Learn English: NYT Connections: Sports Word Puzzle! (normal)

The New York Times has a fun sports-themed word puzzle; it's a bit like a brain teaser.

You'll group words into themes, and the hints use colors: yellow is easy, purple is challenging.

Some themes are obvious, like NBA arenas, while others need some thinking, like 'rough times'.

This puzzle is part of the NYT games, but it's in The Athletic app now; put your puzzle skills to the test!