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  • Black Friday 2025: Best Walmart, Amazon, Target & Best Buy Deals Revealed

    Black Friday 2025: Best Walmart, Amazon, Target & Best Buy Deals Revealed

    Black Friday has long been the granddaddy of retail events—an annual, adrenaline-pumping treasure hunt for deep discounts and doorbusters that shoppers mark on their calendars months in advance. As 2025’s edition approaches, shoppers across the US are keen to discover where the best deals are hiding: Is it Walmart’s new dual-wave bonanza? Amazon’s relentless digital marathon? Target’s in-store exclusives, or Best Buy’s legendary tech steals?

    If you’re plotting your strategy for Black Friday 2025, buckle up. We’re breaking down the hottest deals, early access tips, and what real experts are saying about the biggest shopping day of the year.

    When Is Black Friday 2025 (And Why It’s a Bigger Deal Than Ever)

    This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, 2025. But let’s not kid ourselves—shopping no longer waits for the alarm at dawn. Retailers are stretching Black Friday into week-long (sometimes two-week-long) sales, with Early Black Friday sales tempting browsers as soon as mid-November.

    That means the old-school “line-up in the cold before sunrise” experience is now just one way to score a bargain. For many, the better strategy might actually start from the couch.

    At a Glance: Black Friday Store Hours 2025

    Here’s when the biggest stores open their doors on Black Friday. Worth noting: local hours may vary, and online deals usually start well before the physical doors swing open:

    Store Black Friday Hours
    Walmart 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
    Target 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
    Best Buy 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    Macy’s 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
    Kohl’s 5 a.m. open
    JCPenney 5 a.m. open

    Many online sales and exclusive member deals hit days before, so you don’t have to brave the chaos to come out ahead.

    Walmart Black Friday Deals 2025: Dual Waves, Bigger Savings

    Walmart is doubling down on the action this year, rolling out Walmart Black Friday deals 2025 in two waves:

    Week 1: November 10–16

    • Online deals drop Monday, November 11 (Noon ET for Walmart+ members; 5 p.m. ET for everyone else).
    • In-store deals start Friday, November 15 at 6 a.m. local time.

    Week 2: November 24–30

    • Online early access for Walmart+ members begins Monday, November 25 at Noon ET (with others joining at 5 p.m. ET).
    • In-store festivities hit Friday, November 29 at 6 a.m.

    What’s Hot?

    • Up to 70% off across TVs, laptops, toys, kitchen appliances, cleaning tech, and more.
    • Walmart+ membership deals grant 5-hour head start for online Black Friday offers.
    • Flash deals on home goods, personal electronics, and coveted gadgets.

    Pro tip: Walmart+ members are set to score the best goods before quantities run low—well worth considering for frequent Walmart shoppers.

    Amazon Black Friday 2025: Epic Early Deals & Lightning Discounts

    Amazon turns Black Friday into a full-on shopping marathon, with their 2025 event expected to stretch potentially up to 14 days—from November 20 right through to Cyber Monday on December 1.

    Key Features

    • Early Black Friday sales kick off weeks prior, featuring Amazon devices and big-ticket electronics.
    • Amazon Prime Black Friday: Members get exclusive early access to hundreds of Lightning Deals and limited-time offers.
    • Top picks from last year—Echo Dot (over 50% off), Fire Stick, Kindle, Shark vacuums, Apple devices, and household tech—are poised for deep discounts again.
    • Deals on brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, and more, including up to 30% off Apple AirPods, 50% off Fire TVs, and other high-demand gadgets.

    Amazon Shopping Tips

    • Grab a free Amazon Prime trial for VIP access.
    • Watch for daily Lightning Deals hitting every 5–10 minutes (move fast: quantities are truly limited).
    • Bookmark Amazon’s Black Friday hub and set deal alerts to stay ahead of the crowd.

    Target Holiday Sales 2025: Bigger, Bolder, and More Digital

    Target isn’t left behind in the holiday race. Target holiday sales 2025 are breaking records, with the retailer reporting a 2.8% year-over-year sales bump and the biggest Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in company history.

    What You’ll Find

    • Lots of digital overlap: nearly 9% growth in online sales and more deals available for pickup or drive-up.
    • Emphasis on clothing, toys, electronics, beauty, and home décor.
    • Target Circle holiday deals: Loyalty program members can unlock early-bird offers and extra savings across popular categories.

    Store hours: Most open at 6 a.m., but local adjustments are possible.

    Target Savings Strategy

    • Use Target Circle for exclusive holiday coupons and first dibs on doorbusters.
    • Look for stacked discounts: many doorbusters can be combined with Circle rewards or gift card specials.

    Best Buy Doorbusters 2025: Tech Steals for Every Budget

    Best Buy’s Black Friday reputation is built on one thing: doorbusters. This year is no exception. The retailer rolls out headline deals in electronics, home tech, and gaming for both early birds and savvy online shoppers.

    When to Shop & What to Expect

    • Store hours: Best Buy opens at 6 a.m. Black Friday morning.
    • Best Buy membership offers grant early access to limited-time deals (Thursday for Plus or Total members, Friday for all).
    • Weekly doorbuster drops leading up to Black Friday—big TV, laptop, smartphone, and smart home deals revealed every Thursday for members and every Friday to the public.

    Standout 2025 tech deals include:

    • LG OLED 48” TV: $650, or $600 for My Best Buy Plus members
    • Samsung 75” Smart TV: $549.99
    • M2 MacBook Air 13”: Major markdowns
    • Deep discounts on Dyson vacuums, gaming laptops, monitors, and smart home gear

    Insider tip: Best Buy’s hottest doorbusters are limited stock—set your alarm and shop early, whether online or in-store.

    Early Black Friday Sales: Should You Shop Now or Wait?

    Some shoppers swear by getting in early, scooping up must-have gifts and avoiding the Black Friday rush. Most of the top retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy, now offer Early Black Friday sales that rival what you’ll find on the big day itself.

    • Pros: Early deals = less pressure, more inventory, time to price-compare
    • Cons: Deepest discounts sometimes appear right on Black Friday, or even on Cyber Monday for select product categories

    Two Smart Shopper Perspectives

    • The Early Bird: “I buy gifts and major tech in early November to dodge out-of-stock headaches and shipping delays.”
    • The Deal Maximizer: “I make a wishlist but wait right up until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to pounce on historically bigger markdowns, especially for TVs and laptops.”

    Best Black Friday Tech Deals: Where Should You Shop in 2025?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick-hit rundown:

    • Walmart Black Friday deals 2025: Go here for major rollbacks on household staples, TVs, and gaming bundles—plus the best shot at quantity for big brands.
    • Amazon Black Friday 2025: Lightning Deals and all-day flash savings on everything from electronics to small business “hidden gems.” Prime members get first shot at the best.
    • Best Buy doorbusters 2025: Best for TV, laptop, and home appliance steals, with in-store and online member exclusives.
    • Target holiday sales 2025: Best stacked savings on toys, apparel, home, and decor—plus seamless drive-up for online orders.

    Insider Tips for Winning Black Friday 2025

    • Sign up for memberships: Walmart+, Amazon Prime, Target Circle, and My Best Buy Plus/Total all offer crucial early or exclusive access to deals.
    • Set alerts and plan ahead: Make your ultimate wishlist now; set up deal alerts and keep your schedule open for timed flash deals.
    • Compare, compare, compare: Don’t let a flashy “doorbuster” steal all your attention—some prices drop even lower as days progress, so keep watching your top picks.
    • Budget for big ticket items: If you’re buying electronics, now is the time for TVs, laptops, smartwatches, tablets, and appliances.

    Conclusion: Your Black Friday 2025 Game Plan

    Whether you love the ritual of lining up in the early hours for a doorbuster TV, or you prefer to snipe deals from the comfort of your home, Black Friday 2025 is shaping up to be one of the richest years ever for savings hunters. With early access programs, dual-wave sales, lightning deals, and VIP member perks, the only risk is waiting too long and watching your wishlist items go out of stock.

    Ready to get started? Mark your calendars, sign up for membership programs at your favorite retailers, and start tracking your favorite products now. The best deals don’t always wait for midnight—sometimes, they’re just a smart click away.

  • Rastling the Rim: USA Basketball U19 Gold Medal Game

    Rastling the Rim: USA Basketball U19 Gold Medal Game

    “There’s nothing like that moment when the clock hits zero and you realize you’re standing atop the world.”

    — Anonymous U19 USA Basketball alum

    When Team USA Basketball U19 laced up for the gold medal game at the FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the stakes couldn’t have been higher—and the spotlight brightest. With Louisville basketball signee Mikel Brown Jr. orchestrating the offense and Kentucky recruit Jasper Johnson providing a timely spark off the bench, the Americans clinched a resounding 109–76 victory over Germany to claim their ninth U19 title. This post unpacks the journey, the standout performances, two perspectives on the team’s playing style, and how fans can catch today’s basketball games live. Let’s tip off.

    Road to the Final: Seven Wins, One Goal

    From the opening tip-off on June 28 to that championship buzzer on July 6, Team USA U19 rolled through the bracket with a perfect 7–0 record, outscoring opponents by a combined 650–400. Highlights included:

    • Preliminary Round:
      • Canada: 108–102 win, a high‑octane thriller that showcased the depth of Team USA’s guard rotation
      • France: 108–77 rout, powered by 24 points from Mikel Brown Jr.
    • Quarterfinals: 120–64 dismantling of New Zealand, in which USA’s frontcourt dominated the boards (47–30).
    • Semifinals: 102–95 victory over Australia, featuring a 28–10 third‑quarter run that turned a tight game into a rout

    All that remained was Germany in the U19 gold medal game—and USA delivered a masterclass, sprinting to a 56–47 halftime lead before exploding in the third quarter to seal the win.

    Stars of the Show: Mikel Brown Jr. & Jasper Johnson

    Mikel Brown Jr.

    • Position: Point guard (PG)
    • Height/Weight: 6’2″ / 185 lbs
    • Recruiting Rank: Top‑50 national recruit, signed with Louisville basketball
    • Tournament Averages: 14.9 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.2 RPG

    Brown, a McDonald’s All‑American who last sharpened his skills at DME Academy, led USA Basketball U19 in both scoring and assists over seven games. In the final, he poured in 12 points, dished 8 assists, and kept the German defense on its heels with penetrating drives and pinpoint passes. His court vision and decision‑making anchored Team USA’s offense and earned him All‑Tournament Second Team honors alongside teammate AJ Dybasa.

    Jasper Johnson

    • Position: Shooting guard (SG)
    • Height/Weight: 6’5″ / 190 lbs
    • Class of 2025: Incoming freshman at the University of Kentucky
    • Tournament Averages: 8.0 PPG, 1.6 APG, 1.3 RPG, 40.1% 3PT

    Johnson provided a boost off the bench all summer, earning playing time thanks to his smooth stroke and defensive intensity. In the U19 gold medal game, he chipped in 5 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and recorded 3 assists in just 16 minutes—posting a team‑high +26 plus‑minus rating on the floor.

    Two Perspectives on USA’s Playing Style

    Option A: The Balanced Attack

    Many analysts praise USA Basketball U19 for its egalitarian approach: five different players averaged double figures in scoring, and six logged at least 4.0 rebounds per game. This shares the ball, keeps defenses guessing, and builds trust across the roster—an ideal formula for international play.

    Option B: Star‑Driven Execution

    Others argue that in the biggest moments, the primary creators—Brown, AJ Dybantsa, and Tyran Stokes—must dominate. Lean on your best recruits, they say, and let role players fill in around them. This perspective emphasizes isolation plays and late‑game heroics.

    Both approaches have merit: the balanced style fuels team chemistry; the star‑driven path maximizes individual talent. USA U19 managed to blend both, rotating through its top basketball recruits, USA, while still getting clutch buckets from its go‑to guys.

    Game Highlights & Key Stats

    Here are the top takeaways from the U19 gold medal game:

    1. Dominant Boards: USA grabbed 50 rebounds to Germany’s 31, turning second‑chance points into momentum swings.
    2. Third‑Quarter Surge: Outscored Germany 28–10 in Q3, breaking the game open after a tight first half.
    3. Balanced Scoring: Six players in double figures—Brown (12), Stokes (10), Koa Peat (10), AJ Dybantsa (11), Morez Johnson Jr. (15), Jordan Smith Jr. (10).
    4. Assist Frenzy: Team USA tallied 28 assists, illustrating their unselfish style.

    Louisville & Kentucky Basketball: What This Means

    For Louisville basketball, Brown’s performance cements the Cardinals’ reputation for landing top point‑guard talent. Fans can pencil him in as a future floor general, capable both of scoring and setting up teammates.

    On the Kentucky basketball front, Johnson’s Gold Medal and sharpshooting pedigree add another weapon to John Calipari’s arsenal. UK’s backcourt looks deeper, and Johnson’s experience against international competition might fast‑track his adjustment to college ball.

    How to Watch: FIBA Basketball Livestream & Basketball Games Today

    Can’t get to Lausanne? No worries—here’s how to catch every dribble:

    • FIBA Basketball Livestream: Available on the official FIBA YouTube channel and the FIBA TV app—often free for U19 games. YouTube.
    • Broadcast Partners: ESPN+ carried select basketball games today, including the gold medal contest, with replays on demand.
    • Social Clips: Follow @usabasketball on Twitter and Instagram for highlight reels and behind‑the‑scenes footage.

    Two Viewer Options:

    1. Live Stream: Tune in on FIBA TV for real‑time action, stats overlays, and English commentary.
    2. On‑Demand: Catch replays on ESPN+ or YouTube, with chapter markers for each quarter and key plays.

    Beyond the Medal: Future Prospects

    With U19 gold in hand, many of these players will be on college radars and NBA scouts’ boards:

    • Tyran Stokes: Averaged 10.0 PPG in the final; a versatile forward who could rise into the top 100 national recruits.
    • AJ Dybantsa: Already the tournament MVP and a projected lottery pick in NBA mock drafts.
    • Morez Johnson Jr.: Showed leadership that Michigan fans will love—expect him to blossom in Ann Arbor.

    As for top basketball recruits USA, this summer’s U19 cohort demonstrated why international stage success is a vital barometer—scouts value players who perform under FIBA rules and against diverse playing styles.

    Conclusion: Reflect, Celebrate, Anticipate

    The 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup gold medal game wasn’t just another win for USA Basketball—it was a showcase of the next generation. Mikel Brown Jr. and Jasper Johnson embodied the blend of skill, poise, and teamwork that makes Team USA Basketball a perennial powerhouse. Whether you lean toward a balanced attack or a star‑driven blueprint, there’s no question: this squad delivered.

    What can you do next?

    • Relive the Highlights: Check the official FIBA YouTube for full‑game recaps.
    • Follow the Recruits: Track Brown and Johnson as they begin their college careers at Louisville and Kentucky.
    • Stay Connected: Mark your calendar for the 2027 FIBA U19 World Cup—and keep an eye on this crop of players as potential future Olympians.

    Until then, keep your popcorn ready and your streams queued—because if this summer taught us anything, it’s that the future of USA Basketball is in very good hands.