March Madness, Plus Future NBA Stardom

Beyond busted brackets and buzzer-beaters, the men's NCAA tournament offers the broader public an early look at likely professional draftees.

• Robert O'Connell
• Mar 24, 2017

The UConn Huskies Make Perfection a Thrill to Watch

The unparalleled University of Connecticut women’s basketball team is hoping to claim its fifth NCAA Tournament championship in a row—an outcome that seems all but inevitable.

• Robert O'Connell
• Mar 17, 2017

Crashing Is an Antidote to Cynical Comedy Shows

Pete Holmes’s new HBO series is a refreshing break from the darkness of similar prestige shows about the lives of stand-ups.

• Robert O'Connell
• Feb 17, 2017

The Super Bowl That Felt Like Destiny

The 51st NFL championship game saw an incredible win for the New England Patriots, who overcame a huge lead by the Atlanta Falcons in the final stretch.

• Robert O'Connell
• Feb 6, 2017

Super Bowl 2017: It’s Not Too Late to Choose a Side

Not rooting for either the Atlanta Falcons or the New England Patriots yet? The Atlantic will help you pick.

• Robert O'Connell
• Feb 1, 2017

How Iván Rodríguez Captured an Era of Baseball

The all-time great catcher, soon to be inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame, embodies the qualities of his time—for better and for worse.

• Robert O'Connell
• Jan 19, 2017

Will the Alabama Crimson Tide Keep Rolling?

In Saturday’s game, the college-football powerhouse will either reinforce their brilliance, or suffer a historic upset. Whatever happens, it’ll be an incredible watch.

• Robert O'Connell
• Dec 30, 2016

The New Aesthetic of James Harden

The Houston Rockets guard doesn’t exactly play “beautiful” basketball—but fans will come to appreciate his efficient style of play.

• Robert O'Connell
• Dec 14, 2016

How the Dallas Cowboys Prop Up the NFL

The team, which will play its annual Thanksgiving Day game, is a reminder of the excitement the league used to produce on a regular basis.

• Robert O'Connell
• Nov 24, 2016

How to Make the Most of a Predictable NBA Season

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will almost certainly make the Finals next June. So here’s how fans can appreciate all the games in the meantime.

• Robert O'Connell
• Oct 31, 2016

This World Series Isn’t Just About Making History

It’s also about defining baseball’s future, with two teams hoping to break losing streaks via forward-thinking approaches.

• Robert O'Connell
• Oct 25, 2016

The Cold, Corporate Appeal of Football

The New England Patriots’ recent success is a reminder of how America’s favorite sport is also the most hierarchical and least collaborative.

• Robert O'Connell
• Sep 25, 2016

How Will David Ortiz Be Remembered?

The Boston Red Sox designated hitter is a legend on the field and beloved by fans—but his place in baseball’s official memory isn’t guaranteed.

• Robert O'Connell
• Aug 31, 2016

Did Colin Kaepernick Really Insult the Troops?

The 49ers quarterback’s decision to sit during the national anthem is being framed by some as an affront to the American military.

• Robert O'Connell
• Aug 30, 2016

The Real Olympic Challenge for American Basketball

For both the men and women’s teams, the USA’s expected dominance in Rio means their goal isn’t so much to win: It’s to prove they can’t lose.

• Robert O'Connell
• Aug 10, 2016

The Singular Joys of Watching Ichiro

The mononymous Miami Marlins player, who just reached 3,000 career MLB hits, stands out for his simple, elegant approach to the game.

• Robert O'Connell
• Aug 7, 2016

In With the New at the 2016 MLB All-Star Game

With some the sport’s biggest stars now gone, a seemingly inexhaustible wave of young talent has come to take their place.

• Robert O'Connell
• Jul 13, 2016

The Return of the King

LeBron James has suffered from PR missteps and public criticism alongside his accomplishments on the court. On Sunday night, he achieved an unequivocal triumph.

• Robert O'Connell
• Jun 20, 2016

The Myth of the Perfectly Officiated Game

Better replay technology and refereeing rules don’t necessarily make sports any less messy—or fair.

• Robert O'Connell
• May 19, 2016

The Chicago Cubs and the New Baseball

The longtime losers are now the preseason favorites—a sign of how the smartest teams have become the best ones.

• Robert O'Connell
• Apr 3, 2016