Latest Sports News

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NBA

Hawks are playoff-bound, clinch top-six seed with win over Cavaliers

The Atlanta Hawks clinched both an outright playoff spot and the Southeast Division Crown on Friday with a 124-102 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

9 hours ago

Credit: Hyosub Shin/Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

Georgia high schooler on Masters debut: ‘Everything I dreamed it would be’

South Georgia high schooler Mason Howell didn't make the cut in his Masters debut. But he said he'll remember forever the experience playing alongside Rory McIlroy.

9 hours ago

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MLB

Braves rock Guardians with 6-run sixth, win 11-5

9 hours ago

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Surprises and disappointments: Tyrrell Hatton’s 66 provides 2nd-round boost

A look at the surprises and disappointments from the second round of the Masters, including Tyrell Hatton's big day and Bryson DeChambeau's nightmare on 18.

11 hours ago

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2026 Masters third-round tee times and groups for Saturday

Here are the pairings and times for Saturday’s third round at the Masters.

11 hours ago

AJC Varsity

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AJC VARSITY

Final girls basketball rankings: 4 first-time state champions finish No. 1

In the final girls basketball rankings after the state championships, four first-time winners finish No. 1.

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AJC VARSITY

Final boys basketball rankings: 3 first-time champions finish No. 1

St. Pius, Rabun County and Darlington won titles for the first time. Class 6A champion Wheeler won its 11th.

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Best in Georgia: 2025 AJC Varsity high school football all-state teams

Not only did the AJC Varsity name first-team all-state honorees for each GHSA classification, but it also added breakout players to watch in this year's all-state honors.

TV, scores & more

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Atlanta TV sports listings

A look at the TV listings for major sporting events for Atlanta today and this week.

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Michael Cunningham’s columns

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Ken Sugiura’s columns

Vote: What’s your grade for Kevin Stefanski as Falcons coach?

Make your voice heard in the AJC’s poll.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Vote: Which potential Falcons free agent is most important to re-sign?

The Falcons have 15 players that could become unrestricted free agents in March. Vote on which potential free agent is most important for the team to re-sign.

Atlanta Sports

Braves rock Guardians with 6-run sixth, win 11-5

Braves Report: My manager could beat up your manager

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

The Braves finally have good vibes again

The Braves have good vibes again.

Georgia Bulldogs

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BULLDOGS

Wes Johnson scoring big with UGA baseball, driving home millions in revenue

Third-year Georgia baseball coach Wes Johnson has the Bulldogs rolling on and off the field, leading the nation in homers and filling seats and donor boxes.

BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart knows how Georgia can overcome not having ‘highest-paid players’

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart says development of players is essential for succeeding in an era dominated by name, image and likeness and the transfer portal.

A UGA legend showed up for the 1960 Masters. He’s been every year since.

Longtime Georgia Bulldogs broadcaster and columnist, Loran Smith, 87, says he still burns with the curiosity to find stories.

Atlanta Falcons

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NFL

Falcons exercise fifth-year option for All-Pro Bijan Robinson

The Falcons are exercising their fifth-year option on All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson.

NFL

Kaleb McGary, the Falcons’ expected starter at right tackle, retires

Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary announces his retirement. Atlanta added veteran Jawaan Taylor but may also prioritize the position in the NFL draft.

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Accountability for James Pearce Jr. apparently won’t come from the Falcons

Linebacker James Pearce Jr. isn't at offseason workouts as he faces three felonies. Players have shown support for their "brother," and the team may face a tough decision.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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YELLOW JACKETS

Why Keylan Rutledge could shatter Tech’s 1st-round NFL draft glass ceiling

Georgia Tech All-American guard Keylan Rutledge will be a first-round NFL draft selection, according to ESPN, and the Senior Bowl executive director explained why.

YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech baseball sweeps California, extends its win streak to 8 games

Georgia Tech baseball extended its winning streak to 8 games with a three-game sweep of California. The Yellow Jackets (26-5) are averaging a program-best 11.4 runs per game.

NFL

Former Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King to visit Falcons, per report

Former Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King is set to visit the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the NFL Draft later this month, per a report from the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Atlanta United FC

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MLS

Atlanta United fall 3-1 to Columbus Crew, Martino ejected

The Five Stripes cut the Crew's lead in half in the 60th minute, but the momentum was squashed a minute later with Columbus' third goal.

Arthur Blank names president of soccer to oversee United, NWSL franchises

Mauricio Culebro comes to Atlanta with more than 22 years of vast experience across the soccer industry.

MLS

Atlanta United battles to scoreless draw

Five Stripes pick up a point in 0-0 finish vs. D.C. United.

Atlanta Hawks

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NBA

Hawks are playoff-bound, clinch top-six seed with win over Cavaliers

The Atlanta Hawks clinched both an outright playoff spot and the Southeast Division Crown on Friday with a 124-102 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

NBA

Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker earns Sekou Smith Award

Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker earned the 2025-26 Sekou Smith Award from the Atlanta media. He will be recognized for the honor before an upcoming game.

NBA

Hawks’ playoff probabilities remain high despite consecutive losses

The Hawks still have work to do to avoid falling out of the NBA Eastern Conference's top six and into a spot in the play-in tournament. Atlanta holds the No. 5 seed.

High Schools

Ranking the 100 greatest Georgia high school football finals of all-time

The best GHSA finals of all-time list was released in 2023 and has been updated with six of the 24 finals played since, ranked. on entertainment and importance.

State Report

Credit: Hyosub Shin/Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

Georgia high schooler on Masters debut: ‘Everything I dreamed it would be’

South Georgia high schooler Mason Howell didn't make the cut in his Masters debut. But he said he'll remember forever the experience playing alongside Rory McIlroy.

Masters round 3: Here’s what to expect Saturday at Augusta National

Rory McIlroy birdied six of the final seven holes on Friday to take a 6-stroke lead over the field, the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history.

Surprises and disappointments: Tyrrell Hatton’s 66 provides 2nd-round boost

A look at the surprises and disappointments from the second round of the Masters, including Tyrell Hatton's big day and Bryson DeChambeau's nightmare on 18.

Photos: Low-tech tradition reigns at the Masters

1/12

The board showing the honorary starters of 2026 Masters is updated by a person, not technology. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

More Sports news

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2026 Masters second-round tee times and groups for Friday

Second-round tee times are set for Friday at Augusta National, with Rory McIlroy among the final groups as the 2026 Masters continues in Georgia.

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MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

The Braves finally have good vibes again

The Braves have good vibes again.

Credit: Jason Getz/Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Two shots in, Mason Howell gets full Augusta experience in Masters debut

Mason Howell needed just two shots Thursday at the Masters to experience Augusta National in full.

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

NBA

Hawks’ playoff probabilities remain high despite consecutive losses

The Hawks still have work to do to avoid falling out of the NBA Eastern Conference's top six and into a spot in the play-in tournament. Atlanta holds the No. 5 seed.

Credit: Hyosub Shin/Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

How much it would cost to buy one of every item at the Masters Golf Shop

Prices range from less than $10 for sunglass straps to nearly $600 for sunglasses to put them on, according to Golf Shop employees.

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

BULLDOGS

An improved Demello Jones could give UGA one of nation’s best cornerback duos

Moving on from the Ole Miss loss and being more physical on the field could lead to Georgia football's Demello Jones earning a starting spot at cornerback.

Credit: Sofia Yaker/UGAAA

BULLDOGS

Details emerge following speeding arrest for Georgia basketball’s Kareem Stagg

Georgia basketball player Kareem Stagg was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors, speeding and driving without a valid license, after a traffic stop.

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

MLB

Takeaways from Braves’ first two weeks: Bullpen dominant, offense adaptable

After a grueling opening stretch, the Atlanta Braves sit three games over .500 behind elite relief pitching, steady starters and encouraging early signs at the plate.

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Why Augusta National could be ‘even more difficult’ for 2026 Masters

Putts are expected to be more challenging for the 90th edition of the Masters.

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AJC VARSITY

GHSA to consider bylaw changes to help it fight future lawsuits, injunctions

The Georgia High School Association will consider rule changes next week that could help it prevail in lawsuits like the one it lost to Gainesville during the 2025 playoffs