iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

🏀The South Regional is electric, btw.

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Opening Day for the Astros was… kind of a dud! The most interesting moment of the day? A first-inning moonshot from Yordan Alvarez that was robbed by the Daikin Park roof. Here’s manager Joe Espada on whether Houston will re-think its current closed-roof policy.

040

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

New @chron.com: Kingston Flemings is an All-American and potential top-5 NBA draft pick. He’s also not the best shooter (or best Uno player) in his family. More ⬇️ on Kingston Flemings & his sister, Bella, a Duke recruit + the reigning Texas Girls Player of the Year 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/colle...

152

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

And, finally, I was delighted to chat with José Contreras, a former MLB All-Star and World Series champion turned proud dad. Contreras’ son, Joseph, shined on the mound for Team Brazil on Friday. The 17-year-old (!!) induced a double-play of Aaron Judge with bases loaded in early innings.

021

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Happy World Baseball Classic week, Houston. One person responsible for adding international flair to the area around Daikin Park? Urkanian painter Alex Maksiov, a street artist selected for a special project along Texas Avenue 🇺🇦 ⚾️ More @chron.com ⬇️ www.chron.com/sports/astro...

040

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

My biggest takeaway from @houstontexans.bsky.social practice facility and HQ announcement yesterday? The current setup at NRG Stadium isn’t sufficient. Here’s former Texans’ tight end Owen Daniels on his old digs and its challenges: 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...

111

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Got extended comments last night from Kevin Durant in defense of AAU and the American basketball pipeline. Durant: “A lot of us are products of AAU. It changed our lives. Being able to leave our neighborhood + play against the best around the country from an early age, come on. Full quote ⬇️

110

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Here’s video of KD’s answer, btw.

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Durant says he briefly chatted w/Tucker tonight. Loved seeing a friend he's known since visit to Texas as high school senior. More from Durant ⬇️ "That's my brother. He was one of my hosts on my visit at Texas, so I got to know him when I was 17-years-old, so to still have a friendship [is cool]."

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

I caught up with P.J. Tucker tonight. He said Houston will "always be my home." Here's Tucker on love for fellow UT alum Kevin Durant: "One of the all-time greats, maybe the best scorer to ever play. Kev's the man, everybody knows that. It's good to see him toward the end, being here in Houston.”

110

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Busy year ahead for Maldonado. • Will play for Puerto Rico in March’s World Baseball Classic. • Spend summer as advisor for the Atlanta Braves • Manage Indios de Mayagüez in Puerto Rico in Nov. + Dec. (More on Maldy’s new roles + managerial ambitions later this week, btw)

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

“The PVIL Story” creators traveled across Texas for the film, adding stops at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and Jimmie Johnson’s Big Chill in Key Largo, Florida (equally as prestigious). McClain + his team did this story justice. Watch the trailer ⬇️

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

🚀Morning folks. Let’s talk Fred VanVleet’s future w/some intel 4 days before trade deadline: • FVV’s NTC makes February trade non-starter. Summer deal possible w/another extension. • FVV’s $25 million is Rockets “best weapon for aggregating salary,” per source. 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/rocke...

131

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

So, perhaps the Rockets don’t actually have the Victor Wembanyama blueprint… Filmed a quick 🎥 postgame on Wemby’s dominant 2nd half in a comeback win in Houston.

021

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

🇫🇷 Plenty of Spurs fans and Victor Wembanyama supports here at Toyota Center. Rockets-Spurs III tonight. The old rivalry is now back in style. Almost time for tip-off 🏀

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Passing this along from last night, btw: Ime Udoka wasn’t surprised by NBA’s move to postpone Saturday’s Timberwolves game in Minneapolis. Udoka: “It’s kind of a second thought to play a basketball game and do that, like I said, with the consistency [of unrest] in that city.” Full quote ⬇️

010

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Here’s more on @houstontexans.bsky.social looking to seize a historic moment: Will Anderson Jr: “We just want to do something that's never been done for this city, man, and get Houston on fire. … There's new heights to be reached here. We all know that."

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a kick in each of his four prior road playoff games. His tone upon leaving Pittsburgh? “We were just saying, ‘Hey man, we won the game. Whatever it takes to do that, we're flushing it + moving forward.’ That was honestly his reaction.” More ➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...

010

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

New @chron.com: Houston ST coordinator Frank Ross: “Everybody's job in this building relies upon us protecting the football.” More @houstontexans.bsky.social special-teams talk ⬇️, including why rookie Jaylin Noel is one of Sunday’s most important players 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...

110

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Received a quick text just now from Oilers’ legend Dan Pastorini: “I’m happy for Houston. Long overdue.” Pretty cool. The curse of ‘79 is lifted.

041

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

New @chron.com: Ka’imi Fairbairn missed road playoff kicks in both 2024 + 2025. How will he handle swirling winds in Pittsburgh tonight? Texans kicker shares his plan, with a big assist from one teammate in particular. “I’ll let Tommy be my weatherman.” 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...

120

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

New @chron.com — Dan Pastorini smiled Sunday when the @houstontexans.bsky.social were guaranteed a trip to Pittsburgh. On the 46th anniversary of a Super Bowl chance ripped away, the Oilers legend talks Houston’s painful playoff past & possible championship future. 🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...

182

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Big week for Tatsuya Imai (!) New @houstonastros.bsky.social pitcher was at Texans’ game yesterday, now at Toyota Center. Raucous ovation here for Imai.

072

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

New @chron.com: “I understand & know this is a process, a long process.” I chatted w/Patrick & Tilman Fertitta at Toyota Center on Saturday. Tilman noted championship hopes. Patrick took a more patient approach, a hallmark of his role with the Rockets 🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...

120

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

Fun postgame press conference with Tari Eason last night after Rockets’ win in Los Angeles. Said he was happy “Ime finally trusted me,” with a start in his hometown. Does Eason want to be a full-time starter? “Yes. Yes I do.” Why? Our full chat with Tari ⬇️

130

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

New @chron.com: “He’s the main culprit I’ve seen for the last 20 years.” Thursday is the fifth Christmas Day battle between Kevin Durant and LeBron James. It may very well be the last, the final chapter of a rivalry to be appreciated before it’s gone. 🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...

110

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

Stroud says his dad “used to play Warren Moon highlights all the time,” in their California home. One of the first chats for Stroud after last year’s playoff loss? A call from Moon. “I’ve been there. After how last the year ended, I wanted to reach out.” 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...

020

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Can confirm @alexaphilippou.bsky.social + @ramonaespn.bsky.social reporting on expected sale of Connecticut Sun to group led by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. Houston Comets should be back in 2027.

262

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

New @chron.com -- Azeez Al-Shaair isn’t just a tackling machine & team captain. He’s a social activist & lover of poetry, one of the NFL’s most thoughtful leaders. Who molded Houston’s star? Meet James E. Tokley Sr., the Poet Laureate of Tampa, Florida. 🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...

1105

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

🏀Another week, another WNBA-to-Houston update. Let’s try to keep this straight: • WNBA halting Sun sale to Boston bid. • Sun may still go to Boston, may stay in Connecticut (2 separate options). • 🔑 to Comets revival? WNBA could buy Sun, relocate team to preferred city.

110

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

New @chron.com — “Two days after Joe died, we were in the stadium doing Friday Night Fireworks.” Meet Vicki Walker, her son, Nate, and the whole crew responsible for two decades of joyous summer nights in Houston. Good folks, enjoyed reporting this one. 🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/astro...

021

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

New month, new WNBA update for y'all ⬇️ • Connecticut Sun sale to Boston-based group is in no-way finalized. • Sun will be sold this year. • Houston’s ownership group, led by Tilman Fertitta, is a top contender to purchase and relocate the Sun. Boston, Hartford other top options.

1115

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Had the privilege of attending the annual Juneteenth celebration at Reedy Chapel in Galveston yesterday afternoon. Saw President Biden speak, too. Biden’s words were comforting. The people of Reedy Chapel were inspiring.

1103

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

New @chron.com: The Rockets were left for dead when they flew home from the Bay. Game 5 revived Houston’s hopes. I’m increasingly convinced a Game 6 upset is possible. How can Houston bring this series home? We have six notes for Ime Udoka’s team. 🔗 www.chron.com/sports/rocke...

054

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

🚀Game 4. Not technically a must-win for Houston tonight, but pretty damn close. Follow along all night for updates. #LiftOff

010

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

Speaking of the festivities in San Francisco, we have quite the fun one on our hands at Chase Center tonight. Buckle up, folks. Fun 4th coming.

001

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

We can already count one Rockets fan in San Francisco: my Lyft driver! Sedat Celik, 25, moved from Turkey two years ago. Says he went to six Warriors games this year, but no conflict on his rooting interest in Round 1. “Hadi, Alperen!” Story @chron: www.chron.com/sports/rocke...

111

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell and Joe Mixon on hand at Toyota Center tonight. Hometown heroes not exactly helping Rockets, who trail by 18 midway through the 3rd quarter.

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

Jalen Green, ready for his playoff debut.

100

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

🚀 Game 1. Rockets vs. Warriors. Buckle up.

172

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

^ surprised Rockets have the 8:30 p.m. CT game on Sunday rather than 2:30. Get ready for some late nights ahead, Houston.

000

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

Rockets eyeing their 10th straight win against the Nikola-less Nuggets. West standings entering tonight ⬇ Chance here for Houston to get real separation for the No. 2 seed.

030

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Jeff Bagwell back in Houston today for the Jim Crane Celebrity Pro-Am. Asked him to name the most impressive Astros' prospect NOT named Cam Smith at Spring Training. Bagwell ⬇️

121

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

⬆️ multi-mile runs dribbling a ball, YouTube lessons from Derrick Rose and Holger Geschwindner, Amen’s path was clear from an early age. Enjoyed chatting with the Thompson family for this. “He knows he can be 1 of the top 10 players in the league, maybe the best in the league.”

020

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

2 interceptions for Derek Stingley Jr. today in Houston's 20-12 win over Miami. Just how good is Houston's third-year corner? C.J. Stroud wants Stingley to play offense, too. “Sting is one of a kind, bro. ... How he can play the ball in the air, it’s the best I’ve ever seen in my life.”

150

Michael Shapiro @michaelshapiro.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

Texans. Dolphins. Florida men. AFC South can be clinched today with a Houston win and Indianapolis loss at Denver.

182