Ball Girl #118: Weekend Sports Recap

In case you didn’t get the memo: Ball Girl is back!

Your sports bestie is back, three times a week in your inbox with all the tea. And soon, even more entertainment on TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify (hard launch incoming shortly). TLDR, we’re becoming the Kardashians of sports news: we’re freakin’ everywhere. Whether you're here for the touchdowns, the drama, or just to have something new to talk about at the water cooler, we got you.

🏈 NFL

Philly Reigns Supreme In PA 

There was some serious tea circulating before the Eagles vs. Steelers game: that Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and WR A.J. Brown were beefing harder than a fast food drive-thru on a Friday night. Cut to the first quarter, and these two are out there doing a little TD celly dance together, looking like they just exchanged friendship bracelets. Safe to say, the beef is officially squashed. And the Eagles weren’t just dancing — they were straight-up steamrolling the Steelers, 27-13. With this win, Philly now shares the same record as the Detroit Lions, and are eyeing that coveted No. 1 NFC spot like my dog looking at the steak I cheffed up this weekend.

Mahomes Mahurt

Patrick Mahomes got more tangled up than my hair after a wild night out, limping off the field in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs vs. Browns. A failed fourth-down attempt led to a high ankle sprain, and now he’s a “maybe” for next week. Despite all the chaos, the Chiefs cruised to a 21-7 win. Taylor Swift’s boyfriend’s team already secured a playoff spot weeks ago, so as long as Mahomes is good to go by then, it’s probably no biggie.

Bills Bully Lions

QB Josh Allen totally crashed the Lions' party last night, ending Detroit's 11-game win streak with a Bills’ 48-42 victory. The Lions had a glimmer of hope in the fourth quarter, but then HC Dan Campbell made a decision that had everyone questioning his game plan: with 10 minutes left, he went for an onside kick. Not even a desperate onside kick, but a "Hey, why not?" onside kick. The worst part? The Bills recovered the kick and ran it inside the Lions’ 10 yard line. But hey, don't feel too bad for the Lions. Despite their dramatic loss, they’re still sitting pretty at #1 in the NFC North and the top seed in the NFC… for now. Let’s just hope Dan Campbell doesn’t try calling a flea flicker next week to get back on track.

🏀 NBA

Bucks Earn Their Spot in the NBA Cup Final

Milwaukee’s 110-102 win over Atlanta wasn’t just a game; it was a masterclass in fourth-quarter dominance. Giannis Antetokounmpo (small forward, future Greek statue model) did everything but sell popcorn, racking up 32 points, 14 rebounds, and a soul-snatching block. Trae Young (point guard and Hawks’ life raft) threw down 35 points and 10 assists, but his teammates folded faster than your laundry pile. Damian Lillard (shooting guard, king of clutch) added 25 points, and now the Bucks are heading to the NBA Cup Championship to face OKC. Spoiler: it’s going to be chaotic in the best way.

Thunder Roll Over Houston, Eyes on the Prize

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Rockets 111-96, proving they’re not just hot — they’re scorching. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (point guard and smooth criminal) dropped 32 points and snagged 5 steals, leading an 11-0 third-quarter run that left Houston spiraling. Amen Thompson (guard and baby-faced baller) had flashes of brilliance for the Rockets, but let’s be real: OKC is running on dynasty energy. Now, they’re gearing up for Milwaukee in the NBA Cup Final, and if they win, we’re calling it — the Thunder are the next big thing.

Wemby’s Big Moment Seals Spurs’ Win

Victor Wembanyama (center and 7’4” unicorn) gave us a glimpse of his greatness in the Spurs’ 118-116 win over Portland. With 2.4 seconds left, Wemby sank two clutch free throws like it was just another day in the life of a generational talent. Portland’s Jerami Grant (forward with a flamethrower for a hand) hit eight threes to finish with 32 points, but even that couldn’t stop the Spurs’ comeback. Wemby’s stat line? 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. At just 20, he’s already proving he’s not just the future — he’s now.

🏒 NHL

Bedard Brings the Drama in Chicago Win

Connor Bedard (18 yr old center, hockey prodigy) proved age is just a number in the Blackhawks’ 5-3 win over the Islanders. With less than a minute on the clock and the game tied, Bedard scored the game-winner like a seasoned vet. Teuvo Teravainen (forward and dependable dad energy) added a goal and two assists, while goalie Arvid Soderblom stood tall with 30 saves. For Chicago, it was a rare W in a tough season. For the Islanders? Let’s just say their defense has a clear New Year’s resolution.

Pastrnak Powers Bruins to Victory

David Pastrnak (right wing and elite playmaker) dished his 400th career assist in Boston’s 5-1 beatdown of the Canucks. His performance was basically a TED Talk on playmaking, setting up Brad Marchand and Pavel Zacha for highlight goals. Vancouver, meanwhile, looked more lost than a tourist on the T, with rookie Max Sasson’s first NHL goal as their lone bright spot. For Boston, it was the redemption arc they needed after a rough start to their road trip.

🗞️ Gossip Corner

Seahawks Giving… Elphaba?

The Seahawks donned their head to toe neon green uniforms for Sunday Night Football… perhaps channeling Elphaba, main character of Wicked, broadway musical-turned-hit movie feat. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. It seems that everything is promoting Wicked these days, and why wouldn’t Roger Goodell (NFL Commish) jump on the bandwagon? The green did nothing to distract the Packers, though, who handed their highlighter-esque opponents a 30-13 defeat. Try defying gravity another time, Seattle.

Kelce Swiftly Becomes NFL’s Golden Boy

Taylor Swift turned 35 this week, and guess who skipped the Kansas City Chiefs’ mandatory holiday party to celebrate with her? Travis Kelce, tight end and low-key romantic king. With the Chiefs sitting pretty at 12-1, Kelce isn’t just crushing it on the field. Insiders say the birthday was intimate (read: lots of gifts, minimal Chiefs fans), and Swift might be back in the stands soon. Chiefs fans believe she’s their lucky charm, and honestly, who are we to argue?

That’s all for today, Ballers. We’ll catch you Wednesday!