The New York Times’ The Athletic released its latest Connections: Sports Edition puzzle today, November 18th, #421. This word-association game challenges players to group sixteen sports-related terms into four categories with a common theme. For those seeking assistance, the solutions are outlined below.
Puzzle Breakdown: Categories & Answers
The puzzle features four difficulty-tiered groups, ranging from straightforward to highly obscure:
- Yellow (Easiest): The theme is special ability. The four words are flair, gift, skill, and talent.
- Green: This category focuses on running shoe brands. The answers are ASICS, Brooks, Hoka, and Saucony.
- Blue: The grouping centers on NFL head coaches. The correct words are Harbaugh, Payton, Ryans, and Vrabel.
- Purple (Hardest): The theme is summer ____. The four words are league, McIntosh, Olympics, and Sanders.
Accessing the Puzzle
Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic and is available through their app or online for free. It does not appear within the main New York Times Games app.
Past Puzzle Difficulties
Previous editions have tested players’ knowledge of niche sports topics. The puzzle’s difficulty varies greatly depending on individual sports expertise, with some categories proving exceptionally challenging for even dedicated fans. Recent tough examples include groupings for Series A Clubs (Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, Roma), WNBA MVPs (Catchings, Delle Donne, Fowles, Stewart), and Premier League team nicknames (Bees, Cherries, Foxes, Hammers).
The Connections: Sports Edition continues to offer a daily mental challenge for sports enthusiasts, combining wordplay with specific knowledge of various athletic domains.
