**Connections: Sports Edition – A New Challenge for Sports Aficionados**
*Connections: Sports Edition* offers a novel approach to the beloved [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted particularly for sports fans.
Similar to the original *Connections*, this game focuses on uncovering “common threads between words.” Like *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-28-2024) resets daily at midnight, with each new challenge becoming increasingly difficult. If you’re feeling stuck, we have hints and tips to assist you.
If you’re in search of today’s answer, just scroll to the conclusion of this article. However, if you prefer to tackle it on your own, continue reading for clues, strategies, and insights.
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### What is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
The *New York Times* has rolled out this daily word game in partnership with *The Athletic*, its sports journalism division. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-24-2024) is available on both web and mobile platforms, challenging players to categorize four words that connect by a shared theme.
Each puzzle contains 16 words, separated into four unique categories. These categories may encompass everything from book titles to software brands, nations, and beyond. While several words may seem interlinked, there exists only one accurate combination.
When a player successfully identifies a cluster of four words, those words vanish from the board. Nevertheless, incorrect attempts are counted as mistakes, allowing players a maximum of four mistakes before the game concludes.
To assist in solving the puzzle, players can shuffle the board for a new viewpoint. Each category is distinguished by color, with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to *Wordle*, players can share their results on social media.
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### Hints for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
In need of a little assistance without giving away the answers? Here are some hints for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Scoring 2 points in basketball
– **Green:** Teams with names inspired by weather
– **Blue:** Underdog mascots in the NCAA tournament
– **Purple:** Based in Florida, yet not in Miami
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
If you require additional direction, here are the specific themes for today’s puzzle:
– **Yellow:** Shots made near the basket
– **Green:** Teams with weather-related names
– **Blue:** Notorious NCAA tournament Cinderella squads
– **Purple:** Orlando ________
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Answers
Eager for the solution? This is your final opportunity to complete the puzzle before we disclose the answers.
Drumroll, please!
The answers for today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* #178 are:
– **Shots scored around the rim** – **ALLEY-OOP, DUNK, LAYUP, PUTBACK**
– **Weather-themed teams** – **HURRICANES, LIGHTNING, STORM, THUNDER**
– **Notable NCAA tournament Cinderella teams** – **OWLS, PEACOCKS, RAMBLERS, RETRIEVERS**
– **Orlando ________** – **CITY, MAGIC, PACE, PRIDE**
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### More Puzzles and Games
Didn’t succeed this time? No worries—there’s a new *Connections* puzzle every day, and we’ll return with more hints and solutions.
In search of additional word games? Try today’s [*Wordle*](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-march-20-2025) or browse the latest [*NYT Strands*](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-20-2025) hints and solutions.
Craving even more puzzles? Check out [Mashable’s Games Hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and beyond!
Missed out on yesterday’s *Connections*? [Find the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-march-20-2025).