Christmas in July! With NBA, NHL and MLB back in full swing, it's an early holiday gift!

Christmas in July

The NBA began play at the bubble on the Disney World campus in Florida last week, returning after a four-and-a-half month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Thursday night began with a powerful display, as members of the Pelicans and Jazz locked arms and took a knee for the playing of the national anthem. Then, in a bit of theatrical symmetry, Utah big man Rudy Gobert – whose positive COVID-19 test brought the suspension of the season in March – scored the first and last points of the game, his final free throws providing the Jazz the winning margin. 

In the late game on re-opening night, LeBron James delivered for the Lakers – on and off the court. 

Other top stories in the days since:

• 'I hope we made Kaep proud': In addition to protesting systemic racism by taking a knee, LeBron wanted to send a message to ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. 
• Can Celtics beat Bucks? Boston has the talent to should it meet Milwaukee in the playoffs, but can the C's put it all together? 
• Defending Pop: Gregg Popovich did not take a knee during the national anthem but San Antonio veteran DeMar DeRozan said the Spurs coach – who has been quite outspoken on racial justice issues – should not be vilified for standing.  
• 'It's nothing': Sixers star Joel Embiid got into a heated sideline exchange with a teammate, but he downplayed the confrontation after Philly's loss to red-hot T.J. Warren and the Indiana Pacers.  
• Repeat? Kyle Lowry's leadership on and off the court has kept the Toronto Raptors in prime title contention, even without Kawhi Leonard.  
• The Disruptors: The Rockets know their strengths and will ride them throughout play in the bubble. Can they do that all the way to the NBA Finals?  

North of the border, the NHL got back into action as well. The standout moment from the games being staged in Edmonton and Toronto so far was provided by the Minnesota Wild's Matt Dumba, who delivered a powerful anti-racism speech and took a knee for the playing of the national anthem.  

MLB struggling

Things in baseball are going ... not as great! Outbreaks across two teams – the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals – have resulted in several postponements of games and reworkings of schedules. 

This is becoming a "mess" of a season.  

The must-read stories from last week:  

• NFL Top 100: NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2020" countdown saw Tom Brady clock his lowest ranking in the history of the series and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson in the No. 1 spot. Patrick Mahomes was not impressed with his ranking. 
• Dr. Fauci: The first-pitch baseball card for the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases broke a Topps sales record. 
• ‘Nothing's going to break our spirit’: College cheerleaders and dance squads prepare for a fall of unknowns.
• Michelle Obama: The former first lady spoke with NBA and WNBA players about how they can use their platform to create change. 
• RIP: Baltimore Orioles and Ravens superfan Mo Gaba died at 14 following battle with cancer.
• 'End Racism': The NFL will be stenciling that phrase in the end zones for the 2020 home openers as part of the league's social justice efforts.  
• Dodgers get vengeance: Tempers flied in their first game against the Astros, but the Dodgers left Houston with what they wanted most: wins.  
• Harvey Updyke: The infamous Alabama fan who poisoned the famous Toomer's Oaks in Auburn has died at 71.  
• 'It weighs on all of us every day': Houston Astros owner Jim Crane opens up about team's sign-stealing scandal. 
• B.A.T.: Mike and Jessica Trout announced the birth of their first child, a son named Beckham Aaron Trout.  

The rest of the standout-stories from the week that was:    

• Kyrie Irving pledged $1.5 million to WNBA players opting out of the 2020 season.
• Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is now a part-owner of MLB's Kansas City Royals.  
• Aaron Rodgers is 'bummed,' not bitter about Packers selecting Jordan Love.  
• Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. said there's 'definitely an agenda' behind coronavirus.
• The SEC is also going to a conference-only schedule for football.  
• Diamondbacks place teddy bears in seats to represent Phoenix Children's Hospital.
• Mike Golic wrapped up his 22-year run on ESPN Radio. 
• The Dallas Cowboys are once again Forbes' most valuable franchise.  

Need some inspiration?

Beau Rich lives with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects his breathing. Despite life-long treatment, skateboarding saved his life.

Further reviews

For tips, tricks and deals, our partners at Reviewed have you covered:

• Want to save money on your golf game? Here's 10 tips on how.
• Is it time for a new hobby? Here's where to buy a skateboard or scooter online right now.
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