Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle has a real mix of topics, and might be a tough one. If you’re struggling with the puzzle but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group hint: Flip it!
Green group hint: Git ‘er done.
Blue group hint: Gimme the ball!
Purple group hint: The Silver and Black.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Words heard during a coin toss.
Green group: Determined.
Blue group: ____ pass, in basketball.
Purple group: Raiders in the Hall of Fame.
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Aug.17, 2026.NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is words heard during a coin toss.
The four answers are defer, heads, receive and tails.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is determined.
The four answers are dogged, driven, intent and tenacious.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is ____ pass, in basketball.
The four answers are bounce, chest, outlet and pocket.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is Raiders in the Hall of Fame.
The four answers are Branch, Casper, Guy and Shell.
CNET editor Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, a journalist and pop-culture junkie, is co-author of "Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes and Trends of the '70s and '80s," as well as "The Totally Sweet '90s." She's been a journalist since 1989, working at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Sidewalk, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and NBC News Digital. She's Gen X in birthdate, word and deed. If Marathon candy bars ever come back, she'll be first in line. See full bio
English (US) ·