Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for Dec. 29, #97

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Connections: Sports Edition is a tough one today. (When is it not?) I admit, I’m kind of an Anglophile, but I don’t know the rules of cricket, so any topics involving that are going to soar right over my head. 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. 

Read more: NYT Has a Connections Game for Sports Fans. I Tried It

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: Forbid from scoring.

Green group hint: Accessories for a popular British sport.

Blue group hint: LA legends

Purple group hint: Same name as a parent.

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: Prevent a goal

Green group: Cricket equipment

Blue group: Rams WRs, past and present

Purple group: Famous juniors

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is “prevent a goal.” The four answers are block, parry, save and stop.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is cricket equipment. The four answers are bail, ball, bat and stump.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is Rams WRs, past and present. The four answers are Bruce, Holt, Kupp and Nacua.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is famous juniors. The four answers are Beckham, Earnhardt, Griffey and Ripken.