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1. Flu season is hitting early, doctors recommend vaccinations  WMUR
2. Flu Season Has Landed Early, and Your Vaccination Is Overdue  Bloomberg.com
3. Officials urge vaccines for flu and other respiratory illnesses amid limited pediatric ICU capacity  KGW
4. Flu cases are already increasing across the US. Is this year’s flu shot effective?  The Independent
5. Early flu season lands in WA as COVID numbers also rise  The Seattle Times

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Philip Broberg scored on a power play at 8:47 of the third period to break a tie in the St. Louis Blues' 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night.

1. Knicks raise NBA championship banner, hand out elaborate rings complete with a miniature Madison Square Garden  Yahoo Sports
2. The Knicks raised a banner to the MSG rafters. Then LeBron James and the 76ers brought them back to earth  CNN
3. Knicks celebrate NBA title, add surprise Cup banner  ESPN
4. Knicks’ 22-carat NBA championship ring includes nearly 800 diamonds — and a secret mini Garden  New York Post
5. New York Knicks trip on opening night with T-shirt flub as they hang first banner in 53 years  Fox News

1. Haitian migrants changed this town - Trump's deportation drive is reshaping it again  BBC
2. Haiti Deportation Crisis  PBS
3. ‘Not a safe place’: Deported Haitians face violence, uncertainty  USA Today
4. Springfield residents to march 40 miles, demand end to 'cruel' policies  Cincinnati Enquirer
5. Yellow Springs cinematographer contributes to PBS documentary on Haitians in Springfield  WYSO

1. Tyler Cameron fiancée Tate Madden reveals pregnancy on 'DWTS' Dedication Night  USA Today
2. Tyler Cameron and Fiancée Tate Madden Reveal They’re Expecting First Baby on Dancing with the Stars (Exclusive)  People.com
3. Tyler Cameron and fiancée Tate Madden reveal pregnancy in emotional ‘Dedication Night’ routine on ‘DWTS’  Page Six
4. Tyler Cameron Reveals He’s Going to Be a Girl Dad on ‘Dancing With the Stars’  The Hollywood Reporter
5. ‘DWTS’ Week 6: Tyler Cameron Honors Late Mom, Reveals Pregnancy With Fiancée in Emotional Dedication Dance  Yahoo

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The new legends of the New York Knicks received their NBA championship rings from all the past legends in franchise history.

Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and all the other New York Knicks stars brought a championship to the franchise after 53 years in 2026. It had been a long wait for the organisation, but that also made the win that much more special.

Before they opened their 2026-27 NBA campaign against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks celebrated their amazing accomplishment by raising the banner and giving the stars their well-earned rings. They got those from some of the biggest names in franchise history.

Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, and Willis Reed’s wife among those handing out the Knicks stars their rings

The 1973 New York Knicks team battled past the Baltimore Bullets and the 68-win Boston Celtics to reach the NBA Finals. There, they beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 to claim their second title. The same core had also won it all in 1970, making them all franchise legends.

The starting five for that 1973 team were all the people who gave the new champs their rings at Madison Square Garden. Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, and Earl Monroe were on hand for the beautiful moment. Willis Reed’s wife, Gale Reed, took his place.

This was a very special moment in franchise history, and it is very fitting for there to have been a ‘changing of the guard’ for the Knicks. There are new franchise legends in town who can point to the banner they helped put up, although they will want more.

The Knicks won two championships in four years in the 70s, and this team will start this season likely hoping to defend their title in 2026-27. If they do that, the likes of Brunson and Hart will have made themselves as big as all of the names who handed them their rings.

Read more:

• ‘Unbelievable’ – Every word Jalen Brunson said to New York Knicks fans during ring ceremony
• Every celebrity that attended New York Knicks ring ceremony including Harry Styles
• ‘Standing on business’ – Fans react to LeBron James defending himself from Knicks crowd amid 76ers debut

Give us all the lovely Swedes. | NHLI via Getty Images

The Islanders won their second game in a row for the first time in this young season, casting aside their injury woes for a night and beating a team they probably needed to.

The 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks was made mostly comfortable by holding a two-goal lead for most of the game, though at 3-1 they missed a chance to finish the game with the empty net, and that nearly came back to bite them.

With under three minutes to go and a sixth attacker in effect, Alex Killorn converted a Leo Carlsson pass — the $90 million man’s ninth assist — to cut the Isles lead to 3-2 and make things nerve wracking. The Ducks also hit the post in the dying seconds, but tragedy was averted.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

Ilya Sorokin only needed 15 saves for the win, but some of them were critical and one of them was outstanding and led to the Isles’ first goal. The Isles went the other way, benefited from a fortunate bounce in the neutral zone, and three rejuvenated old men combined on a pretty play to open scoring at 13:39 of the first: Anthony Duclair with the nifty slip pass to J-G Pageau, who delivered a cross slot feed to Ondrej Palat, who settled a bouncing puck to beat Lukas Dostal.

Is…is Palat good again? At least for the moment, yes.

PAGER TO PALAT. pic.twitter.com/X7vSWYzCpa

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 20, 2026

The Isles doubled their lead five minutes later. After a Matt Kessel pinch, Victor Eklund got up from losing a size mismatch battle in the corner and sprinted to the net to backhand a rebound of a point shot for his second NHL goal.

Eklund with the REBOUND!! pic.twitter.com/tLPFQbkqdl

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 20, 2026

The Ducks got one back quickly from Frank Vatrano, who was back from doing a thing in Jersey, but Simon Holmstrom restored the two-goal lead before the end of the period. He tipped in a Matthew Schaefer point shot on the power play, Schaefer’s eighth assist of the season.

The second period was scoreless and low event (outside of a fight from Mitchell Chaffee in his Isles debut) the third period even less so. Pete DeBoer’s dream of a smothering, frustrating team defense may be sinking in.

#Isles Pete DeBoer: "The last two games are probably our most complete 60-minute games. Other than sticking the puck in the net, we couldn't have done much more. We did let them hang around because of our lack of finish."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 21, 2026Up Next

The other LA team, the one-win Kings, are in town on Thursday.

Photo by: Thomas SheaTrack Repairs Aim to Improve the Racing Surface

The Circuit of The Americas is making important improvements to its track surface ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, with crews targeting some of the bumps that have challenged drivers in recent seasons.

COTA has developed a reputation for its uneven surface, partly because of ground movement beneath the circuit. Those bumps can make it difficult for drivers to keep their cars stable, especially through high-speed corners where maintaining balance and control is critical.

For 2026, the section from the entry of Turn 9 through the entry of Turn 11 has been resurfaced. Crews have also smoothed bumps on the approaches to Turns 12 and 19, giving drivers a more consistent surface in several important areas of the lap.

Why Smoothing the Track Matters

The changes could make a noticeable difference for teams as they prepare their cars for the weekend. A smoother surface can help improve stability under braking, provide more predictable grip and allow drivers to attack corners with greater confidence.

COTA’s combination of long straights, heavy braking zones and fast direction changes already places significant demands on Formula 1 cars. Bumps can make setup decisions even more difficult, forcing engineers to balance aerodynamic performance with a suspension that can handle an uneven track.

However, the improvements do not guarantee that every section will be bump-free. Ground movement has caused recurring surface problems at COTA, meaning maintenance will likely remain an ongoing challenge.

The updated surface gives teams another variable to evaluate during practice. If the repairs deliver a smoother ride, drivers could benefit from greater consistency throughout the United States Grand Prix weekend.

As the Philadelphia Eagles continue to deal with a ridiculous number of injuries on both sides of the ball, it raises the question of what could happen over the next couple of weeks before the NFL trade deadline. 

The Eagles find themselves in one of the more difficult positions in all of the NFL for that reason alone, and with the news that Jalen Hurts is going to be out for the remainder of the season after a brutal injury announcement, as he's currently dealing with blood clots, it's not unfair to suggest that Philadelphia should consider moving on from some of its best players. 

As for what the Eagles want to do over the next year or so, Howie Roseman could see this as a chance to gain even more assets and figure things out in the future. 

If Philadelphia goes in that direction, it has multiple players it can move on from who are approaching 30.

Historically, running backs haven't aged well, but Saquon Barkley still seems like a very good player. 

He's also dealt with his fair share of injuries, last appearing in a game on October 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, going down after just two carries for 8 yards. However, Barkley looked great before that, posting 182 yards on 36 carries, for 5.1 yards per touch.

As for teams that could use Barkley, the Seattle Seahawks are at the top of the list. He could be a great piece for a team whose offense has struggled a bit this season after winning a Super Bowl a season ago.

“The Seattle Seahawks ought to have extreme seller's remorse as they field a bottom-tier rushing attack and watch Kenneth Walker III run wild in Kansas City. Much of their disappointing 3-3 start can be attributed to an offense that ranks second-worst in EPA per rush, which leads one to wonder how much they regret letting Walker go in free agency.  

“He is very much the missing piece, and they will rely on Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price to fill that gap when they return from injured reserve. Neither is an established No. 1 running back, though, so Seattle would benefit from admitting it needs a high-caliber starter, then placing Charbonnet back in his more natural secondary role and allowing Price to develop as a rookie third option,” Carter Bahns wrote.

Moving on from Barkley wouldn't be an easy decision for the Eagles, even with the struggles we've seen over the 13 months. 

However, it's getting to the point where it might be the better decision. Philadelphia fans certainly love the former Penn State star, but they also have to understand the business side of things and why trading a guy like him could make sense. 

The interesting part is what Barkley might get in return, since some argue he should still be valued highly in a trade package.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been making changes with their wide receiver group, and they’re trying to find a playmaker among them. They didn’t find one, but they did find a way to get productivity from Patrick Mahomes. 

Mahomes was able to distribute the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Chiefs’ 22-6 win over the Chargers, and it produced some nice numbers. The Chiefs aren’t all the way there yet, but they played without Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, but Mahomes was able to generate his usual stats, passing for 272 yards on 23-of-30 pass attempts. 

The quarterback still doesn’t trust everyone from this new group, though, as he relied on his history with tight end Travis Kelce, who caught for balls for 53 yards. Kelce has been quiet when this offense is going well and running back Kenneth Walker III is producing, but he’s clearly capable of stepping into the moment when the occasion demands. 

Having different receivers also brought about the emergence of tight end Noah Gray, who hasn’t been heard from in a whle. Gray had three catches for 53 yards, including a 31-yard reception that bodes well for the future of the Kansas City offense. 

But the biggest development was probably the performance of receiver Xavier Worthy. The Chiefs have been trying to unlock Worthy’s big play capability in training camp, and while they haven’t been able to do it yet, Worthy did have seven catches for 73 yards. He was featured on numerous crossing routes, and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks one of them open. 

Three other receivers checked in with catches, and they’re important as well. Start with Cyrus Allen, who was a training camp sensation who’s since disappeared into the depth chart, but against the Chargers he caught two passes for 27 yards. Mahomes trusted him in training camp, and it was good to see that trust carry forward into a game. 

Jalen Royals also caught two passes that went for 24 yards, and that’s after catching a TD pass from Mahomes as they start to build trust. The more productivity the Chiefs can get from their secondary receivers, the better Kansas City’s offense will be over the long haul. Andrew Armstrong also contributed with a catch for 13 yards, and Walker and rookie running back Emmett Johnson also caught a pair of passes. 

The Chiefs don’t have the deep threat they need yet, but they’re filling in nicely until they can find one.

Oct 11, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs the ball against Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWeek 7 RB Usage Report: Backfield Shifts and the Fantasy Football Impacts for Kendre Miller, Chuba Hubbard, and More

As we transition from the Week 6 data and prep our lineups for Week 7, backfield workloads continue to experience major shifts. Injuries, unexpected volume spikes, and fumbles are forcing fantasy managers to make difficult personnel decisions ahead of the next slate.

Let's dive into five notable running back situations from Week 6, evaluating who is capitalizing on expanded opportunities, who is sliding into a dangerous timeshare, and how you should manage your fantasy roster moving forward.

Week 6 Usage ReportRB Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

• Week 6 Line: 20 carries, 70 rushing yards; 2 receptions, 0 receiving yards (22 total touches)
• Usage Profile: Suddenly thrust into a heavy workload amid an in-game injury scare

Kendre Miller rewarded patient fantasy managers in Week 6, handling a massive 20 carries for 70 yards while chipping in two catches in a 34-27 win over the Giants. This spike in volume came as Alvin Kamara dealt with a brief first-half injury scare. While Kamara managed to return, seeing Miller trusted with 20 rushing attempts proves his upside if he ever assumes a full-time role. With Travis Etienne still sidelined until after the team's Week 8 bye, Miller is shaping up as a high-value flex option and close to a must-start ahead of a matchup with the Steelers in Paris.

The Verdict: Rising Handcuff / High-Upside Flex (A must-hold with standalone juice)

RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

• Week 6 Line: 28 carries, 120 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown; 1 reception, 1 receiving yard (29 total touches)
• Usage Profile: Absolute bellcow completely dominating backfield touches

Is Chuba Hubbard a legit RB1 at this point? After a dominant 28-carry, 120-yard performance paired with a score against the Eagles, the answer is a resounding yes. Hubbard has completely locked down the primary role in Carolina with Jonathan Brooks on IR, routinely seeing the volume required to anchor fantasy lineups. His rushing touchdown in Week 6 was his fourth of the season (sixth overall), cementing his status as an every-week starter who has far exceeded his initial draft capital.

The Verdict: Legitimate RB1 (Locked-in weekly volume makes him matchup-proof)

RB Braelon Allen, New York Jets

• Week 6 Line: 17 carries, 78 rushing yards; 2 receptions, 26 receiving yards (19 total touches)
• Usage Profile: Clear-cut lead runner dominating early-down work

With Breece Hall missing more time due to a quad injury, Braelon Allen has seized control of the New York backfield. Naturally, fantasy managers are asking: does he have standalone value once Breece Hall returns? While Allen proved he can shoulder a heavy load (coming off a massive 24-carry, 116-yard game in Week 5 and maintaining a strong role in Week 6), his pass-game involvement remains limited. Once Hall is back on the field, Allen will likely revert to a touchdown-dependent, early-down handcuff rather than a weekly starter. Treat him as an elite insurance policy and a decent short-term flex while he handles the starting job.

The Verdict: Premium Handcuff (Sizzling rental value now, but capped when Hall returns)

RB Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers

• 7 carries, 18 rushing yards; 4 receptions, 21 receiving yards (11 total touches)
• Usage Profile: Slipping down the rotation and losing high-leverage opportunities

Is Omarion Hampton... gasp... droppable? For fantasy managers who drafted him with high hopes expecting a steady stream of weekly production, the frustration is peaking. Hampton has struggled to carve out consistent numbers, averaging a modest 9.6 PPR points per game while watching his snap share and efficiency dwindle as he's split snaps with Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. With the Chargers' offense struggling to sustain momentum amid an 0-6 start, Hampton's floor has completely fallen out. If you are in a shallow or medium-sized league and desperately need roster flexibility during the bye-week crunch, cutting ties is becoming a defensible reality.

The Verdict: Bench/Don't Drop Yet (Unless in shallow league)

RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

• Week 6 Line: 7 carries, 31 rushing yards; 1 reception, 9 receiving yards (plus 1 fumble)
• Usage Profile: Solid in return from injury, but losing ground to a hot hand

TreVeyon Henderson looked okay upon returning from a high-ankle sprain in Week 6, but his afternoon hit a snag when he coughed up a fumble against the Jets. Compounding matters, fellow back Corey Kiner actually out-carried him, logging 11 rushes for 57 yards while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Henderson's fumble likely cost him snaps down the stretch, and Kiner' strong efficiency introduces a messy committee behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson remains a talented prospect, but you should sit him against Chicago in Week 7.

The Verdict: Bench/ Don't Drop Yet (Trending down due to the fumble and Kiner's emergence)

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This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Week 7 RB Usage Report: Backfield Shifts & Fantasy Football Impact for Kendre Miller, TreVeyon Henderson, and More!.

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Lakers’ Austin Reaves hilariously reveals reaction to LeBron James in 76ers uniform appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James decided to leave in free agency. James would join a stacked Philadelphia 76ers team with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown, and the Lakers would then make a plethora of signings in their first opportunity to build a team properly around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

For Reaves, however, it remains a bit of whiplash for him to see James don a jersey other than the Lakers’. After all, he did spent five seasons in the same locker room with James, and seeing him in Philly colors requires some getting used to. Reaves, in fact, revealed his hilarious reaction to seeing James don a new uniform during preseason.

“I almost texted [LeBron], told him he looked crazy,” Reaves told reporters ahead of the Lakers’ season-opener on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, via Carlos Yakimowich of The Sporting Tribune. “It’s different. But you know, that’s my guy. I wish him the best and I’ll definitely watch [the 76ers’ season opener vs. the New York Knicks].”

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Austin Reaves on seeing LeBron in a diffrent uniform.

“I almost texted him and told him he looked crazy.”

(asked by @DStarkand) pic.twitter.com/hg1PYjr1Tr

— Carlos Yakimowich (@CarlosYakJr) October 20, 2026

James was incredible for the Lakers during the 2026 NBA playoffs, averaging 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists as he and Reaves put up a gallant stand amid Doncic’s injury woes.

But in the end, the 41-year-old star wanted another legitimate chance to compete for a title, and he saw that joining the 76ers furthers that goal of his. The Lakers do have a talented roster, but the Western Conference is simply too much of a bloodbath.

Reaves, at the very least, appears to be in line for his best season yet. Last year, he put up 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per contest. Now, he is the legitimate second scoring option for the Lakers and he’ll be taking control of the offense alongside Doncic.

It remains quite a marvel that Reaves, who went from a beloved bench guy in his rookie year, endearing himself to James in the process, has blossomed into this big of a star for the Lakers.

Related: Tracy Morgan disses Lakers’ Bronny James with wild “JUCO” claim

Related: Collin Sexton‘s injury status for Lakers’ season opener vs. Warriors, revealed

LOS ANGELES --- The USC Trojans head into Camp Randall Stadium this Saturday, having learned the same lesson in their past two contests: close games get decided by fundamentals and playmaking, not emotion. After escaping Washington at home and outlasting Penn State's White Out, the Trojans used their bye week to recover physically. They also made sure that lesson would stick before facing a Wisconsin defense built in a similar image. 

Head coach Lincoln Riley made clear that returning from the week of isn't only about riding the momentum from Happy Valley.

"Our deal is very process and standard oriented," Riley said. "The reality is we've won every game but one this year, and in those games we found things we did well and things that we didn't do well...our process stays very consistent."

That process showed up specifically on the offensive line in the form of true freshman Vlad Dyakonov, who was thrust into his first career start at Penn State on short notice. Fellow offensive lineman Justin Tauanuu said the moment didn't rattle him at all.

"The most impressive part about him is just him being calm, not having much nervousness going in...especially going into a big atmosphere such as Penn State," Tauanuu said. "I'm really impressed with how he played."

Tauanuu credited that composure to a next-man-up culture the room has leaned on to navigate injuries this season. He said the group's focus this week is strictly fundamental against a Wisconsin defensive front that he expects to serve as a strong test.

"Really just focusing on our fundamentals...going against great players like that, you always have to go back to the fundamentals, and the fundamentals will triumph everything else."

Badgers' outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks poses to be one of those players that will give the Trojans trouble, with his two and a half sacks and two forced fumbles leading the team. Wisconsin, despite suffering a loss, was just the second team this season to hold No. 9 UCLA to 17 points in a game.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava identified Wisconsin's linebacker core as critical to their success.

"They're kind of the heart of their defense," he said. "As you see it on film, [they] kind of get the guys rolling on D, and we're just excited to go out there against those guys."

Maiava also took time to talk about one of his wide receivers, sophomore Tanook Hines. He pointed Hines out as someone whose growth and leadership have gone a long way for the receiver room as a whole.

"Those guys are getting really close every single day," Maiava said. "You can see it out there. I can feel it at the quarterback position as well as everybody else in there."

Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Hines, who is self-admittedly a quieter person, said this season has forced him to step up and take on a more vocal role for the younger pass catchers.

"Definitely naturally quiet," he said of himself. "I'd just say that's what the receiver room needed. So now I have to step up and show my leadership skills."

Freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who has used Hines' mentorship as part of a season in which he leads USC in receiving yards, believes that the team isn't interested in carrying the emotion of the Penn State win into Madison. Instead, they'd like to focus on keeping the version of play itself that showed up.

"I feel like we're just focused on this week's opponent and taking it week-by-week."

It's the same message that Riley opened the week with. The standard doesn't move just because the record improves. Whether it's a first-time starter on the offensive line or a receiver room with a new leadership voice, USC's offense is chasing the process over the moment. Wisconsin's defense will be the next to test whether that's actually true.

1. MSU looks like a team still with a lot to figure out, especially at center

EAST LANSING — With 17:57 remaining Tuesday, we were reminded how fragile the dreams of a college basketball season can be, as Jeremy Fears Jr. laid on the baseline clutching his left ankle. Suddenly nothing else mattered. Certainly not this exhibition game.

Fears hobbled off and, two minutes, later, checked back in. Crisis averted. Michigan State 1, bad luck 0. The score between MSU and Connecticut less relevant.

The Huskies did win the actual game, 78-70. That’s a really good UConn team again. The Spartans I think should be, as well — and were in parts and spurts Tuesday — but there are a lot of new players and combinations that still have a lot to figure out. As there often is on Oct. 20.

Like last year, MSU has likely seen what it’ll have to beat to be at the top of college basketball. Like last year, I think this game will serve them well. And I think this MSU team has a higher ceiling (and lower floor) than last season’s group. But it’s going to take a little bit to reach it and settle on the lineups and players who can deliver it. I think November will be a clunkier month than it was last season.

Because outside of Fears and Coen Carr, most of this MSU roster is still figuring out who they are as players for this team. Even Jordan Scott, who I think is in store for a terrific season — and might be MSU’s second-best player, factoring in both ends of the court — will need a bit of time before he understands that expanded role on offense is his to take.

Most obvious: MSU’s big man rotation is miles from being settled. Jesse McCulloch might offer the most offensively — he had eight points and four rebounds Tuesday, following up his 20-point night in the first exhibition. He had some nice moments on that pick and role with Fears. On the other hand, Tom Izzo lamented his defensive rebounding.

McCulloch and Cam Ward are a nice pairing at the 4 and 5 spots, because McCulloch can stretch a defense. Ward might also be MSU’s best option at center at some point — with a smaller lineup. Hard to say to right now. They hadn’t worked on it much yet before Tuesday, Izzo said.

Ethan Taylor showed some flashes. He’s determined to be a factor. We’ll see. Transfer Anton Bonke started and had two points and three rebounds in six minutes and didn’t play in the second half. “He didn’t seem as ready to play on a couple of things,” Izzo said.

“We’re trying to find who we can play at center and what we can do there,” Izzo said later.

MSU’s coaches will have to see all these guys in more of these high-stress, difficult-matchup situations before they really know. Or if they think they know now, for the sake of roster unity, they’ve got to let it play out on the court, so it’s obvious to the players, too.

“They have three viable guys (at center). They all bring different things,” UConn coach Danny Hurley said. “If they could figure out the center thing, they could be one of the best teams in the country.

“They have everything you need to be a national championship contender. They’ve got to figure out that center spot.”

Beyond that: UConn, without question, had more offensive weapons that hurt MSU on Tuesday than MSU had weapons that hurt the Huskies. MSU had Fears, who was mostly tremendous, with 23 points, eight assists and four turnovers, playing with February-like determination. His driving, one-handed dunk over UConn defenders was an eye-opening moment. Freshman Jasiah Jervis was MSU’s other top perimeter weapon (more on him in a bit). Scott had some tantalizing moments. finishing with seven points and six rebounds in 29 minutes. He was great defensively.

But Duke transfer Nik Khamenia (19 points) and guard Demary Silas Jr., who the Spartans are very familiar with, too often carved up MSU, which has some work to do on the defensive end. Want to know who will be playing center for MSU? Whoever best gets those coverages down.

The most important takeaway from Tuesday should be that it’s Oct. 20 and these games used to be closed-door scrimmages. The Spartans lost plenty of these sorts of exhibitions when they were behind closed doors and went on to have memorable seasons. We just didn’t see them or know the details. For example, I’ve been told MSU lost badly to Gonzaga in closed scrimmages before Cassius Winston’s junior and senior seasons.

These games are snapshots. And if there’s a talent deficit, they can be troubling snapshots. That’s not MSU’s issue. The Spartans look like a team that still has to be molded and figured out.

“This was the best exhibition game we could have played,” Izzo said.

2. Freshman thoughts — the UConn edition

I’d be surprised if freshman Jasiah Jervis isn’t in MSU’s closing lineup almost immediately. For starters, MSU needs guys who can close offensively. He’s one who clearly can. We saw Tuesday some of what he can be — getting downhill, rising and shooting. He’s a complete scorer and a guy who looks like a shot-maker. He hit two of MSU’s three 3-pointers Tuesday.

“He’s the guy we have to keep getting shots for,” Izzo said after the game.

It’s the most obvious thing. His ability jumps off the page, so to speak. He had 11 points in 23 minutes. Like Jordan Scott a year ago, I think you’ll see those minutes be at least that high and perhaps grow into the upper 20s.

Carlos Medlock Jr. is figuring out this new level — mostly the length and strength he’s got to deal with. I think he’ll get there. The key for him will be to be solid as a backup point guard as the season gets going. MSU doesn’t need him to make shots. Great if he does. But they need him to run the show. He was 1-for-7, with one assist and one turnover in 10 minutes. He shouldn’t be taking seven shots in 10 minutes.

Ethan Taylor is someone to watch. He showed some things — on the drive, on the glass. He finished with five points and two rebounds in 11 minutes at center. Talking to him last week, he is determined to be a factor this season. I wouldn’t rule that out, especially if the center position is this unsettled. Defensively, he lost his assignment a couple times. If he’s solid on that stuff and strong enough to hold his ground, he’ll be in the rotation.

3. Those 3-point shooting numbers, oh my

MSU has been through this before, so it's easy to get nervous about a 3-for-20 shooting night from beyond the arc. This should be a decent shooting team, though. There are too many good-to-capable shooters on this roster. But you also have to make shots. You can't just be known as a guy who can.

Kur Teng, who is coming back from a foot injury, missed all three 3s Tuesday. He’s at this level because he’s a shooter. He's got to make them. Jordan Scott missed both of his 3s. Jesse McCulloch only took one and missed it. He should take more. Carlos Medlock tried four — he should try less. Jasiah Jervis went 2-for-5. Jeremy Fears Jr. hit the only other one on a brutal night collectively from deep.

The center position is part of what this team will have to figure out. So, too, is having enough shooters on the floor at one time. And, ultimately, the shooters are the guys who make shots and do so at a clip that’s respected by opponents enough to be on the scouting report.

It’s one exhibition game, with a lot of bizarre lineups. It’s way, way too soon to react with concern. But MSU does need three or four guys it can count on to make shots from beyond the arc.

Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on X @Graham_Couch and BlueSky @GrahamCouch.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball's 78-70 exhibition loss to Connecticut