The October 2, 2026, NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, numbered 739, requires a mix of geographical knowledge and a deep dive into collegiate basketball history. This edition balances professional team locations with a specific focus on the Pacific Northwest’s college basketball scene.
Hints for Today’s Connections: Sports Edition
If you are looking to narrow down the categories without seeing the full solution, use these progressive hints to guide your strategy.
General Theme Hints
- Yellow: These teams all share a home state in the American Southeast.
- Green: These franchises are named after powerful natural phenomena.
- Blue: These four names are linked by a common athlete surname.
- Purple: Every word in this group relates to a specific Catholic university in Washington state.
Category Clues
- Yellow: Pro and college teams representing the Peach State.
- Green: Stormy atmospheric conditions used as team identities.
- Blue: Athletes and coaches with the last name Allen.
- Purple: Essential terms for understanding the Bulldogs of the WCC.
Spoiler Warning: Connections: Sports Edition Answers for October 2
STOP! If you are still playing and do not want the answers revealed, do not scroll further. The full solution for puzzle #739 follows below.
Yellow: Teams in Georgia
Braves, Bulldogs, Falcons, Hawks
This group covers the professional and collegiate landscape of Georgia. The Braves (MLB), Falcons (NFL), and Hawks (NBA) represent Atlanta, while the Bulldogs represent the University of Georgia in Athens.
Green: Teams with Weather-Related Names
Hurricanes, Lightning, Storm, Thunder
These teams draw their names from the elements. The Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Seattle Storm (WNBA), and Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) all fit this meteorological theme.
Blue: ___ Allen
Josh, Marcus, Phog, Ray
This category features prominent sports figures who share the last name Allen. It includes Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, legendary Raiders running back Marcus Allen, and NBA sharpshooter Ray Allen. The most niche entry is Phog Allen, referring to Forrest “Phog” Allen, the “Father of Basketball Coaching” who led the University of Kansas for nearly four decades.
Purple: Associated with Gonzaga
Few, Holmgren, Spokane, The Kennel
These terms all point to Gonzaga University. Spokane is the school’s home city in Washington. Holmgren refers to former star Chet Holmgren, and Mark Few is the program’s long-serving head coach. “The Kennel” is the popular nickname for the McCarthy Athletic Center, the home arena of the Bulldogs. Interestingly, the university is also famous for alumnus Bing Crosby, whose childhood home remains on the campus today.
