Situation Erin Burnett OutFront Anderson Cooper 360∞ The Source with Kaitlan CNN NewsNight Laura Coates Live COM 45 50 190 Seinfeld The Office The Office The Office The Office The Office The Office The Office The Office Daily Show South Park DIS 49 31 250 Kiff (R) Kiff (R) Kiff (R) Kiff (R) Kiff (R) Kiff (R) Miraculous Miraculous Miraculous BUNKíD (R) BUNKíD (R) DSC 66 27 120 Exp Unknwn Expedition Unknown (R) Expedition Unknown (R) Ghost Adventures Expedition Bigfoot Ghost: Screaming Room E! 24 51 196 The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) fififf (8:45) Fast & Furious (2009, Action) Vin Diesel, Paul Walker. fififi E! News Sex & City ESPN 28 36 70 Sports Live. NBA Live. NBA Basketball Live. NBA Basketball Live. ESPN2 29 35 74 NFL Live College Football: Ball State Cardinals at Bowling Green Falcons. Live. SportsCenter Live. SportsCenter Live. FBN 43 106 117 Bottom Kudlow (R) Legends & Lies (R) Legends & Lies (R) Legends & Lies (R) Legends & Lies (R) FNC 44 26 118 Spc. Rpt. The Ingraham Angle Jesse Watters Primetime Hannity Gutfeld! Fox News @ Night FOOD 50 97 164 Grocery (R) Guyís Grocery Games (R) Guyís Grocery Games (R) Guyís Grocery Games Guyís Grocery Games (R) Guyís Grocery Games (R) FREFRM 38 49 199 Mulan (1998, Family) Ming-Na Wen. G fifififf Coco (2017, Adventure) Anthony Gonzalez. PG fifififf The 700 Club (R) FS1 400 99 83 NASCAR NFL Films MLS Soccer: Atlanta United FC at Columbus Crew. Live. Breaking NFL Films MLB Postgame Live. FX 10 40 53 (5:00) Iron Man (2008, Action) fifififf Iron Man 2 (2010, Action) Robert Downey Jr. PG-13 fififi Iron Man 3 (2013) Robert Downey Jr. HALL 191 240 (6:00) Cross Country Christmas (2020) A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe (2022) Under the Christmas Sky (2023) Ryan Paevey. HGTV 64 98 165 100 Day (R) 100 Day Dream Home (R) House Hunters Bargain Block Hunters Hunters (R) Hunters (R) Hunters (R) HIST 40 47 128 (6:00) Pawn Stars Do America (R) Pawn Stars Do America: Sunshine State Steals (10:03) Forged in Fire (11:03) Pawn Stars (R) ID 23 171 123 See No (R) See No Evil (R) See No Evil: Alaska Killer 48 Hours on ID Caught in the Net Crimefeed LIFE 62 45 140 Castle Castle: The Blue Butterfly Married at First Sight: Hard Launch (10:06) Castle: Pandora (11:04) Castle: Linchpin MeTV 33 33 3 M*A*S*H M*A*S*H M*A*S*H Andy Andy Hllbillies Acres Hogan Hogan Burnett P. Mason MSG 27 87 78 The Bettor NY Knicks NBA Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks. Live. NY Knicks MSG Shorts The Juice NBA MSG Plus 48 88 80 The Bettor NY Knicks NBA Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks. Live. NY Knicks The Juice Fight Sports World MSNBC 14 23 103 Ari Melber The ReidOut All in with Chris Hayes Alex Wagner Tonight Lawrence OíDonnell The 11th Hour MTV 20 53 210 Challenge (6:53) The Challenge (R) The Challenge: Two Lungs, One Heart Ink Master Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous NATGEO 65 162 121 Smuggler To Catch a Smuggler (R) To Catch a Smuggler (R) To Catch a Smuggler To Catch a Smuggler (R) To Catch a Smuggler (R) NICK 6 121 252 Loud House Dylan Slimetime SpongeBob SpongeBob Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends OWN 173 180 145 Dr. Phil Dr. Phil: Ultimatum Love It or List It Love It or List It Love It or List It Love It or List It PARMT 36 56 54 Men Men Men My Cousin Vinny (1992, Comedy) Joe Pesci. R fififi My Cousin Vinny (1992) R SNY 26 60 77 Amaziní Amaziní Klecko 73 Yeah ... Broadway Boxing Sports Sports SYFY 17 48 180 (5:49) The Turning (2020, Drama) fiff (8:02) Zombieland (2009, Horror) Woody Harrelson. R SurrealEstate Texas Chainsaw 3D R fifi TBS 8 39 52 Bang Bang Bang All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite Young Young Young Young TCM 82 41 230 Midnight Mary (1933) Loretta Young.t Imitation of Life (1934, Drama) Claudette Colbert. fififi Intruder in the Dust (1949, Drama) David Brian. fifififf TLC 52 28 139 600lb Life My 600-lb Life (R) My 600-lb Life: Dominicís Story (R) Hoarding: The Last Clear Hoarding: My Kids (R) TNT 3 37 51 NHL Pre NHL Hockey: Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers. Live. NHL Hockey: St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche. Live. TVLAND 85 34 241 Andy Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Queens Queens USA 16 38 50 (6:00) SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU (11:01) Law & Order: SVU VH1 19 52 217 Vacation (2015, Comedy) Ed Helms. fififf Ghostbusters (2016, Comedy) Melissa McCarthy. PG-13 fifi Superman (1978) PG fififi WE 59 42 149 (6:00) NCIS NCIS: Hiatus, Part 2 NCIS: Shalom NCIS: Escaped NCIS: Singled Out NCIS: Faking It YES 53 89 76 Forbes English Premier League Soccer Road Trippiní Stepping Forbes HBO 511 301 400 (5:55) xXx (2002, Action) Vin Diesel. fififf xXx: State of the Union (2005) Ice Cube. (9:45) Real Sports (10:45) The Gilded Age Funny R fififf MAX 531 371 420 (6:13) Predators (2010, Science Fiction) Predator (1987) R fififi (9:47) Predator 2 (1990, Action) Danny Glover. R fififf The Edge R MGM Plus 595 395 Winter (R) (7:10) Billy the Kid (R) Respect (2021, Drama) Jennifer Hudson. PG-13 fififi (10:25) A Good Person (2023, Drama) R SHO 551 321 365 True Grit The Godfather (1972, Crime) Marlon Brando. 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CAVS NOTS! WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 www nypost com ff ffifl flffi Getty Images TRADER JOE TO TRADER NO www.nypost.com fi ADER DOUGLAS SITS TIGHT AT DEADLINE WITH JETS IN PLAYOFF HUNT / P. 58-59 AND GRAB BASH SEMIEN DRIVES IN 5 AS RANGERS ROLL TO WITHIN A WIN OF FIRST TITLE PAGES 54-55 ! Knicks make Cleveland look silly for talking playoff payback Julius Randle ó one of four Knicks with at least 16 points despite not playing in the fourth ó puts up a shot in a 109-91 laugher over the big-talking ó but shorthanded ó Cavaliers. PAGES 60-61 Getty Images ffffl fflffi À[)91925|lj;daK]È {V\b\c\c\?