Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Dec. 17, #85

5 days ago 6

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Connections: Sports Edition is often tricky for those who don't have deep knowledge in numerous sports. But today, the issue for me was a vocabulary one. I think I have a pretty good vocabulary, but one of the words in today's grid -- REPECHAGE -- was not a word I've ever seen before. But then I've never been to a rowing competition -- maybe you have? Read on for hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle.

For now, the game is in beta, which means the Times is testing it out to see if it's popular before adding it to the site's Games app. You can play it daily for now for free — and then we'll have to see if it sticks around.

Hints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Another attempt.

Green group hint: Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

Blue group hint: Hoops helpers.

Purple group hint: Team starters that have another meaning.