Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 18, 2026, puzzle No. 663

July 18, 2026 - 10:38

Welcome to the daily huddle for Connections: Sports Edition. Today's puzzle, number 663, is live and ready for a challenge. If you are stuck on grouping the four categories, here are some gentle hints to get you moving without giving everything away.

One category is all about the gear you need before stepping onto the ice. Another group focuses on terms you might hear during a baseball broadcast, specifically related to a pitcher's performance. A third set of words shares a connection to a specific type of athletic footwear, not just any sneakers. Finally, the last category involves verbs that describe how a team can dominate an opponent on the scoreboard.

If you are ready for the full breakdown, read on. The first group, colored yellow, includes the words "pads," "helmet," "gloves," and "mask." These are all pieces of equipment worn by a hockey goalie. The green group is for baseball stats: "complete game," "shutout," "no-hitter," and "perfect game." The blue group is trickier, featuring "cleats," "spikes," "studs," and "blades" - all different types of soles or traction devices on athletic shoes. Finally, the purple group is for the verbs "crush," "shell," "smash," and "pound," which all mean to defeat a team soundly.

Good luck with tomorrow's puzzle.