NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for May 9, #228
If you’re aiming to conquer today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle (#228), you’ll need a solid grip on multiple sports categories. This installment continues to challenge even seasoned fans by blending athletic trivia with strategic thinking.
Overview of NYT’s Sports Puzzle Evolution
Launched officially on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 9), the Connections: Sports Edition has moved beyond beta testing, reflecting its popularity.
- It’s now featured regularly via The Athletic, The New York Times’ sports journalism platform.
- While it doesn’t appear on the NYT Games app, players can access it through The Athletic app or free online.
This broadens its reach, especially for casual solvers who enjoy daily sports-themed brain teasers.
Hints for Today’s Puzzle Groups
Here’s a breakdown of today’s four thematic groups, organized by difficulty:
- Yellow group hint: The name on your clothes.
Clue suggests branding commonly found on athletic wear. - Green group hint: Bring in the pitcher.
Points toward baseball terms tied to relief pitching. - Blue group hint: Stars of the court.
Clearly references notable men’s tennis players. - Purple group hint: Hockey honors.
Refers to prestigious awards within the NHL.
Each category is crafted to test both general sports knowledge and specific terminology.
Answers for May 9’s Connections Puzzle
Let’s break down the correct words grouped by theme:
- Yellow Group – Athletic Clothing Brands
Answers: Champion, Russell Athletic, Starter, Under Armour- These are all popular apparel brands tied to performance and sports.
- Green Group – Baseball Relief Roles
Answers: Closer, Long, Middle, Setup- Each term refers to a specific bullpen role, indicating how relief pitchers are used strategically in a game.
- Blue Group – Men’s Tennis Players
Answers: Alcaraz, Fritz, Rune, Sinner- These are all current ATP stars, known for their rising or consistent performances on the court.
- Purple Group – NHL Awards
Answers: Calder, Hart, Lady Byng, Vezina- These honors represent individual accolades for excellence, sportsmanship, and goaltending in the NHL.
Each set reflects a distinct realm of the sports world, highlighting the game’s ability to educate as much as it entertains.
