Category: Sports

The Washington Nationals have terminated Sean Hudson from his position as Director of Community Relations following his admission that he deliberately targeted pitcher Trevor Williams due to personal disagreements with the player’s religious beliefs. Hudson acknowledged in an interview with the O’Keefe Media Group that he intentionally kept Williams out of community outreach activities and prevented his inclusion on the team’s social media platforms. The pitcher, who practices the Catholic faith, has previously posted criticism of drag queens on his social media accounts. Hudson stated that his opposition to Williams’s viewpoints motivated him to systematically exclude the player from various team-related opportunities and promotional activities.

PARIS – Nineteen-year-old Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva secured her spot in the French Open semifinals Tuesday, delivering a dominant 6-0, 6-3 performance against Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea during rainy conditions at Roland Garros.

With defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time winner Iga Swiatek already eliminated from the tournament, Andreeva has emerged as one of the top contenders for her first Grand Slam championship. Her next opponent will be determined by the outcome of an all-Ukrainian matchup between Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk.

Playing under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof before a limited audience, Andreeva dominated from the start with aggressive tactics, completing the opening set in just 24 minutes.

“I’m super happy I was able to play aggressive,” Andreeva commented after the match. With her victory, she set a record as the teenager with the most Paris main draw wins this century, reaching 16 total victories.

“The last time I played her, it was a very tough battle. Every practice with her is very tough. We’ve practised 10 times already this year and we know each other well,” she explained.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy and I’d have to 200% of my intensity and focus, as she would look to be aggressive and pressure me whenever she could.”

The 36-year-old Cirstea, competing in her third Grand Slam quarter-final during her final season, showed resilience in the second set by recovering a break at 3-3. However, she couldn’t stop Andreeva’s momentum.

Andreeva, who previously reached the semifinals two years ago, secured another break by forcing an error from her opponent. She sealed the victory with a powerful forehand shot before approaching the net to embrace Cirstea in a display of sportsmanship.

Iran’s preparation for their fourth consecutive World Cup has faced major obstacles due to ongoing military conflicts with the United States and Israel, creating significant challenges for coach Amir Ghalenoei as he works to get his veteran-heavy roster ready for competition.

The disruption has been particularly severe because nearly all of Ghalenoei’s players except six compete in Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League, which has been on hold for several weeks due to the ongoing hostilities.

Ghalenoei has recognized that this World Cup marks the end of an era for many of his veteran players.

“We hope to put on acceptable performances at the World Cup, and then prepare for the Asian Cup, because after the World Cup we will also undergo a generational change,” he said recently.

The team will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in group play during the June 11 to July 19 tournament, which offers what may be the final opportunity for success for many squad members who were previously anticipated to finally break through to the knockout rounds but fell short.

Throughout Iran’s six World Cup participations dating to their first appearance in 1978, the nation has been eliminated during group play every time, managing just three victories across 18 total matches.

The most heartbreaking exits occurred during the previous two tournaments, when Iran secured victories against Morocco in 2018 and Wales in 2022 but still failed to advance to the round of 16.

Several standout players from those campaigns under former coach Carlos Queiroz are still on the roster, with 16 players now 30 or older, including defenders Shoja Khalilzadeh (37) and Ehsan Hajsafi (36).

Veteran striker Mehdi Taremi, who previously starred as a prolific goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League while playing for Porto, remains part of the squad at 33 but no longer poses the same offensive threat he once did.

Taremi will be without his usual attacking partner Sardar Azmoun, who was not chosen for the squad, while captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh prepares for his fourth World Cup tournament.

Even with an older roster showing signs of wear, Iran believes they have a realistic chance of advancing to the round of 32 in the expanded tournament format, where finishing third in their group could be sufficient to continue playing.

Egypt’s national soccer team enters the 2026 World Cup with unprecedented expectations as the country seeks its first tournament victory in nearly a century of competition.

The team’s coach, who previously helped Egypt reach the 1990 World Cup as a player by scoring the decisive goal against Algeria, now leads the squad with different pressures. While past World Cup qualifications sparked massive celebrations throughout the soccer-loving nation, this year’s qualification was received with more reserved enthusiasm as fans set their sights on actual performance rather than just participation.

The increased allocation of World Cup spots for African nations has shifted expectations dramatically. Egypt’s track record shows early exits in 1934, 1990, and 2018, a disappointing history for a country that has claimed seven Africa Cup of Nations championships.

The team has been placed in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, presenting what many consider a genuine opportunity to advance beyond the opening round for the first time in the nation’s World Cup history.

“I see the ambition in the players. They want to achieve more than what Egypt did in past World Cups,” Hassan told CAF’s official website. “We need to perform better at the World Cup. This is my main goal.”

Mohamed Salah continues to anchor Egypt’s offensive strategy, though the 33-year-old forward is no longer considered at his prime following a disappointing final season with Liverpool. Salah, who netted Egypt’s only two goals during their 2018 World Cup campaign, remains just two goals away from breaking the national scoring record.

The squad will also count on Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush to provide additional scoring power, with these Premier League players leading a roster predominantly filled with domestically-based athletes.

In a surprising roster decision, Hassan selected 18-year-old striker Hamza Abdelkarim, currently on loan with Barcelona’s U19 squad, while excluding Nantes frontman Mostafa Mohamed from the team.

“I trust my players because their level is very high, whether it’s Mohamed Salah, Marmoush, or the players in the Egyptian league. They have great ambition,” Hassan said.

Egypt’s tournament schedule begins with a match against Belgium on June 15, followed by games against New Zealand one week later and Iran on June 27.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shattered countless soccer records throughout his career, but competing in a sixth World Cup at age 41 would represent an exceptional achievement even for the Portuguese superstar.

The 2026 tournament will mark another chapter in Ronaldo’s extensive World Cup saga, which started in Germany in 2006 and has taken him through competitions in South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Qatar – all without capturing the championship that continues to elude him.

Only Lionel Messi is expected to equal Ronaldo’s six World Cup appearances, adding another dimension to their legendary rivalry that has spanned from Real Madrid versus Barcelona matches to Ballon d’Or awards ceremonies and now extends into soccer history.

While Messi has claimed eight Ballon d’Or trophies compared to Ronaldo’s five, both players continue adding new accomplishments to their remarkable careers.

The World Cup remains the one major tournament where Ronaldo has struggled to achieve ultimate success.

His most successful campaign occurred in 2006 when Portugal advanced to the semi-finals before falling to France. Since that tournament, he has experienced two round-of-16 eliminations, one quarter-final loss, and a disappointing group-stage exit in Brazil during 2014.

For the upcoming tournament, Portugal will compete against Democratic Republic of Congo, first-time participants Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.

Throughout five World Cup tournaments, Ronaldo has participated in 22 matches while netting eight goals – respectable statistics for most players but relatively modest considering his extraordinary club-level accomplishments.

The 2022 Qatar tournament appeared to signal the conclusion of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. He arrived amid controversy surrounding his Manchester United departure, managed to score but was benched by coach Fernando Santos for the knockout victory against Switzerland following a 2-1 defeat to South Korea.

However, he has made a comeback under former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, displaying the determination of someone who refuses to acknowledge limitations imposed by age.

Portugal now features an impressive roster including Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes, though Ronaldo continues to serve as the primary attraction.

Following their disappointing quarter-final elimination at Euro 2024, Portugal bounced back impressively by defeating European champions Spain in last year’s Nations League final and enters the North American tournament in strong form with Ronaldo leading the way.

Martinez points to statistics that demonstrate Ronaldo’s continued value: 25 goals across 30 matches under his leadership – representing a higher goals-per-game ratio than achieved under any previous national team coach – plus significant contributions that don’t appear in scoring statistics.

“He is fantastic at those movements, those runs, opening spaces, splitting centre halves,” Martinez told Reuters in May.

“Somebody that has won everything has the hunger of somebody that hasn’t won a trophy yet,” he added.

The 2026 tournament might represent Ronaldo’s final opportunity on the global stage, though similar predictions have been made previously.

A broken-bat single by Cole Young in the bottom of the 10th inning drove home the decisive run as the Seattle Mariners edged the visiting New York Mets 3-2 on Monday night.

The American League West-leading Mariners extended their winning streak to seven games behind solo home runs from rookie Colt Emerson and Josh Naylor.

New York got home runs from Jared Young and Marcus Semien, but their four-game winning streak came to a halt.

Mariners reliever Gabe Speier (1-2) worked a perfect top of the 10th inning to earn the victory.

Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 1

Tommy Troy, Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte connected for home runs as Arizona ended a three-game skid with a victory over Los Angeles in Phoenix.

Troy launched his first major league home run to even the score at 1-1 in the sixth inning. Arenado followed with a solo shot in the seventh, while Marte added a two-run blast in the eighth. Eduardo Rodriguez surrendered one run and five hits across six innings of work.

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani collected three hits and pushed his on-base streak to 17 games. Los Angeles had previously won seven of eight contests and 14 of 17. Emmet Sheehan (3-2) surrendered two runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Royals 9, Reds 2

Lane Thomas connected for a first-inning grand slam while Luinder Avila delivered five solid innings as visiting Kansas City routed Cincinnati. Avila (1-2) surrendered one run on two hits while fanning five and issuing four walks for the Royals, who ended a six-game slide.

Jac Caglianone and Michael Massey also went deep for Kansas City. Both Massey and Thomas recorded three hits apiece, with Caglianone contributing two RBIs.

Lyon Richardson (0-1) started for Cincinnati in place of an ailing Chase Burns and allowed four runs in just one inning. JJ Bleday launched his third homer in four games for the Reds, who fell for the fourth time in five outings.

Brewers 16, Giants 2

Brice Turang broke out of an 0-for-21 slump with a double and two-run triple to spark Milwaukee’s 18-hit offensive explosion in a rout of visiting San Francisco.

Christian Yelich and David Hamilton each recorded three hits and scored three runs for the Brewers. Jackson Chourio contributed two hits and three RBIs, while five different players drove in two runs apiece for Milwaukee, which captured its sixth victory in seven games.

Matt Chapman launched a two-run homer for all of San Francisco’s offense as the Giants dropped their sixth game in seven tries. The Giants managed only five hits total. Landen Roupp (5-6) was tagged for eight runs on eight hits in four innings.

Twins 9, White Sox 6

Tristan Gray crushed a grand slam and totaled five RBIs as Minnesota held off Chicago in Minneapolis.

Josh Bell went 2-for-4 with a double for the Twins, who halted a five-game losing streak. Trevor Larnach finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. Joe Ryan (4-3) allowed four runs on eight hits across six innings.

Chicago starter David Sandlin (1-1) was hammered for eight runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. Miguel Vargas went 3-for-5 with a pair of homers and four RBIs. Andrew Benintendi finished 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs for the White Sox, whose five-game winning streak was snapped.

Rockies 9, Angels 8

TJ Rumfield brought home the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning while Hunter Goodman and Jake McCarthy each homered as Colorado rallied past Los Angeles in Anaheim, California.

Troy Johnston, Kyle Karros, Sterlin Thompson and McCarthy each collected two hits and an RBI for the Rockies, who prevailed despite making four errors. Antonio Senzatela (5-0) earned the victory with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, though he allowed the tying run when he entered.

Jose Siri blasted a grand slam to highlight a five-run third inning while Jorge Soler went 3-for-5 with two RBIs for the Angels. Kirby Yates (0-1) surrendered the winning run in the ninth.

Rangers 2, Cardinals 1

Jacob deGrom hurled five scoreless innings to capture his 100th career victory as visiting Texas defeated St. Louis.

Ezequiel Duran doubled home a run among his three hits while Joc Pederson added an RBI single for the Rangers, who tied their season high with a fourth consecutive victory. deGrom (4-4) fanned eight batters, and Jacob Latz worked the ninth inning for his eighth save.

Masyn Winn’s sixth-inning homer was the Cardinals’ only hit over the final five innings as St. Louis lost for the sixth time in eight games. Michael McGreevy (3-5) pitched six innings while allowing two runs.

Tigers 10, Rays 9

Detroit built a six-run early advantage but had to withstand a late Tampa Bay comeback to secure a victory in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Tigers launched a season-high five home runs while ending a four-game losing streak. Dillon Dingler went 4-for-5 and recorded his first career two-homer game. He also doubled while matching his career-high four RBIs. Riley Greene went 3-for-4 with a homer, double and three RBIs. Kerry Carpenter had a 3-for-5 performance with a homer and double.

Yandy Diaz went 3-for-5 as the only Ray with multiple hits. Junior Caminero finished 1-for-3 with two walks, three runs and two RBIs.

Marlins 7, Nationals 3

Pinch hitter Heriberto Hernandez belted a two-run homer while Sandy Alcantara threw seven strong innings as Miami came from behind to defeat Washington and end a five-game losing streak.

Alcantara (4-4) gave up three runs on seven hits to record his first victory since April 24. Liam Hicks launched a solo homer in the ninth inning before Kyle Stowers followed with a two-run shot. Otto Lopez collected three hits for the Marlins.

Jacob Young hit a two-run homer while Curtis Mead had two hits and an RBI for the Nationals. Richard Lovelady (2-3) allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning.

The Vancouver Canucks announced Monday evening that they have selected Manny Malhotra as their new head coach.

The former NHL forward replaces Adam Foote, who was dismissed last month following Vancouver’s last-place finish in the NHL during his sole season leading the team.

Malhotra will serve as the franchise’s 23rd head coach and represents another former player being elevated within the organization as it undergoes reconstruction.

“Manny and I have been in the battle together before, so I know firsthand what a good teacher, leader, and quality person he is,” general manager Ryan Johnson said in a statement.

The two previously collaborated in the minor leagues with the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks.

“Manny is a great coach who has the right skill set and mentality to help players develop and get better each day,” Johnson said. “We both believe that pressure is a privilege, and learning to become a good pro takes patience, dedication and a ‘be better than yesterday’ mindset.”

Foote was dismissed on May 19 following the Canucks’ 25-49-8 record last season. Malhotra quickly became a leading contender for the position, with Johnson indicating he would meet with the 46-year-old former NHL player to “talk about the future.”

Malhotra’s coaching background includes roles as a development coach and assistant coach for the Canucks, followed by four seasons as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs before taking the head coaching position at Abbotsford.

During his tenure there, he led the AHL squad to a Calder Cup championship in the 2024-25 season. The team failed to reach the playoffs the previous season while dealing with numerous long-term player injuries.

Johnson emphasized that Malhotra’s leadership during Abbotsford’s difficult season demonstrated his character as both a coach and individual.

“To see that when you can rely on the foundation of the consistent environment and the coaching through the worst of times and really continue to propel players forward, even though the wins and losses aren’t there, it tells you a lot about him,” he said.

“That entire staff showed that they’re champions based off of not the year before, but of what they did last year, and what people around them took out of a pretty tough season.”

The appointment brings Malhotra back together with former teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who were appointed Vancouver’s co-presidents of hockey operations on May 14.

The Ontario native played 16 NHL seasons after being selected by the New York Rangers in 1998.

His career statistics include 116 goals and 295 points across 991 regular-season contests with Vancouver, New York, the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes.

During his time with the Canucks, Malhotra suffered a serious facial injury from a puck in March 2011, resulting in permanent vision impairment in his left eye. The injury caused him to miss significant time during the team’s Stanley Cup Final appearance that year and led to a diminished role the following season.

“He loves the game and getting to know what makes his players tick, and I am very confident Manny will help us ice a competitive and hard-working team that our fans will be proud of moving forward,” Johnson said.

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom delivered a memorable birthday present for his family Monday night, reaching a career milestone that will forever be tied to his son’s special day.

The veteran right-hander secured his 100th major league victory by throwing five shutout innings in the Rangers’ 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, achieving the feat on his son Nolan’s third birthday.

“It’s really cool,” deGrom said. “As a kid, your goal is to just play major league baseball and for it to become a reality and win 100 games in the major leagues, it’s kind of crazy to think about. Today was Nolan’s third birthday, so I’ll always remember that being my 100th night on his third birthday.”

The two-time Cy Young Award winner had been stuck at 99 victories since his May 10 performance against the Chicago Cubs, where he delivered seven scoreless frames. His pursuit of win number 100 proved challenging, as deGrom struggled through his next three outings, posting an 0-2 record while surrendering 12 runs across 15 innings pitched.

May was particularly difficult for the 37-year-old pitcher, who compiled a 1-3 record with a 5.72 ERA over five starts. However, Monday’s performance marked a return to form as he limited the Cardinals to just four hits while recording eight strikeouts, helping Texas capture their fourth consecutive victory.

“I was trying not to do too much,” deGrom said. “Having the meeting, talking to (catcher) Danny (Jansen) I was like, ‘Hey, tonight we’re hitting the glove as many times as we can. Mechanics are what they are. We’re throwing everything else out the window. We’re going back to how I used to pitch.’”

DeGrom’s professional journey began when he was chosen in the ninth round of the 2010 amateur draft. He made his major league debut with the New York Mets in 2014, earning NL Rookie of the Year honors.

Throughout his career spanning 260 starts, deGrom has compiled a 100-69 record with a 2.61 ERA. However, injuries have limited his availability, as he has reached 30 starts in a season only five times during his first 12 big league campaigns. The 2025 season marked his first time making 30 starts since 2019.

“He’s never really felt 100%,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “I’ve said it before, he should be a Hall of Famer. I think he’s going to be a Hall of Famer. That’s how dominant he’s been throughout his career, and he’s still got a couple of years left in him, too.”

With his milestone achievement, deGrom becomes the 16th active pitcher to reach 100 career wins, following Texas teammate Nathan Eovaldi, who became the 15th on July 30, 2025, against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Minnesota Twins completed a cash deal Monday to acquire relief pitcher Justin Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had placed the right-handed pitcher on waivers last Friday.

The 31-year-old Lawrence struggled during his time with Pittsburgh this season, recording no wins against two losses while posting a 5.32 ERA across 23 relief outings. During his 22 innings of work, he recorded 25 strikeouts while issuing 12 walks.

Prior to joining Pittsburgh, Lawrence spent four years with the Colorado Rockies from 2021 through 2024. The Pirates picked him up on waivers this past March.

Throughout his major league career, Lawrence has appeared exclusively as a reliever in 222 games, compiling a 13-14 win-loss record with 14 saves and a 5.05 ERA. Over 233 2/3 innings pitched, he has recorded 236 strikeouts against 130 walks.

Minnesota officials indicated they will make room on their active roster for Lawrence before Tuesday’s home matchup against the White Sox. The Twins ended a five-game skid Monday night with a 9-6 victory over Chicago in the opening game of their series.

Texas Rangers starter Jacob deGrom reached a significant career milestone Monday night, recording his 100th professional victory during a 2-1 triumph over the St. Louis Cardinals in the opening game of their three-game series.

The veteran right-hander delivered five innings of shutout baseball, surrendering just four hits while walking one and recording eight strikeouts to secure the historic win.

Ezequiel Duran led the offensive charge for Texas with three hits, including a run-scoring double, while Joc Pederson contributed an RBI single. The victory marked the Rangers’ fourth consecutive win, tying their season-best winning streak. Nicky Lopez chipped in with two hits.

DeGrom (4-4) had fallen short of the milestone in his previous three starts before finally breaking through against St. Louis. The two-time Cy Young Award recipient joins an exclusive group as the 16th active pitcher to achieve 100 career victories and the first since teammate Nathan Eovaldi accomplished the feat on July 30, 2025.

Jacob Latz, working as the fourth Rangers reliever, closed out the Cardinals in order during the ninth inning to secure his eighth save of the season.

Texas pitchers dominated throughout the contest, striking out 14 St. Louis batters. Jordan Walker particularly struggled, going down on strikes in all four plate appearances.

The Cardinals managed only one hit across the final five innings, with Masyn Winn’s sixth-inning home run providing their sole scoring. St. Louis has now dropped six of their past eight contests.

St. Louis mounted an early threat in the second inning, placing two runners on base with one out before deGrom escaped by striking out Walker and Bryan Torres.

Texas broke the scoreless deadlock in the fourth inning against Michael McGreevy (3-5) when Brandon Nimmo crossed home plate on Duran’s two-out double that found the left field corner.

The Rangers extended their advantage in the fifth frame. Danny Jansen worked a one-out walk, successfully stole second base, advanced to third on Lopez’s single, and scored when Pederson delivered a single to center field. With runners positioned at first and third, McGreevy prevented additional damage when Josh Jung hit into a double play.

McGreevy completed six innings for St. Louis, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and one strikeout.

Peyton Gray took over for deGrom at the start of the sixth inning and recorded two outs before Winn connected for the Cardinals’ only run with a solo blast to left field. The 384-foot shot marked Winn’s second home run of the campaign.

A top college basketball talent has chosen his next destination after stepping back from professional basketball consideration. Milan Momcilovic, who previously played for Iowa State, announced his commitment to the University of Kentucky through social media on Monday.

The decision came less than one week after Momcilovic withdrew his name from consideration for the NBA draft. His commitment provides coach Mark Pope with one of the most sought-after players available in the transfer portal.

Standing 6-foot-8, Momcilovic dominated from beyond the arc during his time with the Cyclones. He topped all college players in three-point accuracy last season, connecting on 48.7% of his attempts while taking 7.5 shots per game from long range. His three-point production ranked fifth nationally among all players.

The forward demonstrated remarkable consistency from deep, sinking five or more three-pointers in 10 different games during the 2025-26 season. His most impressive performance came against Arizona in the Big 12 tournament, where he made eight three-pointers despite his team’s narrow defeat.

During his final season at Iowa State, Momcilovic contributed 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest. His performance helped guide the Cyclones to their third Sweet 16 appearance in five seasons. Throughout his three years with Iowa State, he maintained a 43% success rate from three-point range.

In April, Momcilovic had announced his intention to explore both the transfer portal and professional basketball opportunities. He ultimately decided against the NBA route, withdrawing his name just before last Wednesday’s deadline.

Minnesota ended their five-game skid Monday night with a 9-6 victory over Chicago, powered by Tristan Gray’s grand slam that drove in five runs total during the contest in Minneapolis.

Josh Bell contributed with a 2-for-4 performance that included a double for the Twins, while Trevor Larnach went 2-for-3 and knocked in one run.

Chicago’s offense was led by Miguel Vargas, who recorded three hits in five at-bats with a pair of home runs and four RBIs. Andrew Benintendi added two hits in four trips to the plate, including a homer and two RBIs for the White Sox, whose five-game winning streak came to an end.

Minnesota’s starting pitcher Joe Ryan (4-3) allowed four runs on eight hits across six innings of work. He issued no walks while recording nine strikeouts.

Chicago starter David Sandlin (1-1) was charged with eight runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. He walked four batters and struck out four.

Minnesota took an early 1-0 advantage in the opening frame when Larnach drove in a run with a single to center field.

Chicago tied the game 1-1 in the third inning. Sam Antonacci reached second base with a double to right field, moved to third on a fly ball, then came home on Benintendi’s two-out single to right.

Gray’s grand slam in the fourth inning put Minnesota ahead to stay. His blast sailed over the right-center field wall for his second grand slam this season, tying him for the major league lead.

Chicago narrowed the gap to 5-4 in the fifth frame. Vargas connected for a two-run homer, followed immediately by Benintendi’s solo shot.

The Twins responded with a four-run rally to extend their lead to 9-4. Minnesota loaded the bases without recording an out on a pair of walks surrounding a single, prompting Chicago to remove Sandlin from the mound.

Relief pitcher Tyler Davis entered for Chicago but struggled as well. He surrendered consecutive RBI singles to Austin Martin and Victor Caratini for the first two runs of the inning, then allowed sacrifice flies to Luke Keaschall and Gray in the following two at-bats.

Vargas pulled Chicago within 9-6 with another two-run home run in the ninth inning, his second homer of the contest and 15th this season.

Detroit built an early six-run advantage but needed to survive a furious late charge from Tampa Bay to secure a thrilling 10-9 victory Monday night in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Tigers ended a four-game skid by connecting on a season-high five long balls. Dillon Dingler delivered a stellar 4-for-5 performance that included his first career two-homer game. He added a double while matching his career-high four RBIs and setting a personal record with four runs scored.

Riley Greene contributed a 3-for-4 showing with one homer, one double and three RBIs. Kerry Carpenter also had a productive 3-for-5 night featuring a homer and double while driving home two runs.

For Tampa Bay, Yandy Diaz managed a 3-for-5 effort as the only Ray with multiple hits. Junior Caminero finished 1-for-3 but drew two walks while scoring three times and driving in two.

The offensive fireworks began in the third when Dingler launched his first homer of the contest, a towering two-run blast to center field. Carpenter and Greene immediately followed with back-to-back solo shots, staking Detroit to a 6-0 advantage. The consecutive home runs marked the first time three Tigers batters went yard in succession since August 8, 2020.

Rays starter Griffin Jax (1-4) absorbed all that early damage, surrendering six runs on seven hits and one walk across four innings while fanning five batters.

Tampa Bay began mounting their comeback in the fourth when Caminero connected on a two-run homer. Ryan Vilade added a three-run blast in the sixth. However, Detroit answered both rallies as Dingler hit his second homer in the fifth and Hao-Yu Lee contributed a solo shot in the sixth.

RBI doubles from Dingler and Carpenter extended Detroit’s cushion to 10-5 in the eighth inning, which proved crucial as the Rays plated four runs in their half of the frame.

Tampa Bay narrowed the gap to one run in the eighth on a two-run double by Nick Fortes and a two-run single from Ben Williamson. With the go-ahead run on base and just one out, Will Vest escaped the jam by getting Jonathan Aranda on a groundout and Richie Palacios on a fly ball.

Tyler Holton (1-4), one of seven hurlers used by Detroit, earned the victory after tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings during the fourth and fifth frames. Tigers pitching surrendered only eight hits but issued eight walks.

Vest replaced Beau Briske, who walked three of four batters to open the eighth, then retired the side in order during the ninth to earn his first save of the season and preserve the victory.

Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, who has claimed the American League Cy Young Award twice, completed a four-inning simulated game Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, marking significant progress in his recovery and positioning him for a potential rehabilitation assignment this weekend.

During the practice session, Skubal delivered 64 total pitches with 45 finding the strike zone while recording six strikeouts.

“It was obviously a step in the right direction and continuing to show progress and throw with freedom,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Velo was normal, which means high. And his reactions are starting to get even more and more competitive. To me, that’s signaling that he’s getting closer to pitching competitively than he is rehabbing.”

Through seven appearances in 2026, Skubal has compiled a 3-2 record alongside a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. His dominance continues with 45 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings pitched while issuing just six walks, maintaining his rate of more than one strikeout per inning.

Following his seven-inning performance on April 29 in Atlanta, the pitcher was sidelined and placed on the 15-day injured list May 4, with the designation backdated to May 1, due to loose bodies discovered in his left elbow. On May 6, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to clear the debris, with medical professionals confirming no additional ligament damage was present.

“I think it was another good day, another positive day,” Skubal said after the sim game. “I feel great now, went through all my post-throw stuff in the weight room and the training room and I feel good. Now I just need to sleep well, wake up and see how I feel tomorrow.

“But like I said last time, don’t expect anything to be different. I’m going to be general pitching sore, but that’s a good thing.”

Since Skubal’s most recent mound appearance, the Tigers have struggled significantly, posting a 7-22 record entering Monday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. Their overall 22-28 mark represents the American League’s poorest record.

Two Tampa Bay Rays players were forced to leave Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers due to separate injuries that sidelined key members of their lineup.

Shortstop Taylor Walls departed in the bottom of the third inning because of tightness in his left hamstring, with team officials describing his removal as a precautionary decision. Walls had not yet stepped into the batter’s box for his first plate appearance when he was pulled from the contest. The infielder had previously dealt with hamstring problems last week that caused him to miss a pair of games.

Oliver Dunn came in as a pinch-hitter for Walls during the third frame and assumed shortstop duties in the fourth inning. Ben Williamson later entered the game to replace Dunn.

During the fourth inning, Simpson encountered an unfortunate mishap while attempting to steal a base.

Simpson was running from first to second base when Detroit pitcher Ty Madden delivered a wild pitch. However, Simpson’s helmet came loose, bounced off the ground, and struck him in the mouth as he slid headfirst into the bag. Medical staff could not immediately determine if the impact damaged his teeth or caused a lip laceration.

Ryan Vilade entered as a pinch-runner for Simpson and remained in the game to cover left field.

Simpson brings significant speed to the Rays’ offense, having swiped 14 bases this season following his impressive 44 stolen bases during his first year in the majors. The outfielder also leads the American League with four triples this season. His performance on Monday, going 1-for-2 at the plate, maintains his .284 batting average.

Walls carries a .208 batting average across 44 games this year in his sixth season with the Tampa Bay organization.

Golden State Warriors basketball star Stephen Curry revealed Tuesday through social media that his Curry Brand has entered into a new partnership with Li Ning, a major Chinese athletic apparel company.

Li Ning, established by an Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast of the same name, operates as one of China’s largest sportswear retailers with over 7,600 retail locations across Asia.

“It’s amazing to see how he’s grown his namesake company as an athlete founder, knowing I have those same hopes and aspirations for Curry Brand,” Curry said.

While Curry characterized the agreement as a “long-term” collaboration, he did not reveal financial details or the specific value of the contract.

The partnership will involve establishing Curry Brand retail outlets in both China and the United States, according to Curry’s announcement.

Li Ning has previously pursued becoming a major force in global basketball, having secured sponsorship agreements with NBA players Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler in the past.

The Chinese company did not immediately provide a response when asked for comment regarding the new partnership.

Basketball Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman has passed away at age 79, according to an announcement Monday from the National Basketball Coaches Association.

With 1,042 career victories, Adelman holds the 10th spot among all-time NBA coaching wins. He achieved his most notable success while leading the Portland Trail Blazers, an organization where he had previously played during the 1970s. Under his guidance, the Trail Blazers captured Western Conference championships and reached the NBA Finals in both 1990 and 1992.

During his 23-season coaching tenure spanning five franchises – the Trail Blazers (1988-94), Golden State Warriors (1995-97), Sacramento Kings (1998-2006), Houston Rockets (2007-11) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-14) – Adelman compiled a 1,042-749 record with a .582 winning percentage. His squads qualified for postseason play 16 times, posting a 79-78 playoff record.

The basketball community recognized his contributions with his 2021 Hall of Fame induction and the NBCA’s Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

“Adelman will be remembered not only as a coach and a player, but also as a mentor to so many in the basketball community,” the NBCA said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Adelman family during this difficult time.”

As a player, Adelman suited up for five different teams during seven NBA seasons from 1968-1975, spending his longest stretch in Portland from 1970-73.

Among his six children, Adelman’s son David currently serves as head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

The Portland Trail Blazers issued their own tribute Monday.

“The Portland Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Adelman, a franchise legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. Rick was one of the most influential figures in franchise history, a member of the inaugural 1970 team and integral coach throughout the 80s and 90s, guiding the team to Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992.

“Rick’s basketball brilliance helped shape multiple eras of Trail Blazers basketball, earning the respect and admiration of the basketball community and cementing his legacy. His thoughtful leadership, integrity, and kindness impacted all those around him on and off the court. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Adelman family, and all those in the world of basketball who were touched by his impact.”

Officials have not disclosed the cause of death.

The upcoming 2026-27 College Football Playoff will span more than a month, with 11 total games beginning December 18 and wrapping up with the national championship game on January 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Officials from the CFP, ESPN and TNT Sports revealed the complete schedule on Monday, including start times and television coverage details. ESPN’s expanded broadcast package will include five games that have been sublicensed to TNT Sports and its affiliated networks.

Viewers will be able to watch all ESPN network games through the ESPN App, while first-round matchups broadcast on TNT and truTV will also stream on HBO Max.

Officials will announce the campus locations for first-round CFP games on December 6.

Three quarterfinal matchups will also receive their time slots on December 6 and will take place on January 1, hosted by the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The remaining quarterfinal game at the Fiesta Bowl is scheduled for December 30 in Glendale, Arizona.

Following a two-week intermission, the semifinal rounds will occur at the Orange Bowl on January 14 in Miami Gardens, Florida, and the Sugar Bowl on January 15 in New Orleans.

The complete 2026-27 College Football Playoff timeline:

(All times Eastern)

Friday, December 18 — One first-round matchup at campus location, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, December 19 — Three first-round matchups at campus locations, noon (ABC, ESPN), 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)

Wednesday, December 30 — quarterfinal at Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Arizona, 7:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)

Friday, January 1 — three quarterfinals, venues to be determined, noon (TNT, truTV, HBO Max), 4 p.m. (ABC, ESPN), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, January 14 — semifinal at Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Florida, 7:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)

Friday, January 15 — semifinal at Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)

Monday, January 25 — CFP National Championship, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Several pivotal days in early March 2025 altered the trajectory of the NHL season, with Mitch Marner standing at the center of those changes.

As Marner approached the final months of his Toronto contract, indicators suggested he wouldn’t extend his stay. Meanwhile, Carolina had obtained soon-to-be free agent Mikko Rantanen from Colorado through a three-team deal in late January, though it became apparent after weeks that this arrangement wouldn’t become permanent.

Toronto and Carolina explored the potential for swapping Marner and Rantanen. However, Marner controlled his fate through a complete no-movement clause, ultimately choosing to remain in Toronto for another playoff attempt before selecting Vegas through a sign-and-trade arrangement in late June rather than entering free agency.

This choice by Marner created a chain reaction that brought Vegas and Carolina to their current position, facing each other in the Stanley Cup Final that begins Tuesday evening. Carolina responded by trading Rantanen to Dallas for Logan Stankoven — who became one of their top performers in this playoff run — plus a draft pick they later used to acquire K’Andre Miller last summer, while preserving cap space to sign premier free agent Nikolaj Ehlers.

Vegas secured Marner, who now tops all playoff scorers and demonstrates why Carolina had shown interest. When asked about the team’s attraction to Marner, general manager Eric Tulsky refused to comment since Marner plays for a different organization.

“I can answer that one,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “What don’t you like about him?”

During last spring’s speculation about a potential Marner-Rantanen exchange, personal factors extended beyond hockey considerations. Marner’s wife, Stephanie, was expecting their first child, and Marner calls the Toronto region home.

Toronto advanced to the second round before surrendering a 2-0 series advantage to defending and eventual repeat champion Florida. Carolina was swept by the Panthers in the Eastern Conference final, still lacking a crucial element.

Throughout this season, Marner maintained a point-per-game pace. He’s recorded seven goals and 14 assists for a playoff-leading 21 points.

“Mitch is playing with tremendous confidence,” GM Kelly McCrimmon said. “I think he’s really savoring the moment.”

Marner praised the coaching staff for positioning him for success and his teammates for converting scoring opportunities. Sporting a Vegas hoodie during Cup final media day, he maintains he’s not considering alternative scenarios like playing for Carolina.

“No, I’m not a guy that lives in the past,” Marner said. “I’m in the present. I’m here in the moment.”

Tulsky referenced Rantanen when discussing risk-taking, stating “Sometimes it doesn’t go the way you hoped, and you’ve got to be ready to figure out how you’re going to move forward from there.” While trading Martin Necas to Colorado for Rantanen didn’t succeed, acquiring veteran winger Taylor Hall from Chicago in the same transaction certainly has.

Pursuing Marner falls into the same category, but their backup plan succeeded remarkably. Stankoven has made a significant impact for Carolina as the second-line center alongside Hall and Jackson Blake, proving why he was the primary asset received from Dallas for Rantanen.

If Marner had chosen Carolina, Stankoven might still be playing for Dallas. Instead, he had to process the unusual experience of being traded.

“I didn’t see it coming,” Stankoven said. “Everything kind of happens for a reason. Obviously, Dallas got their player, and I just want to become the best version of myself here in Carolina. Just how welcoming everyone has been here, the fans, my teammates, I absolutely love the city and couldn’t be happier that I was able to sign long term here.”

On the same day Stankoven signed an eight-year, $48 million deal, Tulsky utilized one of the first-round selections from the Rantanen trade to obtain Miller from the New York Rangers and secure him long-term. By week’s end, Ehlers selected Carolina from multiple attractive options.

Miller has flourished with his new environment, and Ehlers, alongside Stankoven, has provided Carolina with the offensive production they missed during previous playoff campaigns that concluded before the final.

“(Ehlers) adds things to it that aren’t what we would ask a lot of players to do,” Tulsky said. “Having that kind of ability on the team — someone who could just create scoring chances out of thin air — it always makes you more dangerous.”

The basketball world is mourning the loss of Rick Adelman, a Basketball Hall of Fame coach who passed away at age 79, according to an announcement Monday from the National Basketball Coaches Association.

Adelman, whose son David Adelman currently coaches the Denver Nuggets, accumulated 1,042 victories during his NBA coaching career, ranking him 10th all-time in league history. No cause of death was immediately released.

His impressive coaching record places him among elite company – only four other coaches have managed more games while maintaining a superior winning percentage compared to Adelman. Those coaches are Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, Jerry Sloan and George Karl. During his career, Adelman guided the Portland Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances and served as head coach for teams in Sacramento, Houston, Minnesota and Golden State.

The coaches’ association, which presented Adelman with its Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, released a tribute statement saying: “Adelman will be remembered not only as a coach and a player, but also as a mentor to so many in the basketball community.”

When the award was presented three years ago, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle praised Adelman’s impact, stating: “Rick Adelman’s NBA coaching career has been highlighted by innovation, integrity and excellence. His teams always played to their strengths, and Rick always found subtle ways to reinvent NBA basketball to help his players thrive. His quiet, unassuming nature belies his impact as one of the great NBA coaches of all time.”

Before his coaching success, Adelman spent six seasons as an NBA player from 1969 to 1975, serving as a point guard for five different franchises. However, he discovered his true passion behind the bench.

In their tribute, the Kings organization noted that Adelman “will be remembered for the way he inspired those around him — with humility, integrity, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the power of teamwork.”

Adelman’s journey to NBA coaching began unexpectedly. Initially planning to coach at the high school level, he found his lack of experience challenging. Instead, he launched his coaching career at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon.

During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Adelman recalled: “We had great success there. The one thing I did not realize is Jack Ramsey was following my team.”

Ramsey, who was leading the Portland Trail Blazers at the time, brought Adelman in for an interview when a coaching position became available. Adelman spent three seasons under Ramsey’s guidance, followed by 2 1/2 additional seasons working with Mike Schuler. He stepped into the interim head coach role with 35 games remaining in the 1988-89 season.

Reflecting on that period in 2021, Adelman said: “We had a team that was ready to win.”

Blazers owner Paul Allen gave Adelman the opportunity to coach the full 1989-90 season, launching a remarkable coaching journey. Portland achieved 59 victories that year behind stars Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey and Buck Williams, advancing to the NBA Finals before losing to Detroit.

This success propelled Adelman forward. He returned to the NBA Finals with the Blazers two seasons later, this time falling to Chicago. Following his Portland tenure, Adelman spent two years coaching at Golden State before moving to Sacramento, where he compiled eight consecutive winning seasons during an eight-year period. His Sacramento teams featured notable players including Vlade Divac, Peja Stojaković, Mike Bibby, Chris Webber, Jason Williams, Bobby Jackson and current Kings coach Doug Christie.

Throughout his coaching career, Adelman worked with 210 different players who appeared in at least one NBA game under his guidance.

Veteran guard Kyle Lowry, who played for 20 seasons, shared his appreciation Monday night: “He actually challenged me and poured into trusting me. That was important for me. He didn’t have to. He could have done everything else, he could have played other players, but he believed in me. … He just trusted his players. He just wanted to win. And if it wasn’t for him, I don’t know what career I would have. It’s a sad day.”

SEATTLE (AP) — Billionaire philanthropist and business leader Melinda French Gates is set to become a minority owner of the Seattle Kraken hockey team, subject to approval from the NHL.

The 61-year-old French Gates, who was formerly married to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, brings a net worth of $30 billion according to Forbes to an ownership consortium led by majority owner and managing partner Samantha Holloway. Other investors in the group include David Wright, Andy Jassy, and veteran Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

“As a longtime Seattle resident, it means a lot to me to have the chance to make this investment in our city and its future,” French Gates said in a statement. “I’m a big believer in the power of sports, and after many years of cheering on Seattle from the sidelines, I’m excited to have an even deeper connection to the Seattle sports community.”

This marks French Gates’ first ownership position in a major professional sports organization. Her investment comes as the Kraken ownership team works to position itself for potential ownership of an NBA team, should professional basketball return to the Emerald City for the first time since the SuperSonics departed for Oklahoma City almost two decades ago.

The Kraken ownership group announced the formation of One Roof Sports and Entertainment in March, creating an umbrella organization to “oversee a growing portfolio of properties and fuel new opportunities.” During that announcement, Holloway stated that One Roof would pursue bringing an NBA franchise to Seattle if the league decides to expand.

Holloway also revealed in March that the group had reached an agreement to purchase additional ownership shares in Climate Pledge Arena from Oak View Group, making the organization the majority owner of the venue. OVG maintains a minority ownership position.

French Gates, who was raised in Dallas and earned degrees in computer science and economics along with an MBA from Duke University, currently leads Pivotal, an organization she established to advance social progress for women and young people both domestically and internationally.

She previously established and co-led the Gates Foundation, recognized as the world’s largest philanthropic organization.

“I am excited to welcome Melinda to our ownership group,” Holloway said in a statement. “Melinda is an impressive business leader, philanthropist and importantly, a Seattle sports fan. We share many of the same values, including a deep commitment to Seattle and a belief in building organizations that create lasting impact.”

SAN FRANCISCO — Basketball superstar Stephen Curry has signed a major new footwear and clothing contract with Chinese athletic brand Li-Ning.

The Golden State Warriors player’s Curry Brand revealed Monday the extended partnership designed to expand Curry’s international presence across basketball, golf and lifestyle markets. The collaboration between Curry and Li-Ning will focus on brand development and product creation, along with sports culture programs driven by what they described as “a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes around the world.”

Curry described the agreement as “the partnership of a lifetime.” During what many viewed as his sneaker free-agency period earlier this year, he tested Li-Ning footwear previously worn by both Dwyane Wade and teammate Jimmy Butler.

The 38-year-old basketball star ended his relationship with Under Armour last November following more than ten years together, then spent the remainder of the season rotating through different sneaker brands nearly every game — selecting pairs from a large container stationed beside his locker at Chase Center.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Rod Brind’Amour can pinpoint precisely when he believed the Carolina Hurricanes had what it takes to compete for the Stanley Cup.

“Eight years ago,” he stated. That marked the beginning of Brind’Amour’s tenure as head coach, starting a path of consistent playoff appearances and near-misses at reaching the final until this season.

The Vegas Golden Knights entered the league nine years ago, and from their aggressive expansion draft strategy to this spring’s run, they’ve maintained championship aspirations. Their inaugural season ended with a final appearance, and they captured the title in 2023. This third Cup Final appearance may be their most unexpected.

This matchup between Vegas and Carolina represents nearly ten years of development for two franchises in non-traditional hockey markets that have emerged as elite teams. Their paths have converged for this moment, a best-of-seven championship series starting Tuesday evening.

“It’s for all the marbles,” Golden Knights forward Cole Smith commented. “Just the way they play, they play a really fast game. So do we. It’s going to be a really great series.”

Carolina claimed their sole Stanley Cup title in 2006, when Brind’Amour served as team captain. He spent 9 1/2 seasons as a player with the organization and seven additional years as an assistant coach before his 2018 promotion. He has participated in 98 of Carolina’s 100 playoff wins since the franchise relocated from Hartford in 1997.

“Roddy’s been at the helm of it the whole time and just establishing the culture that we do have here,” said defenseman Jaccob Slavin, currently in his 11th campaign with the club. “It’s been building and building and we’ve been close and knocking at the door. I think we finally just have the right personnel, the right commitment, the right buy-in because our game really hasn’t changed.”

Slavin, captain Jordan Staal, grinder Jordan Martinook and center Sebastian Aho have remained together since Brind’Amour’s promotion, while wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis and goaltender Frederik Andersen joined the established core over time. The Hurricanes captured at least one playoff round annually but had never managed three consecutive series victories.

“We’ve been trying really hard for eight years, and it’s not anybody’s fault,” Martinook explained. “It’s just we’ve fallen short.”

Logan Stankoven, obtained at the trade deadline last year when Mikko Rantanen was sent to Dallas six weeks after Carolina got him from Colorado, has excelled at center on the second line between Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake. Stankoven paces the squad with nine goals.

Hall, who arrived from Chicago in that initial three-way trade with Rantanen, leads the Hurricanes with 16 points. Nikolaj Ehlers, signed last summer as a free agent, had a monster Game 2 of the East final after they lost the series opener, including scoring the overtime winner.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything special to get this group (here),” Ehlers said. “This group was ready for it.”

Carolina stands 12-1 this postseason, the fewest defeats to reach the final since 1983. Brind’Amour believes this is where his squad has deserved to be for an extended period but acknowledges remaining work.

“I don’t think we have broken through,” Brind’Amour said. “You’ve got to win. I know everyone makes a lot about getting this far, but nobody’s going to remember who comes in second.”

Vegas finished second during its inaugural campaign when nobody anticipated the expansion franchise would compete. The Golden Knights advanced to the final before falling to Washington in five games.

“Set the tone right away,” said center William Karlsson, one of three original “Misfits” remaining from the franchise’s start. “That came out of nowhere.”

Initial general manager George McPhee’s selections of Karlsson, defensemen Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb and winger Reilly Smith — back after a year and a half absence — from other organizations positioned Vegas for success. Intelligent draft choices, free agent acquisitions and trades by McPhee and current GM Kelly McCrimmon created a culture of winning at any cost.

“It’s what you want to be as an athlete,” McNabb said. “You want to be on a team that does that.”

Additions like Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Ivan Barbashev and Alex Pietrangelo helped the Knights capture the Cup in their sixth season. They’ve reached the playoffs in all but one year.

Pietrangelo’s career-ending injury created room to acquire Mitch Marner on June 30. Marner tops all playoff scorers with 21 points, finding success during a time of year that eluded him through nearly a decade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“I think our team is deeper and a better team than what he had played on in Toronto,” McCrimmon said. “Not that Toronto didn’t have real good teams, but you have to have that depth throughout your roster because to go through three rounds or ultimately, hopefully, four rounds, everybody’s got to take their turn.”

Pavel Dorofeyev has emerged as a breakout performer in that regard, and he and teammate Brett Howden share the lead for most postseason goals with 10 each. Karlsson returned in the second round after missing the previous six months with an undisclosed injury.

Goaltender Carter Hart, a controversial signing last fall after he and four other Hockey Canada junior players were acquitted of sexual assault, has found his rhythm. Hart stopped 118 of 125 shots in a West final sweep of Colorado.

Most significantly, Vegas has won 19 of 24 games since McCrimmon dismissed coach Bruce Cassidy in late March and hired John Tortorella, whom he had never met or spoken with previously.

“We asked ourselves, ‘Who can come in and give us that kind of a bump?’” McCrimmon said. “John was the guy that we really felt strongly could do that.”

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Back in December 1949, the marquee outside Madison Square Garden advertised an upcoming event simply as “Geo Mikan vs Knicks.”

The sign didn’t read “Minneapolis Lakers vs. Knicks.” It highlighted just George Mikan. The league’s original extraordinary big man.

That scenario feels familiar today. Wednesday marks the beginning of the NBA Finals, with San Antonio taking on the Knicks for the championship. And the advertising for this matchup — whether in San Antonio, New York, Paris or anywhere else across the world — might as well read “Wemby vs Knicks.”

Victor Wembanyama continues advancing to increasingly prominent platforms. The current version of the NBA’s exceptional big man — a designation previously belonging to players like Mikan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal — will command global attention throughout this series, and likely for every contest he participates in going forward. He’s already achieved superstar status. This series provides his initial opportunity to add championship to his accomplishments.

“This is the best basketball on the planet that’s being played right now,” Wembanyama said after San Antonio won Game 7 at Oklahoma City to capture the Western Conference title. “And the crazy thing is … I want to do that 15, 20 more times. Let’s hope it doesn’t become an addiction. Maybe it is already.”

The addiction comparison seems appropriate. San Antonio has become completely devoted to him.

The city lacks Major League Baseball, NHL, or NFL franchises. When it comes to major professional sports, only the Spurs exist. Anyone traveling just five minutes in any direction throughout this city will witness the evidence.

Summer has arrived with school out in San Antonio. Monday found the city’s public library bustling with activity, and several children discovered a new exhibit near the entrance. “Read Like Wemby,” the display announced, showcasing five books that Wembanyama has reportedly enjoyed reading. An Instagram account — wembybooks — began sharing photos of him with various books, local San Antonio media picked up the story, and the library developed their concept.

“We want to make sure people have access to those and people can read them,” said Scott Williams, the marketing manager for the San Antonio Public Library. “And so, we thought, ‘Let’s do a display and let’s do a book list and make sure that people can easily find what Wemby’s reading so that they can read it too.’”

The outcome?

“The interest has been huge,” Williams said. “Ultimately, we’re looking at two things. We want people to pay attention to the library, we want people to come here and notice us, and we want people checking out these books and reading. It’s been a success on both fronts.”

Therefore, Wemby encourages literacy.

He also draws visitors to seafood establishments — even during closed hours.

Rudy’s Seafood remains closed on Mondays. During a 15-minute period Monday afternoon, four vehicles arrived. They weren’t seeking meals. They came to view the Spurs artwork — featuring current players and coaches alongside a recently refreshed Gregg Popovich, plus newly added George Gervin and Manu Ginobili, among others.

Mark and Christina Lerma have relatives in San Antonio but reside in Nebraska. They won’t attend the NBA Finals — ticket costs are prohibitively expensive — but they visited Rudy’s to honor their beloved team. Mark sported a recently purchased Spurs NBA Finals cap and Wembanyama jersey; Christina wore all black and displayed footage of a Spurs dress she had worn Sunday.

Their Spurs loyalty spans many years. And Wembanyama, predictably, has rapidly earned a special position in their devotion.

“He’s dominant,” Mark Lerma said. “He changes the game.”

They enthusiastically mentioned that Wembanyama has visited the restaurant to view the Spurs tribute, which has existed for years and receives updates when necessary.

“A lot of people stop and do selfies,” said Roland Ramirez, who owns the restaurant. “They’re doing graduation pictures with the backdrop. It’s pretty nice for the community. You know, the Spurs are pretty big right now here in San Antonio.”

He has previously met Wembanyama and was impressed by his demeanor.

“The first vibe I got off of him was he was just very humble,” Ramirez said. “He talked to my wife … he was very humble with everybody. You could see all the emotion he had when he won the Western Conference finals and the crying, he’s just a very emotional guy, very humble, very, very nice guy. That’s what people are really feeding off. He’s humble, but he’s hungry for a championship. And when he gets on the floor, he’s a whole different monster.”

He’s unique. Just as Mikan was 77 years ago. Wemby vs. the Knicks. A premier showdown awaits.

A blockbuster Monday trade sending two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from Cleveland to Los Angeles has added him to a growing list of elite NFL players moved during their prime years.

The surprising Garrett trade occurred approximately nine months following another shocking move involving a premier pass rusher, when Micah Parsons was transferred from Dallas to Green Bay just prior to last season’s opening.

Los Angeles will surrender 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, along with draft selections including a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round choice, and 2029 third-round selection to Cleveland in the transaction, which remains contingent on a physical examination.

Monday’s activity included additional star movement, as Philadelphia shipped receiver A.J. Brown to New England in exchange for a 2028 first-round selection and 2027 fifth-round pick.

Green Bay surrendered two first-round selections and defensive tackle Kenny Clark last August to acquire Parsons from Dallas. Parsons recorded 12 1/2 sacks across 14 contests with the Packers before suffering a season-ending knee injury that damaged Green Bay’s campaign.

Dallas utilized their initial first-round selection to move down three positions in April’s draft, selecting defensive end Malachi Lawrence in round one, plus cornerback Devin Moore and defensive end LT Overton in the fourth round.

Several other NFL superstars have been moved during their peak performance years:

Immediately before the 2018 season began, Oakland and Chicago completed a transaction resembling the Parsons deal. The Raiders sent two-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year winner Mack to the Bears for two first-round selections after contract negotiations failed.

The 2018 deal ultimately disappointed both franchises. While Mack performed excellently in Chicago, earning All-Pro recognition in his debut year, he couldn’t help the Bears capture a playoff victory during his four seasons before moving to the Chargers.

Oakland selected running back Josh Jacobs with their first pick, who performed well before departing via free agency after 2023. Their second first-round choice was squandered on cornerback Damon Arnette, who was released midway through his sophomore campaign.

Dallas history’s most renowned trade occurred during Jerry Jones’ inaugural ownership season in 1989, when the Cowboys sent Herschel Walker to Minnesota for a package eventually yielding eight draft picks, including three first-rounders. Dallas utilized those selections to draft Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and key contributors to three Super Bowl championships like Darren Woodson, Kevin Smith and Russell Maryland.

Minnesota failed to win a playoff contest during Walker’s two-plus seasons there.

Jones completed another famous transaction that powered Dallas’ 1990s dynasty by acquiring the pass rusher from San Francisco for second- and third-round picks in 1992. Haley became the defensive piece Dallas needed to capture three Super Bowls during his initial four seasons, defeating the 49ers in the NFC championship en route to the first two titles.

Moss was a three-time All-Pro and the league’s most feared deep threat when Minnesota dealt him to Oakland in 2005 for a package including the No. 7 overall draft selection. The move benefited neither franchise as Minnesota chose Troy Williamson, who managed 79 receptions across three seasons, while Oakland won six games over two years.

Moss was subsequently dealt to New England in 2007, establishing an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions in his debut season as the Patriots became the sole team to achieve a 16-0 regular season.

Six years after Minnesota traded him to the New York Giants, Tarkenton returned to the Vikings in 1972 following four Pro Bowl appearances in six New York seasons. Tarkenton guided Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances across seven seasons in his second tenure — losing each time — and earned NFL MVP honors in 1975.

The unhappy Dickerson was moved from the Los Angeles Rams to Indianapolis in 1987 through a major deal that also sent Cornelius Bennett to Buffalo. Dickerson helped the Colts reach the playoffs for the first time in a decade during his debut season, then led the NFL in rushing during 1988.

Faulk topped the NFL with 2,227 yards from scrimmage in 1998 when Indianapolis surprisingly decided to trade him to St. Louis. The Colts drafted Hall of Famer Edgerrin James in the first round as Faulk’s successor, but the Rams clearly won the exchange.

Faulk helped create the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense as St. Louis captured the Super Bowl in his first season. Faulk accumulated nearly 1,500 more yards from scrimmage and 18 more touchdowns than any other player from 1999-2001, winning AP Offensive Player of the Year all three seasons and MVP in 2000.

McCaffrey transformed San Francisco’s offense after being acquired from Carolina during the 2022 season for a four-pick package. McCaffrey accumulated 3,233 yards and scored 31 touchdowns across his first 27 regular-season games for the Niners before injuries limited him last season.

He earned AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 when he helped San Francisco reach the Super Bowl.

Dean was coming off an All-Pro campaign in 1980 when he was traded the next year to San Francisco for a package including a first-round pick. His arrival helped launch the 49ers dynasty. He earned All-Pro honors in 1981 when San Francisco won its first of five championships across a 14-season span and recorded a 17 1/2-sack season in 1983 before Hall of Fame induction.

In a major star-for-star exchange, Denver obtained Bailey from Washington for star running back Clinton Portis. Portis achieved four 1,000-yard rushing seasons with Washington, but the Broncos emerged as the clear winner.

Bailey played 10 additional seasons, earning All-Pro recognition his first three seasons, leading the league with 10 interceptions in 2006 and gaining Hall of Fame entry.

Warfield had achieved consecutive Pro Bowl selections for Cleveland when Don Shula acquired him during his first season as Miami’s head coach. Warfield provided a crucial deep threat for the Dolphins, making five straight Pro Bowl appearances. Warfield earned All-Pro honors twice and helped Miami win consecutive Super Bowls, including the perfect 17-0 season in 1972.

Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the French Open quarterfinals on Monday with a commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory over Naomi Osaka in an electrifying night session encounter at Roland Garros.

The Belarusian tennis star faced one of her toughest challenges yet in her quest for a first French Open title, but demonstrated the relentless power that has made her a dominant presence in women’s tennis this season. The match marked the first women’s night session contest at the tournament in three years.

“She is such a great player, she plays super aggressive tennis,” Sabalenka commented courtside, later entertaining spectators with a playful moonwalk. “I’m happy with how I was able to put back the pressure on her. It’s amazing to play the night session in front of all of you guys.”

“I’m super happy with my serve. I’m super pleased overall with the performance today,” she added.

Osaka, competing in her first French Open fourth round, started aggressively and jumped to an early 2-0 advantage following a double fault from her opponent. However, the world number one quickly regained momentum, using her signature powerful groundstrokes to fight back into contention.

The turning point came at 5-5 in the first set when Sabalenka delivered a crushing return that forced Osaka into a backhand error, securing the crucial break. In the second set, Sabalenka’s consistent heavy hitting gradually wore down her opponent, culminating in a delicate half-volley winner that gave her a 4-3 lead and ultimate control of the match.

Sabalenka’s victory extends her remarkable run of reaching at least the quarterfinals in her past 14 Grand Slam tournaments. Her next opponent will be Russia’s Diana Shnaider, who upset American Madison Keys 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 in another surprising result at this year’s clay court major.

In other women’s action, Anna Kalinskaya advanced to her first French Open quarterfinal with a hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7) triumph over 28th seed Anastasia Potapova. This marks only the second time the Russian has reached the quarterfinal stage of any Grand Slam event.

“I was definitely nervous,” Kalinskaya admitted after her victory.

“I meant like some moments when after losing my serve, at 5-5 in the third set, being 40-love up and then losing the game. I was frustrated because I wanted to win that game and to be up in the score and have a bit of advantage to finish the match.”

“When it didn’t work, I was upset. But it was a very fast changeover, so I had to reset and continue to play,” she continued.

Potapova acknowledged missing several key opportunities in what she characterized as a “mental” battle on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

“She played great and she held her nerve better than me in some moments,” Potapova reflected.

“I know what I need to work on to make sure that it’s not going to happen again,” she said.

Tournament officials also announced that Paraguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo received a $65,000 fine for comments suggesting female umpires lacked the courage to manage unruly crowds after his Friday loss.

French hopes ended when Diane Parry, the final home player remaining in the women’s draw, fell 6-3, 6-2 to Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska.

Despite the tennis disappointment for local fans, there was celebration as Paris St Germain stars Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola displayed their two Champions League trophies to the Roland Garros crowd on Monday, following their team’s second consecutive European title with a victory over Arsenal two days earlier.

In tennis news beyond Paris, Serena Williams announced her return to competition next week at the Queen’s Club Championships, where the 44-year-old American will compete in doubles after receiving a wildcard. British media reports indicate she will partner with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the June 8-14 event.

On the men’s side, Italian players maintained their country’s presence in the quarterfinals after world number one Jannik Sinner’s elimination. Flavio Cobolli defeated American Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-6(5), while Matteo Berrettini overcame Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(6).

Canadian fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime completed his collection of Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances with a convincing 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 victory over Chilean Alejandro Tabilo.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Wide receiver A.J. Brown is departing Philadelphia after a disappointing stint with the Eagles to rejoin his former coach in New England.

New England completed the acquisition of the standout pass-catcher from Philadelphia on Monday, finalizing a deal that had been widely speculated about for months.

Philadelphia announced they will get a 2028 first-round draft selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for the receiver who has made three Pro Bowl appearances.

The move follows Brown’s difficult 2025 campaign in Philadelphia, where he became increasingly dissatisfied with an Eagles attack that struggled with consistency as the franchise was unable to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Brown spent three years playing for Vrabel after Tennessee selected him in the 2019 draft.

The 28-year-old Brown became Philadelphia’s primary receiving target following his acquisition from Tennessee by the Eagles in 2022.

Brown delivered consecutive Pro Bowl performances in his initial two Philadelphia seasons, hauling in 88 receptions for 1,496 yards and 11 scores in 2022, followed by 106 catches for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.

Brown captured a Super Bowl championship during the 2024 campaign, but his satisfaction declined last season as Philadelphia’s offensive production faltered — resulting in a coaching change at offensive coordinator after a wild-card playoff defeat to San Francisco.

This situation sparked increased speculation about a potential trade during the current offseason. The move was delayed past April’s NFL draft likely because Philadelphia would have faced approximately $43 million in dead salary cap penalties for 2026 versus roughly $16 million this year and $27 million next season if the trade occurred after June 1.

In the end, a valuable draft selection proved sufficient to convince Philadelphia to part with a talent of Brown’s stature.

New England had been considered a logical destination for Brown since the team cut receiver Stefon Diggs in March. Diggs topped New England with 85 catches and 1,013 receiving yards plus four scores in his lone 2025 season with the Patriots, contributing to their Super Bowl appearance where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks.

Losing Diggs made securing a top receiving threat for quarterback Drake Maye an urgent need. New England did sign former Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs during free agency. However, he doesn’t provide the immediate offensive transformation that Brown’s arrival could deliver.

Maye confirmed last week that he had heard the speculation linking Brown to New England.

“If he ends up being on our team, great. What a great player. And if he doesn’t, we’ve still got to work these guys here,” Maye said. “It’s a tough balance, but I know he’s a phenomenal player.”

Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams, who was teammates with Brown on Philadelphia’s 2024 Super Bowl-winning squad, believes the receiver would make a significant impact.

“He can definitely help our team,” Williams said. “Great dude. Monster on the field, great in the locker room, holding guys accountable and holding himself accountable. That’s everything you want in a player of his caliber.”

Brown departs Philadelphia among the most productive receivers in team history. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his four seasons with the Eagles. Brown accumulated 339 total catches and 32 touchdowns while serving as a key contributor on two Eagles squads that reached the Super Bowl during his time there.

Vrabel was beginning his second year as Tennessee’s head coach when the franchise chose Brown in the second round of the 2019 draft.

Brown recorded 185 catches for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns during the following three seasons, reaching his peak with a 2020 campaign that earned him Pro Bowl recognition after recording 70 receptions for 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns.

However, Tennessee ultimately dealt Brown to Philadelphia on the second day of the 2022 draft despite having one year remaining on his rookie contract. The organization insisted it preferred to keep him but believed his contract extension demands were excessive.

Vrabel repeatedly said during that offseason that Brown would remain on the team as long as he was the head coach, but circumstances forced a different outcome.

“Unfortunately, we understand that if we’re going to be here awhile we’re not going to be able to keep every single player that we draft and develop,” Vrabel said at the time.

Four years later, he’ll get to coach him again.

The leader of the baseball players’ union declared his organization will resist management’s proposed salary cap for as long as necessary while negotiations continue amid threats of a work stoppage that could eliminate games in the upcoming season.

Major League Baseball put forward a salary cap proposal last week and seems prepared to begin a lockout once the existing labor agreement ends on December 1st.

“Our union has never been broken and never will be,” interim executive director Bruce Meyer stated Monday during a virtual press conference with reporters. “Our players have what they have, including being the only sport that doesn’t have this ultimate restriction, the salary cap, because our players have always been the most unified and that’s going to continue.”

“The unions in the other sports didn’t agree to salary-cap systems because they thought it was a good thing for players. That’s not what happened,” he continued. “In one way or the other, they were not able to fight the way that our union has and not criticizing anybody, it’s just a fact. Our union has always been the most solid, and that’s why our union has the best system.”

The league’s Thursday proposal would limit team expenditures in 2027 to $245.3 million, based on luxury tax payroll calculations that incorporate $20.1 million for benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. The plan would also create a spending floor of $171.2 million, requiring certain teams to increase their payrolls. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who spend the most in baseball, carried a $415.2 million payroll on this year’s opening day — approximately $170 million above the suggested cap.

The league’s plan requests an even revenue split with players from designated income sources, including money spent on signing bonuses for high school and college players, plus international amateur players entering their first contracts.

“It’s not even a real 50%. It’s taking billions of dollars off the top before they’re proposing to even share any of that,” Meyer explained. “Players’ share under their proposal would go down. Players’ share for this season, 2026, is projected to be well over 50%. … Had MLB’s proposal been in place in 2026, players would, we estimate — would lose over half a billion dollars.”

Player contracts this season, calculated using average annual values and incorporating benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool, amount to $6.14 million, based on the league’s opening-day numbers. Draft slot value signing bonuses in this year’s amateur draft reach approximately $359 million, with international signing bonus pools totaling $208 million.

“They’ve effectively managed to cobble together the worst system for players in any of the major sports, and not even close,” Meyer stated.

The Seattle Kraken hockey franchise revealed Monday that billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates will be purchasing a minority ownership position in the team.

Financial details of the transaction, which must receive approval from the NHL, have not been made public.

The agreement brings together French Gates, who previously was married to Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates and holds a $30 billion net worth per Forbes estimates, with the Kraken’s ownership organization (One Roof Sports and Entertainment), led by Samantha Holloway.

“As a longtime Seattle resident, it means a lot to me to have the chance to make this investment in our city and its future,” French Gates said in a press release. “I’m a big believer in the power of sports, and after many years of cheering on Seattle from the sidelines, I’m excited to have an even deeper connection to the Seattle sports community. Seattle is an engine of innovation in so many ways, and Samantha Holloway’s leadership of the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena reflects that.”

“I am excited to welcome Melinda to our ownership group,” Holloway added in the press release. “Melinda is an impressive business leader, philanthropist and importantly, a Seattle sports fan. We share many of the same values, including a deep commitment to Seattle and a belief in building organizations that create lasting impact.”

Since beginning play during the 2021-22 season, the Kraken have reached the playoffs only one time across their initial five seasons. In May, the organization brought in the Sportsology Group, a consulting company, to conduct an independent review of their hockey operations division.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the French Open quarterfinals Monday night, defeating Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in Paris at Roland Garros.

The Belarusian player pushed forward in her quest for her first French Open title, overcoming early struggles in what marked the tournament’s first women’s evening match in three years.

With this victory, Sabalenka extended her impressive streak of reaching the quarterfinals in her past 14 Grand Slam tournaments. She will face Russian Diana Shnaider in the next round.

“She is such a great player, she plays a super aggressive tennis. I’m happy with how I was able to put back the pressure on her. It’s amazing to play the night session in front of all of you guys,” Sabalenka told the Philippe Chatrier crowd after the match, where she entertained fans with a ‘Moon Walk’ celebration.

“I’m super happy with my serve. I’m super pleased overall with the performance today,” she added.

The match began with Osaka taking an early 2-0 advantage after Sabalenka committed a double fault. However, the top-seeded player quickly responded by breaking back and later secured a crucial break for a 6-5 first-set lead with a powerful return that the 16th-seeded Osaka couldn’t handle, sending her backhand into the net.

In the second set, after holding serve to tie at 3-3, Sabalenka broke Osaka’s serve for a 4-3 lead, concluding an extended rally with a skillful half volley.

Osaka, competing in her first fourth-round appearance at the French Open, was unable to mount a comeback and lost the final games of the match, falling on Sabalenka’s first match point opportunity.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After completing a winning road series against the Athletics, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed frustration with the challenging conditions at the minor league facility where Oakland temporarily plays their home games.

“I didn’t play in the PCL. But I feel like I’ve experienced it a couple times here when it gets hot like this,” Boone commented Sunday after New York’s 13-8 victory over the A’s. “You’re never feeling safe. … Just glad to escape here and get on the bird. It’s a challenging place to play. You have to figure it out.”

Now in their second year at Sutter Health Park in the Sacramento region, the Athletics continue struggling with a venue that dramatically favors offensive production.

Extreme temperatures and air currents transform routine fly balls into home runs, while high skies and shifting winds make defensive plays unpredictable. These factors create one of baseball’s most offense-friendly environments and appear to be wearing down Oakland’s pitching staff.

During their latest home stretch, the A’s managed just one victory in six games, surrendering 47 runs to Seattle and New York — including 13 runs in a single inning versus the Yankees — establishing a troubling trend at their interim location before relocating to Las Vegas.

Despite showing potential this season and spending considerable time atop the AL West standings before their recent struggles, Oakland’s home-road performance gap is stark. The team ranks 10th in baseball with a 17-14 away record, while their 11-17 home mark ranks second-worst.

Pitching performance explains the disparity.

Oakland surrenders 3.01 more runs per contest at home compared to road games. According to Sportradar, this differential would establish a new major league record for a complete season, surpassing the previous high of 2.82 set by the Phillies in 1923 and exceeding any season played at Denver’s high altitude.

“You watch games here,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay explained regarding the pitching challenges at their ballpark. “You got to keep the ball down the zone and get the ball on the ground. We’ve paid for our mistakes probably more than what we’ve paid for mistakes on the road. That being said, we’ve got to play better defense at home. … That’s a combination of what it takes to pitch better. It’s also to play better.”

Despite Oakland’s attempts to minimize the ballpark’s influence, knowing they cannot alter the circumstances, the statistics tell a clear story. The ease with which baseballs carry affects pitcher confidence, making them hesitant to attack hitters aggressively.

At home, the A’s issue walks at the majors’ second-highest frequency, compared to 18th-highest during road games. Oakland pitchers walked 16 batters during the Yankees series, including four with bases loaded.

“We’re not going to overfocus on home-road splits right now but obviously we’re well aware that we haven’t played well in this ballpark,” Kotsay acknowledged.

However, Oakland’s pitchers say they attempt to prevent the conditions from affecting their mental approach.

“You can try and pitch to it, and if you do that, it might work one time, but you might also do something that you don’t want to do, or try and do something you’re not good at,” A’s starter Aaron Civale stated. “Sometimes the wind’s blowing out here, sometimes the wind is blowing out in another stadium or different place. So there’s factors everywhere, rain, weather, cold, hot. It’s all conditions that we can’t control. Unless you have a roof over your head, then surely there’s nothing you can do about it.”

While Athletics pitchers have suffered more from environmental factors than visiting teams, the conditions challenge everyone. Saturday evening, Yankees starter Ryan Weathers delivered the type of performance that typically produces excellent results.

Weathers recorded 10 strikeouts across 6 2-3 innings and generated swings and misses on over 40% of swings for only the third time in his career. However, three home runs — including two on pitches he considered well-executed — proved damaging in a 6-4 defeat.

Despite understanding the risks associated with any fly ball, Weathers said he couldn’t modify his pitching strategy.

“I did my time in the PCL, so I know how these parks work,” he explained. “But obviously, that can’t go into your decision-making, can’t go into your pitching.”

Former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson is set to join CBS’s ‘NFL Today’ studio team, according to a Monday report from Front Office Sports.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback will take over from Matt Ryan, who departed after a three-year run to become president of football for the Atlanta Falcons.

Neither CBS nor Wilson’s representatives provided comment when contacted about the reported move.

The 37-year-old Wilson played in three games at the start of last season with the New York Giants before being benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.

Wilson’s career began with a successful ten-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, followed by two seasons in Denver and single seasons with Pittsburgh and New York.

During his time with Seattle, Wilson posted a 104-53-1 record as a starter, highlighted by a dominant 43-8 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season.

Throughout his 205-game career (202 starts) spanning the Seahawks (2012-21), Broncos (2022-23), Steelers (2024) and Giants (2025), Wilson threw for 46,966 yards with 353 touchdowns and 114 interceptions while completing 64.6% of his passes. His career achievements include ranking 12th all-time in touchdown passes and 16th in passing yards, along with earning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2020. The quarterback was also selected to 10 Pro Bowls during his playing career.

NEW YORK (AP) — Reaching the NBA Finals demonstrates that both the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs have executed numerous intelligent decisions throughout their journeys.

Every team requires a superstar player, whether it’s a Jalen Brunson or a Victor Wembanyama. Those stars need supporting talent around them. Teams also need the proper coaching leadership.

However, this championship series, beginning Wednesday in San Antonio, demonstrates there isn’t a single formula for assembling all these components. Among the 10 players San Antonio will likely feature most heavily in their rotation during this series, six were selected by the Spurs in the draft. For New York’s 10 most probable contributors, just one was originally drafted by the Knicks.

This represents Large Market versus Small Market philosophy. Free agency acquisitions versus draft development. The Knicks versus Spurs matchup isn’t merely a battle for the NBA championship, it’s also a collision of contrasting organizational approaches — with Knicks President Leon Rose appearing to continuously adjust until discovering the proper combination, while the Spurs have constructed their roster through the draft process.

“I’ve said it before, I’ll keep saying it: Leon and his staff have done a freaking fantastic, fantastic job,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said.

Whether the savior was LeBron James, Kevin Durant or another superstar, there was perpetual optimism that someone would eventually rescue the Knicks — who are appearing in the finals for the first time since 1999. They failed to reach the playoffs 16 times during the 27 seasons that followed, including a nine-year period (not long ago) when they couldn’t win even one playoff series. Regardless of their strategy, nothing was producing results.

Building a championship-caliber team requires fortunate circumstances — the Spurs understand this well, having benefited from several favorable lottery outcomes including the one that delivered Wembanyama in 2023 — but also requires strong management. It demands courageous choices, like investing over $100 million in a former second-round selection in Brunson who had primarily served as a reserve in Dallas, or surrendering five first-round draft picks to acquire Mikal Bridges, who has never achieved All-Star status but has become a crucial component of this Knicks championship run.

“It took a long time for us to get here,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson said. “It took a village.”

The Knicks can express the same sentiment. They simply chose an alternative path.

Rose was brought aboard in March 2020. He had worked as an agent for many years, and James was among the athletes he once represented. Rose’s hiring occurred near the conclusion of another characteristically chaotic season in New York, when the coach (David Fizdale) had been dismissed early in the campaign, and subsequently the president who terminated him (Steve Mills) was also removed.

Among Rose’s initial decisions was hiring the coach who would establish the organization’s expectations and culture — Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau achieved success, though apparently not sufficient success. Therefore, the Knicks switched to Brown this season, representing another instance of their ongoing adjustments.

The Spurs, conversely, value stability. They haven’t conducted a coaching search in over three decades; Gregg Popovich appointed himself coach in 1996 and when he suffered a stroke in November 2024, Mitch Johnson took over on an interim basis. Johnson received the permanent position last spring, and it was never uncertain that the Spurs would proceed in that direction.

“This team,” Johnson said, “has now been pretty damn consistent for a long time.”

Not the Knicks, who became a source of ridicule throughout the league.

Hall of Fame figures like Isiah Thomas and Phil Jackson were entrusted with franchise control, only to cause disasters. Jeff Hornacek lost more than 100 games across two seasons, and Derek Fisher (96) and Fizdale (83) would have reached that mark if they had completed their second seasons.

Free agent signings like Joakim Noah failed spectacularly. High draft selections (Frank Ntilikina, Jordan Hill, Kevin Knox) proved unsuccessful, and even when the Knicks made correct decisions, such as selecting Kristaps Porzingis, they were so poorly managed that he demanded a trade. They finished with a league-worst 17-65 record in 2018-19, fielding lineups that featured players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Lance Thomas, Noah Vonleh, Damyean Dotson and Allonzo Trier.

The summer prior to Rose’s arrival had been another significant free agency disappointment for the Knicks. Durant and Kyrie Irving not only declined to sign but joined forces in Brooklyn, and suddenly it appeared the Knicks weren’t even the most important franchise in New York. This mirrored 2010, when the Knicks positioned themselves to sign two superstars but witnessed James and Chris Bosh unite with Dwyane Wade in Miami.

The Knicks aspired to be the team facing the Heat in significant playoff battles during that era. Instead, they watched the Spurs compete against that Heat squad twice in NBA Finals matchups.

That Spurs dynasty concluded — Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili all retired — and reconstruction began. The lottery balls delivered Wembanyama, who made everything achievable.

However, numerous other decisions, while less spectacular, proved intelligent.

For example: in 2023, Philadelphia released Julian Champagnie to sign Mac McClung prior to the dunk contest during All-Star weekend. McClung has participated in 17 NBA games, while Champagnie connected on 18 three-pointers during the Western Conference finals. Advantage to the Spurs.

“Everybody says it’s all Victor, and don’t get me wrong, he’s unbelievable,” former Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers said earlier this season. “But that’s a team they’ve put together. It’s not just Victor. It’s a team.”

The Knicks attempted other high-profile moves, like the 2019 summer when they signed Julius Randle in free agency and selected RJ Barrett with the No. 3 draft pick. Those players eventually became components of subsequent transactions; Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were traded to Toronto in 2023 for OG Anunoby and Randle was included in the package that brought Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota to New York in a major deal before the 2024-25 season.

During this process, Josh Hart — who had already played for three other franchises — was obtained in a 2023 trade where Rose sent away Cam Reddish, a former top-10 selection who is no longer in the NBA. For Anunoby, who had been competing in the same division, it was evident that the Knicks were constructing something meaningful.

“Definitely progression,” Anunoby said, adding, “getting better and better each year.”

Rose avoids discussing it publicly. Maintaining a low profile, he hasn’t conducted interviews with Knicks reporters for five years and refused to comment through a spokesperson for this story.

But here both the Knicks and Spurs stand. In the Finals. Different routes, identical objective.

“I’m glad that this year we’re seeing ourselves start to mature,” Towns said, “and round out what the vision was from Day 1.”

TORONTO – With the World Cup just days away, law enforcement in Toronto has announced they’ve completed what officials are calling Canada’s biggest-ever bust of fake soccer merchandise.

Authorities confiscated more than C$3.5 million ($2.53 million) in counterfeit items from a warehouse facility in Mississauga, according to police statements released Monday. The haul included over 16,000 fake jerseys and flags displaying unauthorized FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma logos, along with two replica World Cup trophies.

Police have taken two men into custody in connection with the operation.

The city is preparing to welcome over 300,000 visitors for World Cup festivities, with six games scheduled to take place locally, including Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.

The investigation began after the Toronto Police Service FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit received a tip in May claiming the suspects were distributing fake merchandise to retail outlets throughout the area.

Authorities estimate the confiscated goods would have sold for approximately C$3,564,000 on the street.

The New York Giants have welcomed back wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their roster.

The 33-year-old wideout inked a deal with the team on Monday following a visit and workout session with the organization in April.

The team has also brought aboard receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios, as reported by a source familiar with the signings. The source provided information to The Associated Press while requesting anonymity since the contracts had not yet been officially revealed.

The receiver additions follow last week’s injury to wideout Gunner Olszewski, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during an offseason practice session. Additional concerns exist at the position with Malik Nabers working back from a right knee ACL tear, leaving questions about his availability for the September season opener.

Originally selected 12th in the 2014 draft by the Giants, Beckham played his initial five NFL seasons with the team before being dealt to the Cleveland Browns in 2019. The primary draft selection New York obtained in that trade was utilized to select defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who was subsequently traded to the Cincinnati Bengals this spring.

Beckham sat out the previous NFL season while completing a six-game suspension related to a failed performance-enhancing drug test. During the 2024 campaign, he participated in nine contests with the Miami Dolphins, recording nine receptions for 55 yards.

The 29-year-old Smith-Schuster contributed 33 receptions for 345 yards and one touchdown during the previous season with Kansas City, earning 12 starts while playing in all 17 games for the Chiefs.

The 30-year-old Berrios brings return specialist capabilities, with his signing serving as a direct response to Olszewski’s injury.

General manager Joe Schoen and new coach John Harbaugh have continued building their receiving corps since free agency began in May. The Giants have added Calvin Austin, Darnell Mooney and Ryan Miller while re-signing Isaiah Hodgins after the departure of slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson to Tennessee following his 1,000-yard campaign.

Cleveland is sending star defensive end Myles Garrett to Los Angeles in a major NFL trade, according to three sources familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.

The sources requested anonymity since the transaction hasn’t been completed yet.

In return, Cleveland will receive pass rusher and linebacker Jared Verse — who earned 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors — along with a first-round pick in 2027 and additional draft selections still being negotiated.

Garrett has been absent from the team’s offseason training activities. Head coach Todd Monken revealed two weeks ago that he hasn’t met with Garrett in person since taking the job in late January. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg mentioned last week that he’s only spoken with Garrett by telephone.

Last season, Garrett earned unanimous Defensive Player of the Year recognition after recording 23 sacks and setting a new NFL single-season mark. Despite his individual success, Garrett has grown increasingly dissatisfied with Cleveland’s trajectory in recent seasons. The team posted an 8-26 record over the last two campaigns following their 2023 playoff appearance.

Following the 2024 season’s conclusion, Garrett requested a trade, even though he had signed a four-year extension worth $204.8 million last March that established him as the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.

Garrett’s dissatisfaction with the franchise’s direction continued to intensify. This March, both sides agreed to restructure his deal and postpone option payments scheduled for the 2026-28 seasons. An initial payment of approximately $10 million that was originally due May 28 was pushed back to around the start of the regular season.

Illinois legislators wrapped up their spring session on Monday without taking action on a proposal designed to prevent the Chicago Bears from potentially moving to Indiana for their new stadium.

The legislation, introduced by State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), would allow municipalities in Cook County with more than 70,000 residents — including Arlington Heights and Chicago — to create their own sports stadium authorities. The Bears would cover construction costs, having allocated $2 billion for the project, while building on publicly-owned property.

The proposal would allow the Bears to benefit from stadium construction by limiting their tax obligations to only the property around the stadium. In Arlington Heights, for instance, the team has development plans for land next to the proposed stadium location. The Bears would then transfer ownership of the stadium to the newly formed sports authority and enter into a lease arrangement.

While the Illinois Senate approved the measure 37-17 at 3:39 a.m. Monday, the House ended its session less than an hour afterward without holding a vote. Lawmakers will not reconvene until the fall veto session in October unless the governor calls a special session.

The Bears are weighing options between constructing their new facility in Arlington Heights, where they possess a 326-acre tract at the former Arlington International Racecourse location, or in Hammond, Indiana. The franchise has maintained its Illinois home base since its founding in 1920, never playing a home game outside the state. However, Indiana recently enacted similar legislation to Cunningham’s proposal, aimed at attracting the Bears to build a domed facility in Hammond, which sits less than 30 miles from Chicago.

“We will finalize our evaluation of both Arlington Heights and Hammond and remain on the late spring/early summer timeline that we have previously communicated,” the Bears stated. “We will provide an update when we have a decision to share.”

Chicago completed a deal Monday that sends forward Jack Pridham to Tampa Bay in return for a third-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft.

The 20-year-old finished second in the Ontario Hockey League with 46 goals and placed fifth with 90 points across 65 games while playing for the Kitchener Rangers during the 2025-26 season. He earned the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s Overage Player of the Year.

Chicago selected Pridham during the third round (92nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Over his last two seasons with Kitchener, he has accumulated 144 points (73 goals, 71 assists) across 113 games.

PHILADELPHIA — Before their latest matchup, Cristopher Sánchez and his friend Marcell Ozuna, both from the Dominican Republic, engaged in some playful banter.

The designated hitter for the Pirates boasted to Sánchez that he would hit a home run off him.

Instead, Sánchez dominated Ozuna completely — striking him out four times during the May 16 shutout win, while recording 13 strikeouts total in the game.

“That wasn’t a very good idea to piss him off,” Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto said with a laugh.

With his devastating combination of sinker, slider, and changeup that has established him among baseball’s elite pitchers, Sánchez dominated virtually every hitter during an outstanding scoreless stretch in May.

During May, Sánchez compiled a 4-0 record while striking out 45 batters — issuing just three walks — across 39 innings, shattering a franchise record that had stood for 115 years. Sánchez enters Wednesday’s matchup against San Diego having pitched 44 2/3 straight scoreless innings, surpassing the previous team mark of 41 innings established by Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1911.

Now within reach is the major league record established by former Los Angeles Dodgers star Orel Hershiser, who compiled 59 consecutive scoreless innings for the World Series champions between Aug. 30 and Sept. 28, 1988.

“I’m pulling for anybody to have a life-changing moment,” Hershiser said. “’88 and the 59 scoreless changed my life. The only time I’m not going to root for him is when he’s pitching against the Dodgers.”

Sánchez was not scheduled to face the Dodgers during the Phillies’ recent 4-2 road trip, and Los Angeles currently sits at 21-10 under interim manager Don Mattingly.

He has dominated nearly everything else, leaving opposing batters swinging at air.

“It’s something special,” Sánchez said through an interpreter. “Something really important. I never imagined something like this. So, I’m really happy and proud of myself.”

Sánchez has delivered a minimum of seven shutout innings across five consecutive starts — requiring him to reach that threshold in two additional outings, plus one more inning to surpass Hershiser — with only six other pitchers ranking above him on the consecutive shutout innings list since the Live Ball Era began in 1920.

Arizona pitcher Zac Gallen remains the only other current pitcher who can relate to Sánchez’s experience during such an extended scoreless run. Gallen — recently surpassed by Sánchez — recorded six consecutive scoreless outings of six-plus innings and concluded with 44 1/3 total innings in 2022.

“When you’re on a streak like that, it’s fun,” Gallen said. “It’s kind of like walking around, I wouldn’t say on eggshells of, ‘Oh man, you never know when this thing’s going to end.’ But it’s fun when you’re out there and you’re in flow state and the zeros start to stack up. So, it’s awesome for him. I hope he can take down the record.”

Sánchez carries a 6-2 record with a major league-leading 1.47 ERA into Wednesday’s matchup against a Padres squad he defeated just last week with seven outstanding innings. If Sánchez begins the contest with three scoreless frames, he would surpass Sal Maglie, Carl Hubbell, Zack Greinke, and Bob Gibson on the scoreless streak rankings.

Only Don Drysdale and Hershiser would remain ahead of him.

“What I do watch, he’s very, very special,” Hershiser said. “His changeup, his athleticism, his ability to change speeds to both sides of the plate. I just think he’s a real special pitcher. You can’t do what he’s doing without repeating your mechanics and having some deception and making a lot of good pitches. He’s putting it all together.”

Sánchez’s previous 28.2 innings at Citizens Bank Park have all been scoreless, giving him the third-longest scoreless streak in the venue’s history, behind only Roy Halladay in 2010 (33 innings) and Cliff Lee in 2011 (29).

The 29-year-old Sánchez has steadily approached excellence over the past two seasons.

He finished as the NL Cy Young Award runner-up in 2025 after posting a 13-5 record with a 2.50 ERA while striking out 212 batters across 202 innings. In March, Sánchez received a guaranteed $104 million contract spanning six years through the 2032 season, featuring $20 million in deferred payments from 2035-44.

The Phillies invested heavily in Sánchez financially, and the early results have been remarkable — he earned his first opening day assignment and could secure an All Star starting role in July at his home ballpark.

Sánchez joined the Tampa Bay Rays as an international free agent in 2013 and came to the Phillies six years later via trade for infielder Curtis Mead in a largely overlooked winter deal. Mead failed to establish himself as a regular player and is hitting .242 across 45 games this season with the Washington Nationals.

Sánchez — featuring a changeup that averages 86.5 mph while limiting opponents to a .153 batting average — has partnered with Zack Wheeler to create a powerful top duo in the rotation, helping the Phillies recover from a 9-19 beginning to regain wild card positioning.

Sánchez has primarily induced weak contact, with his scoreless streak never facing serious threat since he last surrendered two runs during the opening inning of a 3-2 Phillies victory over the Giants on April 30.

The defensive highlight during his streak occurred in his most recent outing when centerfielder Justin Crawford pursued Manny Machado’s deep fly ball and collided with the wall to secure the catch.

Sánchez remained on the mound and acknowledged the defensive gem with applause.

Should Sánchez reach 60 scoreless innings, Hershiser will be among those celebrating.

“If Cristopher would break it, that would be an honor to be mentioned and I would treat him the same (respectful) way that Don Drysdale treated me,” he said.

Raymond Berry, the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who starred for the Baltimore Colts and later guided the New England Patriots to their first Super Bowl, has passed away at age 93.

Berry died on May 25 in Murfreesboro, Tenn., with family members by his side, according to a statement his relatives issued Monday through the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During his 13-season career with the Colts spanning 1955-67, Berry earned six Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors, capturing NFL titles in 1958 and 1959 while playing alongside quarterback and fellow Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas.

Berry entered the Hall of Fame in Canton as part of the 1973 class in his initial year of eligibility, after leading the league in receiving yards on three occasions and touchdown receptions twice. His career statistics included 631 catches for 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns across 154 regular-season contests (139 as a starter). The Colts retired his No. 82 jersey and the Baltimore Ravens placed him in their Ring of Honor.

“People said Raymond Berry was not blessed with the size or speed of other receivers in the National Football League, but no one worked harder to refine his skills and master his craft. The chemistry he developed with quarterback Johnny Unitas through hours of route-running thousands of repetitions in practice created a dynamic tandem that thought with one mind on game days,” Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said. “Together they helped the Colts win consecutive titles in the late 1950s, including the classic 1958 NFL Championship Game that served as a springboard for professional football becoming this country’s most popular sport.

“On top of that, there was no finer gentleman — a person who remained humble and grounded when others sought to thrust stardom upon him.”

Berry delivered a memorable performance in “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” the 1958 NFL championship contest where his Colts beat the New York Giants 23-17 at Yankee Stadium. He hauled in 12 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown.

Transitioning to coaching, Berry served as an assistant in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys (1968-69), Detroit Lions (1973-75), Cleveland Browns (1976-77) and Patriots (1978-81), plus at the college level with Arkansas (1970-72).

Berry took over as Patriots head coach during the middle of the 1984 campaign, posting a 48-39 record through 1989. In 1985, he led New England from a wild-card position to an AFC title and a spot in Super Bowl XX against the powerful Chicago Bears, who won 46-10. The Patriots captured the AFC East crown the next season but fell in the divisional playoff round.

“Raymond Berry holds a special place in Patriots history,” said Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “He led our franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance following a remarkable playoff run, a milestone that was the greatest achievement in team history at the time. I was fortunate to get to know Raymond over the years, and one of my fondest memories was spending time with him and his son, Mark, during a trip to Israel in 2015 with several fellow Pro Football Hall of Famers. He was every bit the gentleman people knew him to be; humble, faithful, kind and deeply respected by all who knew him.

“The entire Patriots family joins me in mourning Raymond’s passing and celebrating a life that left a lasting impact on our franchise and the National Football League. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Berry family and all who mourn his loss.”

Berry continued his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach with the Lions (1991) and Denver Broncos (1992).

Tennis legend Serena Williams announced her return to competitive play at 44 years old, accepting a wildcard invitation to compete in doubles at Queen’s Club Championships in London this month, according to a club announcement Monday.

Williams, who captured 23 Grand Slam titles during her career, stepped away from the WTA Tour in September 2022 following a third-round defeat at the U.S. Open, marking her retirement from professional tennis.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages,” Williams was quoted as saying.

WTA chair Valerie Camillo expressed enthusiasm about Williams’ comeback decision.

“Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all-time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court… I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players,” Camillo said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to welcome her back to the WTA Tour at this hugely exciting moment for women’s tennis.”

Speculation about Williams’ potential return began last year when she rejoined the sport’s anti-doping testing program. The rumors gained momentum after she avoided directly answering comeback questions during an NBC interview.

Novak Djokovic suggested in March that Williams might target Wimbledon for her return, while her former coach Rick Macci indicated she was “going all out” in training preparations for a comeback to the sport she and her sister Venus controlled for twenty years. Venus captured seven Grand Slam championships during her career.

Venus, who is 15 months older than Serena, continues competing and participated in the Australian Open in January through a wildcard entry.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Orlando Magic officially announced Monday that Sean Sweeney will become their new head coach, following an agreement reached in principle the previous week.

The current associate head coach for the San Antonio Spurs will continue his duties with San Antonio until the NBA Finals conclude. Orlando plans to formally introduce Sweeney following the championship series between the Spurs and New York Knicks.

“We’re excited to welcome Sean to the Orlando Magic family,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “Sean brings a tremendous work ethic and a high degree of intensity that set the tone for everything he does. Sean’s attention to detail and his ability to communicate and teach the game clearly stands out. He’s grounded in competitiveness and accountability, while also embracing a modern, creative approach to coaching.”

The 41-year-old coach takes over from Jamahl Mosley, who Orlando dismissed following five seasons that included three straight first-round playoff eliminations. Mosley subsequently joined the New Orleans Pelicans as their head coach.

Known as a defensive specialist, Sweeney has earned recognition as one of the NBA’s most promising young defensive minds. During his first year in San Antonio, he transformed the team’s previously struggling defense into one of the league’s strongest units, building his system around Victor Wembanyama, who earned unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors this season.

Before joining San Antonio, Sweeney served four seasons as an assistant coach in Dallas. His coaching journey also includes stops with Detroit, Milwaukee and Brooklyn, where he began as a video coordinator when the franchise was still based in New Jersey.

The Minnesota-born coach played college basketball for one season at Green Bay before transferring to the University of St. Thomas, where he started for three years.

“Happy for Orlando, and happy for us as he’s in the Eastern Conference,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson last week.

Raymond Berry, the Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who formed one of the NFL’s most legendary partnerships with Baltimore quarterback Johnny Unitas and guided the Colts to victory in the famous 1958 championship game, has passed away at age 93.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Monday that Berry died May 25. According to his family, Berry passed away peacefully at his Tennessee home in Murfreesboro, with loved ones by his side, including Sally, his wife of 65 years.

Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon praised Berry’s transformative impact on the sport. “In NFL history, there are only a handful of players who we can say truly changed the sport. Raymond Berry is one of the few names on that list,” Irsay-Gordon stated. “As a player during a historic era of Colts football, Raymond redefined the standard for what a wide receiver could and should be. … Simply put, not only was Raymond Berry one the greatest players in the history of the Colts, but he was one of the most influential and foundational players of the modern NFL.”

Selected in the 20th round from SMU in 1954, this Texas-born player exemplified dedication and perseverance. Despite having modest speed, uneven leg lengths, back problems, vision issues, and large feet that earned him the high school nickname “Skis,” Berry transformed himself into a star through relentless preparation and study. His training methods included using Silly Putty for finger strengthening and recreating complete games during practice sessions.

Berry established himself as one of the most dependable pass catchers in NFL history, with an exceptional record for holding onto the ball and only two career fumbles according to Pro Football Reference. He created 88 different pass routes to find openings, displaying such intense dedication that his coach, Weeb Ewbank, sometimes had to step in.

“One of his drills was to throw nothing but bad balls to him,” Ewbank shared with the Los Angeles Times in 1986. “I used to have to run John (Unitas) off — ‘John, you’ve had enough throwing today’ — and he’d say, ‘Yeah, talk to that guy out there.’”

During his 13-year career, Berry hauled in a then-record 631 receptions (Jerry Rice now holds the all-time mark with 1,549) and scored 68 touchdowns. He topped the NFL in catches three times and earned six Pro Bowl selections. As a cornerstone of one of the league’s premier offenses alongside Unitas, running back Lenny Moore and offensive lineman Jim Parker, Berry captured championships in 1958 and 1959 and reached the finals in 1964.

The NFL inducted Berry into its Hall of Fame in 1973, and he earned spots on both the league’s 50th and 75th anniversary all-time teams. The Colts honored him by retiring his jersey number 82, while SMU retired his college number 87.

Berry delivered his finest performance during one of the NFL’s most memorable moments: the 1958 championship against the Giants at Yankee Stadium, an overtime thriller many call “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This nationally broadcast contest is frequently mentioned as the catalyst for the league’s explosive growth in subsequent decades.

Facing the NFL’s most formidable defense, Berry hauled in 12 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown, including three straight receptions during the 86-yard march that forced a 17-17 tie in regulation, plus two key catches in the 80-yard overtime drive that secured a 23-17 victory. This first overtime championship game helped establish Unitas as a household name while showcasing Berry as his perfect receiving target.

“We worked and got to know each other and developed timing you just can’t get any other way,” Berry later explained to the Sports & Torts radio show. “He (Unitas) knew I was going to be there when I was supposed to be there and he knew I was going to catch it.”

Following his 1967 retirement as a player, Berry served as a receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots before becoming New England’s head coach from 1984-89. His Patriots record stood at 48-39, highlighted by an 11-5 campaign in 1985 and the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. However, the Chicago Bears dominated that championship game 46-10.

“Raymond Berry holds a special place in Patriots history,” team owner Robert Kraft commented. “He led our franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance following a remarkable playoff run, a milestone that was the greatest achievement in team history at the time.”

Kraft noted that Berry created a lasting influence on both the Patriots organization and the entire NFL.

Following the Super Bowl loss to Chicago, the Boston Globe published revelations about drug issues affecting several New England players. Berry had cooperated with the Globe’s investigation and advocated for team drug testing, which faced strong opposition from the NFL players union.

Berry’s strong stance against substance abuse stemmed from personal experience, as this deeply religious man who avoided alcohol and tobacco had witnessed his former Colts teammate, All-Pro defensive tackle Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, battle addiction.

“They didn’t help him, they just cut him,” Berry told The Patriot Ledger in 1986. “Three years later, he was dead.”

In 1960, Berry wed fellow Texan Sally Crook, and the couple raised three children together.

Born in Corpus Christi in 1933, Berry attributed part of his success to his high school coach and father, Mark Raymond Berry, who taught fundamental football skills despite limited playing time for his son. After spending one year at Schreiner College in Kerrville, he transferred to SMU, where a crucial game featuring two fumbles motivated him to eliminate such mistakes in professional football.

Berry managed just 13 receptions during his rookie season with Baltimore, but the following year brought a pivotal change when the team signed a free agent quarterback released by the Pittsburgh Steelers — Unitas. The pair quickly began working together in practice.

“I didn’t know my butt from first base about how to run pass routes,” Berry admitted to Sports & Torts. “If you saw both of us in training camp in 1956, you may have gone away sobbing. We were two pitiful football players, good grief.”

RALEIGH, N.C. — The championship series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes appears remarkably balanced, leaving little room for mistakes.

The Golden Knights have captured 12 victories in 16 playoff contests, including a complete sweep of Colorado in the Western Conference final, while the Hurricanes have secured 12 wins in 13 games. Both teams rank among the top three in fewest goals allowed, with each squad averaging more than three goals per contest.

What factor will tip the scales in this matchup between two NHL elite teams? The answer lies in special teams performance.

The Hurricanes boast an impressive penalty kill operating at 92.5% effectiveness, surrendering just four goals while netting one short-handed score.

“Carolina’s been an elite penalty-killing team for years now and that’s part of their identity and that comes from their puck pressure and their sticks, their discipline — all that kind of stuff,” said goaltender-turned-NHL Network analyst Cory Schneider. “Vegas will have its work cut out for itself.”

The Golden Knights have demonstrated their own excellence in this area. Vegas has surrendered only six power-play goals across three playoff rounds while recording four short-handed tallies.

Defenseman Brayden McNabb, a veteran since the franchise’s first season in 2017-18, has anchored this effort, accumulating over 45 total minutes on penalty kill duty. Three additional crucial contributors are players that general manager Kelly McCrimmon acquired during the season.

Netminder Carter Hart, despite facing scrutiny regarding his role, has turned aside 64 of 70 shots during opposing power plays. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson, obtained before the Olympic break, and center Nic Dowd, added just before the trade deadline, have joined McNabb as primary penalty killers.

This has become a dependable strength for the Hurricanes, with stay-at-home defenseman Jaccob Slavin logging over 56 minutes of short-handed ice time. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s squad employs consistent structural play throughout games, reaching peak effectiveness in penalty kill situations when the three or four skaters protecting goalie Frederik Andersen work in unison.

The Golden Knights’ power play has converted 11 times in 46 chances, producing a 24% success rate. Captain Mark Stone and winger Pavel Dorofeyev have contributed four goals each, while centers Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl have recorded six power-play assists apiece.

“I find the Vegas power play to be more threatening,” Schneider noted. “Can Carolina quiet Vegas’ power play and force them 5 on 5 in order to beat them?”

The more pressing question concerns whether Carolina’s power play can match that production. The Hurricanes have scored 7 times in 56 opportunities, a 12.5% conversion rate that proved sufficient against Ottawa, Philadelphia and Montreal.

However, Vegas represents “a different animal,” as Brind’Amour acknowledged.

“Carolina’s got a good power play, don’t get me wrong, but I think that could be a bit of a wash and Carolina’s going to have to try to generate more 5-on-5 offense than rely on their power play like Vegas should,” Schneider explained.

Considering both teams’ ability to score during even-strength play, maintaining discipline becomes crucial. Avoiding penalties and playing 5-on-5 hockey favors neither side significantly, as the Golden Knights have tallied 34 even-strength goals compared to the Hurricanes’ 30.

Vegas has averaged slightly under four minor penalties per game compared to Carolina’s five infractions. This disparity makes each power-play opportunity more critical, with games becoming battles between two squads led by demanding coaches who emphasize attention to detail.

“They play the right way,” Slavin observed. “They play a very similar style to us. It’s going to be who can do it better and who can stay on it longer? But it’s going to be an awesome series.”

The Seattle Mariners may have found their moment to seize control of the AL West division.

Despite struggling below .500 for much of the campaign, Seattle now sits atop their division with a 31-29 record following six consecutive wins. This impressive streak has come while missing power hitter Cal Raleigh, who was batting just .161 before landing on the injured list more than two weeks ago.

The AL West standings remain fluid, with small changes creating major shifts. Seattle’s winning streak featured a complete three-game sweep of the Athletics this past week. Oakland had been leading the division but has dropped seven contests in their last nine outings. Meanwhile, Houston has captured eight of their previous 12 games to stay competitive, sitting just 4 1/2 games behind first place. The entire division spans only 8 games, with the top three clubs separated by merely 2 1/2 games.

Even with Raleigh sidelined, the Mariners rank fourth in the American League for home runs, though their pitching staff has truly powered this recent surge. Seattle has limited opposing teams to two runs or less in five of their past six contests.

The same quintet of starters has taken the mound for 57 of Seattle’s 60 games. Bryan Woo (3.44), Logan Gilbert (3.69), George Kirby (3.77) and Emerson Hancock (2.78) all possess ERAs ranking in the AL’s top 25. While Luis Castillo (5.53) trails the other four starters statistically, Seattle has recently deployed him in a tandem approach with Bryce Miller, alternating between starting and relief duties.

During a 9-2 victory against the Athletics, Castillo delivered four shutout innings before Miller completed the final five frames. In Sunday’s matchup versus Arizona, Miller opened with five innings, then Castillo finished the remaining five as Seattle claimed a 3-2 triumph in 10 innings.

The New York Yankees exploded for 13 runs during the third inning Sunday in their 13-8 triumph over the Athletics. Remarkably, the Yankees managed no hits in the other eight innings combined.

Anthony Volpe joined an exclusive group as just the third player in the past 50 years to record two hits, two runs and two steals within a single inning. Who were the other two players?

Bonus question: Volpe nearly reached the plate three times in the inning, standing on deck when the third out occurred. Who was the most recent player with three plate appearances in one inning?

Jacob Misiorowski dominated with 12 strikeouts across seven innings of two-hit ball — firing 57 pitches at 100 mph or faster — leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-1 victory over St. Louis last Monday. Milwaukee proceeded to complete a three-game sweep of the Cardinals, extending their NL Central lead to 4 1/2 games over St. Louis.

The Orioles faced a four-run deficit with one out and empty bases in the ninth inning Saturday. Toronto failed to record another out, as Jeff Hoffman allowed the next six batters to reach safely before Connor Seabold walked Adley Rutschman with the bases loaded to even the score. Pete Alonso then delivered a game-winning single for Baltimore’s 6-5 comeback victory.

According to Baseball Savant, Toronto held a 99.3% win probability before Hoffman hit a batter and surrendered a triple, single, double and two walks.

The Orioles finished 7-3 during their homestand against Detroit, Tampa Bay and Toronto. This stretch included walk-off victories against each opponent and a three-game sweep of the AL East-leading Rays.

Detroit’s Alan Trammell achieved two hits, two runs and two steals in the first inning on Sept. 20, 1983, against Baltimore. Seattle’s Mike Cameron accomplished the feat in the seventh inning on May 16, 2002, versus Toronto.

Bonus answer: Boston’s Johnny Damon recorded three plate appearances in the first inning on June 27, 2003, against Florida. He collected a single, double and triple as the Red Sox scored 14 first-inning runs.

Anna Kalinskaya secured her first-ever French Open quarterfinal spot on Monday with a hard-fought 6-4 2-6 7-6(10-7) victory over 28th seed Anastasia Potapova in Paris. This achievement represents just the second occasion the Russian player has advanced to the quarterfinal round of a Grand Slam tournament.

Kalinskaya previously reached the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier in 2024 and will now look to surpass that accomplishment at Roland Garros. Her next opponent will be determined by the match between Frenchwoman Diane Parry and Pole Maja Chwalinska.

The French Open women’s draw remains highly competitive, with world number one Aryna Sabalenka emerging as the leading favorite after surprising early departures by defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time Paris champion Iga Swiatek.

Potapova, who eliminated defending champion Gauff in the previous round, came out aggressively and quickly established a 4-1 advantage before losing control of the opening set in dramatic fashion.

After claiming the first set, Kalinskaya faced difficulties in the second as Potapova surged to a 3-1 lead. The 22nd seed could not stop the match from extending to a decisive third set on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Potapova’s unsteady play allowed Kalinskaya to build a 4-1 advantage in the final set, but the Russian-born Austrian mounted a comeback and had the opportunity to close out the match while serving at 5-4, only to surrender her serve once more.

Following additional momentum changes, the deciding set proceeded to a match tiebreak, where Kalinskaya maintained her composure to secure victory after two hours and 49 minutes of play.

PARIS, June 1 – Italian tennis player Flavio Cobolli, seeded tenth, secured his place in the French Open quarterfinals Monday after defeating American competitor Zachary Svajda in a four-set match with scores of 6-2, 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-6(5).

The 24-year-old from Italy reached his second Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, following his previous advancement to the final eight at last year’s Wimbledon tournament. Prior to this match, Cobolli had maintained a perfect record without losing a single set throughout the tournament’s early rounds.

Drawing on his superior clay court experience compared to his 85th-ranked opponent, Cobolli established early dominance by securing an initial break of serve and maintaining control throughout the opening set before claiming it with a second break.

Svajda, participating in his first French Open main draw, entered the tournament having secured just one clay court victory this season. The American player’s inexperience on the surface became apparent as he struggled with his second serve while Cobolli demonstrated superior court movement.

The 23-year-old American adjusted his strategy in the third set, adopting a more aggressive approach and frequently advancing to the net. While unable to break Cobolli’s serve, Svajda managed to capture the tiebreak and reduce the Italian’s advantage.

Cobolli appeared to have secured victory after breaking serve twice to establish a commanding 4-0 lead in the fourth set. However, Svajda mounted a comeback with powerful forehand winners, forcing a decisive tiebreak after the Italian failed to convert a match point while leading 5-4.

The world number 14 ultimately prevailed in the final tiebreak and will advance to face either fourth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime or Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the next round.

This was a scheduled Monday morning sports broadcast segment for June 1st, 2026. However, the specific sports news content and updates that were intended to be included in this broadcast segment are not available in the provided source material.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — For generations, Haitian soccer enthusiasts have crowded around televisions and radios to cheer for Brazil during every World Cup competition. This year marks a dramatic change.

The Caribbean nation has earned its spot in the global competition for the first time in nearly five decades, creating unprecedented enthusiasm across the country. Impromptu matches are breaking out on vacant lots while vendors hawk jerseys featuring national team players at an increasing number of street locations.

The national squad — dubbed the ‘Grenadiers’ — enters the competition in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Brazil. The team will meet its former soccer inspiration at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19.

“My favorite team is Brazil, but my country is in the World Cup. Brazil is on the sidelines,” Guerier Lima, 16, said with a grin. He recently played soccer on a potholed street in the capital, Port-au-Prince, wearing a sneaker on one foot and a plastic slide on the other, eager to score between rocks serving as goalposts.

Lima sported a Brazilian uniform displaying the number 10, matching jerseys worn by legendary players including Pelé, Neymar and Ronaldinho.

“I would like to be Duckens Nazon, representing Haiti in tournaments,” Lima said referring to Haiti’s top scorer. “My family can’t afford to send me to a club to pay for my training, but I’m working my way into a club somehow.”

The teenager expressed admiration for Kaká, a former Brazilian star, while naming Nazon, a striker with Iran’s Esteghlal Football Club, as his current favorite.

“Brazil is good,” Lima said, “but I’m going to stand by my Haitian brothers.”

The nation’s ongoing struggles with food insecurity, persistent violence and escalating gang activity are being temporarily pushed aside as citizens rally behind their team.

Prophète Ismeus, a 52-year-old broker, examined replica jerseys being sold at a dusty street corner in Port-au-Prince. Unable to purchase a $13 shirt, he chose a $1 plastic wristband featuring Haiti’s red-and-blue national colors.

“I’m showing my support for Haiti in the best way I can,” he said. “I’m hoping Haiti will beat Brazil.”

Ismeus mentioned plans to return to the vendor when finances allow to purchase a small banner “so I can wave it in the air when Haiti scores against Brazil.”

Fitho Joseph, a street merchant selling replica uniforms, explained he abandoned his Brazil loyalty once Haiti secured qualification.

“Even if a family has 10 people, everyone should wear a jersey,” he said.

Wilkerson Daromain, 33, shared similar sentiments.

“Wearing the jersey is a message of hope that I send to each of the Grenadiers who will fight for us and for Haiti — a message that there is still life here and that we must keep going,” he said. “We are living in very difficult circumstances, but the Grenadiers have given us hope, and we, too, must give them hope.”

Haitian supporters chant “Grenadye, alaso!” — translating to “Troops, attack!” — a battle cry dating back to the revolutionary period when Haiti established itself as the world’s first Black republic.

Mario Etienne, 15, described this as his inaugural experience watching his homeland compete in the World Cup, given Haiti’s last appearance occurred in 1974.

“This is a national gathering,” he said. “If there’s no power, I will be somewhere on the street or at a friend’s house watching it.”

Claudy Denis, 14, plans similar viewing arrangements. “We can’t be in the stadium where they are, but we will watch them on TV,” he said with a wide smile. “Of the three games that they’re playing, I’m not going to miss a single one.”

The Brazilian team has commanded deep respect from Haitians for decades, with many fans’ devotion beginning during the 1982 World Cup, when captain Sócrates guided a squad featuring Zico, Falcão and Toninho Cerezo.

This admiration intensified in 2004 when Brazil headed a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti. The force arranged a match to encourage peace in the Caribbean nation, which remained unstable following a violent uprising that removed former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Thousands of Haitians ran alongside an armored convoy transporting Brazilian legends including Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos to a Port-au-Prince stadium.

“It was impressive how there were people the whole way from the airport to here, everybody chanting, ‘Brazil! Brazil!’” Roberto Carlos told The Associated Press that day.

Despite Haiti’s 6-0 defeat, the outcome didn’t dampen spirits. Haitian supporters displayed Brazilian banners and celebrated the occasion.

The match represented one of few encounters between the nations, with the South American powerhouse overwhelming the Caribbean team 7-1 during a 2016 Copa America contest.

Yvenson Luxama, a 34-year-old street vendor, predicted Haiti would assault Brazil “like a tiger.”

“I will watch the game, definitely,” he said, adding that he will still close his eyes whenever Brazil attacks Haiti.

However, the World Cup and Haiti’s scheduled matches hold little meaning for Jean-Paul Jean Pierre, a 29-year-old street merchant who recently started selling team apparel and banners. “I’m here to make a living, not love any teams,” he said.

Jean Pierre belongs to the more than 1.4 million Haitians forced from their homes by gang violence and resides in a crowded, temporary shelter with his partner and two children, whom he battles to feed.

“Making money, that’s what interests me,” he said. “I wish there was a World Cup every year, so that I can continue to survive.”

The Miami Marlins are reportedly planning to promote right-handed pitcher Zach Brzykcy from their minor league system, with his contract expected to be selected before Monday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals, according to Fish on First’s Sunday evening report.

Brzykcy brings major league experience to the Marlins, having posted a 0-1 record with a 10.05 ERA across 32 relief appearances for the Nationals over the past two seasons. This year, he has been playing for Triple-A Jacksonville, where he has compiled a 5.24 ERA through 22 1/3 innings of work. His potential call-up comes at an opportune time, as he could face his previous organization while Miami seeks pitching depth following Sunday’s 10-1 defeat to the New York Mets that depleted their bullpen.

To make room on the active roster for Brzykcy’s addition, the Marlins will need to remove another player. Potential candidates include right-hander Josh Ekness, who was observed using crutches on Sunday, or left-hander Andrew Nardi, who is dealing with a rib injury that is projected to sideline him for three months.

The Marlins acquired Brzykcy through the waiver claim process after the Nationals designated him for assignment this past November.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The NBA has confirmed that championship logos will return to Finals courts this season.

Through a simple social media announcement on Sunday, the league revealed that the Larry O’Brien Trophy image — awarded to the Finals champion — will be displayed at center court during games at both the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio and Madison Square Garden in New York for this year’s championship series.

The script “The Finals” logo will also return, positioned on both sides of the court. The championship matchup between the Spurs and Knicks begins Wednesday in San Antonio.

This marks the first occasion since the 2009 championship series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic that the Finals will showcase the trophy image at center court. The Finals text and logo were last seen on courts during the 2014 championship series between the Spurs and Miami Heat.

The league began incorporating the Finals text on courts for the championship round in 1989, introduced a combination of text and trophy in 2004, then featured the prominent trophy image at midcourt from 2005 to 2009.

Supporters have used social media platforms in recent years to express disappointment about courts lacking Finals atmosphere. The league creates special courts for events such as NBA Cup games, leading some supporters to question the inconsistency — customized courts for the in-season tournament, but no special designs for the Finals.

This season’s design includes a fresh element: the center court trophy image will be combined with each participating team’s unique branding.

The New York Yankees delivered an offensive explosion for the ages Sunday, plating 13 runs in a single third inning to defeat the Athletics 13-8 in West Sacramento, California.

Ben Rice led the charge with four RBIs, while Trent Grisham and Max Schuemann contributed two RBIs each during the record-setting frame. New York sent 18 batters to the plate during the third inning, collecting 11 hits and four walks to build a commanding 13-3 advantage.

The inning began with 12 consecutive batters reaching base safely, marking the first occurrence of such a streak in 17 seasons. Rice, Cody Bellinger and Anthony Volpe each recorded two hits as the Yankees secured the series victory. Pitcher Will Warren improved to 7-1 after working six innings and surrendering three unearned runs on six hits.

The performance represents only the second instance since 1900 where a team tallied 10 or more runs in a contest with all hits occurring in one inning. Additionally, it marked the Yankees’ highest-scoring single inning since they crossed the plate 13 times during the eighth inning against Tampa Bay on June 21, 2005.

For the Athletics, Brent Rooker contributed a double and home run while Jonah Heim connected for a three-run blast. Starting pitcher Jacob Lopez fell to 4-3 after allowing seven runs on five hits across two innings, walking two and striking out three.

Giants 19, Rockies 6

Willy Adames launched a grand slam during a seven-run fifth inning, and Bryce Eldridge added a homer among his four hits as San Francisco demolished Colorado in Denver.

Jung Hoo Lee established a career-best with five hits, including two during the decisive fifth frame. Jesus Rodriguez homered, Rafael Devers collected three doubles and a single, and Casey Schmitt contributed three hits for San Francisco, which ended a five-game losing streak behind season-high totals in runs, hits (25) and extra-base hits (13).

Tyler Freeman recorded three hits while Kyle Karros and Troy Johnston each had two hits for Colorado. Starter Tanner Gordon dropped to 0-1 after permitting four runs across three innings, with Zach Agnos surrendering all seven Giants runs in the fifth.

Brewers 2, Astros 0

Jacob Misiorowski concluded an outstanding month by delivering seven shutout innings as visiting Milwaukee captured the deciding game of their three-game series against Houston.

Misiorowski improved to 6-2 by allowing three hits and recording eight strikeouts during his 88-pitch masterpiece. The right-hander generated 15 swings and misses while averaging 100.5 miles per hour on 59 four-seam fastballs, completing May with a perfect 5-0 record and 0.23 ERA. Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill finished the three-hit shutout with perfect innings.

Jake Bauers provided all the offense Misiorowski required with an opposite-field, two-run homer in the fourth inning off Houston starter Tatsuya Imai, who fell to 2-3. Imai surrendered three hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings.

Orioles 9, Blue Jays 5

Kyle Bradish held Toronto scoreless through seven innings while Colton Cowser blasted a three-run homer as Baltimore defeated the visiting Blue Jays to split their four-game series.

Cowser finished with four RBIs total. Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Blaze Alexander, Samuel Basallo and Cowser each collected two hits among Baltimore’s 10, helping the Orioles complete a successful 7-3 homestand.

Yohendrick Pinango connected for a three-run homer while Nathan Lukes, Ernie Clement and Pinango all recorded two hits for Toronto. Blue Jays pitcher Spencer Miles, making just his second start of the season, dropped to 2-1 after allowing six runs in three innings.

Pirates 9, Twins 3

Ryan O’Hearn and Nick Gonzales each went deep to power another explosive offensive showing for host Pittsburgh, which completed a three-game sweep of Minnesota.

The Pirates accumulated 25 runs on 31 hits throughout the sweep. Starter Braxton Ashcraft improved to 5-2 by striking out a career-high 11 batters across six innings in his third straight quality start. Ashcraft threw 80 pitches, permitted five hits and issued no walks.

The Twins extended their losing streak to five games, matching their season-worst skid. Starter Zebby Matthews dropped to 1-3 in his third consecutive losing decision despite recording seven strikeouts. The right-hander allowed a season-high seven runs on six hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings.

Additional Scores

In other action, Eugenio Suarez homered and drove in two runs as Cincinnati defeated Atlanta 6-4, ending the Reds’ three-game slide. Boston rallied with six runs in the seventh inning to beat Cleveland 9-4 in their series finale. Washington topped San Diego 4-2 behind James Wood’s two-run homer, while Tampa Bay claimed a 5-2 victory over Los Angeles as Shane McClanahan remained perfect at home.

The New York Mets routed Miami 10-1 behind Juan Soto’s grand slam, Chicago swept Detroit with a 2-1 win, and Texas completed a sweep of Kansas City 6-3. Los Angeles defeated Philadelphia 9-1 as rookies Ryan Ward and Alex Freeland homered, and Seattle edged Arizona 3-2 in 10 innings to complete their sweep.

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has secured her place in WNBA history as the second-fastest coach to achieve 150 career victories, reaching the milestone following Sunday’s 91-81 victory against the Golden State Valkyries.

Hammon accomplished this achievement in 205 games, combining both regular season and playoff victories during her tenure with Las Vegas. The only coach to reach 150 wins more quickly was Van Chancellor, who previously led the Houston Comets and achieved the milestone in 198 games. Hammon is currently in her fifth season leading the Aces.

“What stands out the most to me is how much I enjoy the process,” Hammon said. “We’re a process kind of team. If you go through the right process, you get good results. The results will be there.”

Under Hammon’s leadership, Las Vegas has captured all three of the franchise’s WNBA championships, winning titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Aces star Jackie Young praised her coach’s approach, saying, “She’s a player’s coach. I’m super thankful for her. She really changed my career.”

Four-time MVP A’Ja Wilson shared similar praise for Hammon’s leadership style.

“I would run through a brick wall for Becky, as well,” Wilson said. “She instills so much power in us, so much confidence in us, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get her wins.”

PARIS, May 31 – The eighth day of competition at the French Open delivered stunning upsets and breakthrough performances on Sunday in Paris.

2228 MENSIK, FONSECA ADVANCE TO QUARTER-FINALS

In a grueling four-set battle, 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca secured his first Grand Slam quarter-final berth by defeating 15th seed Casper Ruud 7-5 7-6(8) 5-7 6-2, extending his remarkable tournament debut. Fonseca’s next opponent will be Jakub Mensik, who also claimed his first major quarter-final spot by overcoming 11th seed Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(6) 4-6 2-6 6-3.

1701 ANDREEVA ADVANCES TO FACE CIRSTEA

Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, a previous semi-finalist, dominated Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann with a commanding 6-3 6-2 victory. Andreeva will meet Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the quarter-final round.

1603 ZVEREV DEFEATS DE JONG

German second seed Alexander Zverev, a previous finalist, shook off an uncertain start to dispatch Jesper De Jong 7-6(3) 6-4 6-1, securing his quarter-final berth where he’ll meet Rafael Jodar.

1512 TEENAGER JODAR ADVANCES TO FINAL EIGHT

In an all-Spanish encounter, 19-year-old Rafael Jodar mounted an impressive comeback against Pablo Carreno Busta, losing the first two sets before winning 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 to claim his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.

1320 SVITOLINA SETS UP ALL-UKRAINIAN QUARTER-FINAL

Seventh seed Elina Svitolina claimed her sixth French Open quarter-final berth by defeating Switzerland’s 11th seed Belinda Bencic 4-6 6-4 6-0. Svitolina will now face compatriot Marta Kostyuk in an all-Ukrainian quarter-final matchup.

1106 CIRSTEA ADVANCES TO FINAL EIGHT

Romania’s 18th seed Sorana Cirstea defeated China’s Wang Xiyu 6-3 7-6(4) to secure her second French Open quarter-final appearance.

1049 SWIATEK ELIMINATED BY KOSTYUK

In the day’s biggest upset, Polish world number three Iga Swiatek saw her bid for a fifth French Open title ended by Ukrainian 15th seed Marta Kostyuk, who prevailed 7-5 6-1 in their fourth-round encounter.

0906 COMPETITION BEGINS

Action commenced at Roland Garros under much more favorable conditions, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and a forecasted high of 22 degrees, providing relief from the extreme heat that troubled numerous players during the tournament’s opening week.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander captured his second straight NBA Most Valuable Player award and stands as the widely recognized top player in basketball, with only Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP Nikola Jokic presenting a legitimate challenge to that status.

However, the Thunder standout characterized the 2025-26 campaign as unsuccessful during Sunday’s media session, coming just 24 hours after Oklahoma City fell to the San Antonio Spurs in the decisive seventh game of the Western Conference finals, crushing their hopes of capturing back-to-back NBA championships. San Antonio will now face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, while Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason concludes sooner than anticipated.

“I failed at my goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated at his season-ending media availability. “I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve. But I learn the most about myself and make the greatest amount of increases in my career when I fail and don’t get what I want. I look at this no different. I didn’t get where I wanted to go this season. There’s a reason for that. Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.”

Oklahoma City appeared positioned to make another Finals run throughout much of the year.

The Thunder opened with an impressive 24-1 record and later assembled a dominant 19-1 stretch during the final portion of their 64-18 regular season. Oklahoma City then captured eight consecutive playoff victories before encountering significant challenges against San Antonio.

Despite holding a commanding 3-2 advantage in the series, the Thunder suffered a devastating 118-91 defeat on San Antonio’s home court in Game 6. The Spurs continued their momentum by outperforming the host Thunder in the deciding contest, winning 111-103.

Gilgeous-Alexander posted 25.9 points per game throughout the series, recording three contests with 30 or more points, but connected on only 40.9% of his field goal attempts, significantly below his outstanding 55.3% regular season percentage. He had averaged 31.1 points during the regular season.

The Thunder star shot below 37% in four separate games during the series, consistently facing the defensive presence of Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama.

“There’s a guy on their back line that is a little bit different,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented regarding Wembanyama. “They funnel everything to him. … It’s a really good defense. But it’s not impossible to score. I just think it’s very different.”

Oklahoma City’s chances were significantly hampered by the absence of co-star Jalen Williams from Game 7 due to a left hamstring problem. Williams participated in only three series games and five total playoff contests because of the injury.

Williams believes the series outcome would have been different with his full participation.

“Obviously I think I could have made an impact,” Williams commented. “I think we could have won if I played. Went to seven with them without me playing. I don’t think I make us worse. That’s really my answer to that. But it’s also hats off to them. What do you want them to do about me being hurt?”

Ajay Mitchell, who provided solid production replacing Williams, was unavailable for the series’ final four games after suffering a right calf injury. His unavailability also created significant problems.

Center Chet Holmgren has faced criticism following Oklahoma City’s series collapse, as the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama thoroughly dominated their matchup. Holmgren managed only 10.7 points per game in the series and was nearly invisible in the final game, recording four points on 1-of-2 shooting with four rebounds across 33 minutes.

“I feel like part of it was being kind of closed out heavy,” Holmgren explained. “Then also kind of just being a little bit out of rhythm sometimes. I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn’t in the moment. That’s an area to improve.”

Wembanyama delivered 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game in the series for San Antonio.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a display of offensive dominance not seen in over two decades, the New York Yankees erupted for 13 runs during a single inning on Sunday, marking their most explosive frame since 2005 as they overwhelmed the Athletics’ pitching staff.

The Athletics’ starting pitcher Jacob Lopez initially looked sharp, setting down all six Yankees hitters through the opening two innings. However, the third inning brought disaster as Lopez couldn’t record a single out against seven consecutive batters, beginning when Anthony Volpe reached base with a single.

The offensive barrage produced remarkable numbers: 11 hits and four walks across 18 plate appearances, requiring 75 pitches during their biggest inning since a 13-run eighth against Tampa Bay on June 21, 2005. The performance fell just one run short of the franchise’s single-inning record established on July 6, 1920, versus Washington.

Following Volpe’s leadoff hit, Lopez issued two walks before failing to cover first base on Paul Goldschmidt’s grounder with the bases loaded, resulting in an infield single and the first run. Ben Rice drove home two more with a double, Aaron Judge added a bloop single to center, and Cody Bellinger’s RBI hit ended Lopez’s outing.

Reliever Michael Kelly fared no better, as the next five hitters also reached safely, creating the first instance in 17 seasons where a team began an inning with 12 consecutive batters reaching base, according to Sportradar. The Boston Red Sox previously accomplished this feat on May 7, 2009, against Cleveland.

This represented the Yankees’ first streak of 12 straight batters reaching safely in an inning since September 11, 1949, in the opening game of a doubleheader against Washington. The performance came within two batters of the record since 1920, when Detroit achieved 14 consecutive in the sixth inning against the Yankees on June 17, 1925, with Hall of Famer Ty Cobb homering during that rally.

New York had already scored 10 runs before recording their first out when Goldschmidt struck out. Rice then delivered a two-run triple, becoming the first player to collect two multi-run extra-base hits within the same inning.

Bellinger concluded the scoring with another RBI single, marking the first time since 1950 that the Athletics surrendered at least 13 runs in a single inning. The last occurrence was 14 runs allowed in the first inning of a June 18 doubleheader’s second game that season.

Eight of the nine Yankees batters recorded at least one hit and one RBI during the frame, with Austin Wells being the sole exception despite drawing two walks. Every player in the lineup crossed home plate at least once.

The extended rally lasted 43 minutes, forcing Yankees starter Will Warren to warm up in the bullpen during his team’s at-bat to stay loose for his next pitching appearance.

PARIS, May 31 – Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca advanced to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal Sunday night, defeating 15th seed Casper Ruud 7-5 7-6(8) 5-7 6-2 at the French Open in Paris.

The 19-year-old’s remarkable tournament run gained momentum after he overcame a two-set deficit to eliminate Novak Djokovic in the third round, establishing himself as a legitimate threat in this unpredictable championship. His triumph over the two-time French Open finalist demonstrated his increasing poise and self-assurance on tennis’s grandest stage.

“It was tough, Casper plays good here, I mean he’s a very experienced guy and he knows how to play here in this amazing court,” Fonseca said in his on-court interview.

“It was tough in the beginning but I played really well in the important moments in the first and second sets. I was very happy because of that.

“I just try to be me on court, try to be happy, try to hit winners, try to hit good shots and bring entertainment.”

Competing once again on Court Philippe Chatrier, Fonseca dazzled under the evening lights with brilliant shot-making from both sides of the court, securing a crucial break in the 12th game to claim the opening set amid thunderous crowd support.

Following early service breaks in the second set, both players engaged in a grueling battle of powerful groundstrokes. The Norwegian failed to convert three opportunities to level the match, allowing his teenage opponent to prevail in a thrilling tiebreaker.

The victory brought smiles from Brazilian three-time Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten watching in the stands as the excited crowd erupted, though Ruud responded by capturing the third set to push the entertaining match past midnight.

“He’s an idol for our sport and country, for his charisma and how humble he is,” Fonseca said of Kuerten.

“He was here for my first time at Roland Garros when I was a junior. It is a pleasure to have him here and a pleasure to beat a tough opponent in front of him.”

The young Brazilian elevated his performance in the fourth set, earning two service breaks as the crowd’s energy reached football-like intensity. The world number 30 then completed another memorable triumph, securing a quarterfinal matchup against Czech Jakub Mensik.

The United States men’s soccer team claimed a promising 3-2 victory against Senegal during a World Cup preparation friendly match on Sunday, with Christian Pulisic contributing a goal and an assist while Folarin Balogun netted the decisive second-half score.

Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the Americans in the seventh minute, converting Pulisic’s delivery from the left side. Pulisic then extended the lead in the 20th minute, calmly finishing from a difficult angle after getting past the Senegal goalkeeper.

Senegal’s captain Sadio Mane pulled one back just before the break, completing a swift counterattack following Habib Diarra’s pass that broke through the U.S. defense.

Early in the second period, Balogun thought he had scored but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call. Mane then took advantage of an American defensive mistake to level the match at 2-2 in the 52nd minute.

The AS Monaco forward made amends shortly after the hour mark, connecting with Tim Weah’s delivery to give Mauricio Pochettino’s team the winning goal.

The United States, which will jointly host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, has one remaining preparation match against Germany on Saturday before beginning their Group D schedule against Paraguay on June 12.

Senegal will start their Group I competition against France on June 16, with Iraq and Norway also in their group.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Following their playoff elimination in the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder used their first day of the offseason to rally around Chet Holmgren, who faced criticism after managing just two shot attempts in the decisive seventh game.

The much-anticipated Western Conference finals showdown between Holmgren and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama proved lopsided, with Wembanyama posting better statistics throughout the series as the Spurs advanced. Holmgren struggled to make an offensive impact when his team needed him most in Saturday night’s season-ending loss.

During Sunday’s end-of-season team meetings, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault defended his player’s contributions. “Every minute Chet Holmgren’s been on the team, we’ve been the 1 seed in the Western Conference,” Daigneault stated. “And it wasn’t the case before Chet was healthy.”

Holmgren enjoyed a standout campaign, posting personal bests with 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. His achievements included his first All-NBA selection, first All-Defensive team honor, and inaugural All-Star appearance, while also earning runner-up recognition for Defensive Player of the Year.

In that defensive award voting, he placed second to Wembanyama — mirroring his 2024 Rookie of the Year finish and his team’s result in these conference finals.

Thunder guard and consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized Holmgren’s importance to the organization. “We need Chet. We need Chet Holmgren,” Gilgeous-Alexander declared. “Before Chet was here, we weren’t who we are today. We didn’t have the success we had today. When he’s the best version of himself, we’re the best version of ourselves and it’s no secret.”

The Thunder-Spurs matchup appears positioned to develop into a lasting rivalry, with both franchises featuring young, talented rosters and now having the playoff history that fuels competitive relationships.

“I definitely think that they’re different in terms of I don’t think there’s another team that has their play style, their personnel,” Holmgren observed about San Antonio. “They’re unique in that way. You can’t just kind of play like a base normal, ‘this is what we kind of do on an average Tuesday night’ type of thing.”

While external observers may have blamed Holmgren for Oklahoma City’s Game 7 defeat, his teammates took a different perspective.

Gilgeous-Alexander directed criticism toward himself despite delivering 35 points in the final game against San Antonio, even characterizing his second consecutive MVP season as “a failure.”

“I failed at my goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve, but through my experiences, I learned the most about myself and I make the greatest amount of increases I have in my career when I fail at my goal and don’t get what I want. And I look at this no different. I didn’t get where I wanted to go this season. There’s a reason for that. Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.”

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — The New York Knicks chose not to display a championship banner after defeating the San Antonio Spurs for the NBA Cup title because they’re holding out for a more significant celebration.

Their championship drought has now reached 53 years, and it can only conclude by once again defeating the Spurs.

Following their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, which they secured nearly a week ago, the Knicks finally held practice Sunday with knowledge of their opponent. The Spurs advanced after Victor Wembanyama led his team past Oklahoma City in Saturday night’s Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.

“I mean, they’re a special team,” Knicks guard Deuce McBride said. “Obviously they have the Defensive Player of the Year, obviously a great organization and they’ve got a lot of great young guys, so we’re just excited for this matchup.”

This matchup mirrors the Knicks’ previous Finals appearance, when San Antonio defeated them 27 years ago, extending New York’s championship absence that began in 1973.

New York entered this season confident about their championship prospects and received an early preview of title contention in December, when they defeated San Antonio in Las Vegas for the NBA Cup championship.

Unlike the Lakers and Milwaukee, who previously won the in-season tournament and raised banners at their home arenas, the Knicks chose not to commemorate their NBA Cup victory at Madison Square Garden. Six months later, they’re not placing much emphasis on that win, recognizing how much both franchises have evolved.

“Obviously there was good energy around that, but I don’t think that’s really going to be any equivalent to what the atmosphere or the energy is going to be like at their place, or obviously at the Garden,” Knicks forward Josh Hart said.

“So technically that game didn’t happen, so I don’t think there’s anything that we can learn from,” Hart added, poking fun at the fact that the Cup final, an 83rd game for the two teams, doesn’t count in the standings or statistics.

During the regular season, the clubs divided their two official meetings. San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve victory triggered a midseason decline for New York, who entered that contest with a 23-9 record. Later, after the Spurs completed an unbeaten February, New York ended their 11-game winning streak with a 114-89 home triumph on March 1.

Wednesday marks Game 1 in San Antonio. Beyond Wembanyama and the Spurs, the Knicks’ greatest challenge may be their limited game action recently.

Due to their dominant postseason run featuring an 11-game winning streak, Wednesday will mark only their 10th contest in a 35-day period, beginning with their April 30 series-clinching victory over Atlanta in Game 6 of the opening round.

Following a sweep of Philadelphia and more than a week of rest before the Eastern Conference finals against Cleveland, their extended break clearly affected their performance. They managed just 4 of 23 three-point attempts through three quarters and trailed by 22 points early in the fourth quarter before mounting an overtime victory.

“We understand what happened last time we had a layoff like this, so we’re just trying to be better than we were last time,” center Karl-Anthony Towns said.

That represented the Knicks’ only difficulty against the Cavaliers, as they dominated the following three games and concluded the series last Monday. During their winning streak, they have outscored opponents by 262 points, representing the largest margin for any 11-game stretch in NBA history.

The Knicks anticipate no such ease against the Spurs, whose 1999 Finals victory marked their first of five NBA championships. New York coach Mike Brown served on the bench for one of those titles as an assistant to Gregg Popovich, and was the losing coach in another when San Antonio swept Cleveland in 2007.

“I got ties to San Antonio and you appreciate the people, you appreciate the journey and all that other stuff,” said Brown, who has family still living in San Antonio. “But at the end of the day, just like they want to beat you, you definitely want to beat them.”

Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz was forced to exit Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Braves after sustaining a right hamstring injury while attempting to stretch a hit into extra bases.

De La Cruz has been in the starting lineup for every one of the Reds’ 58 games this season, though that consecutive games streak now appears uncertain following the team’s confirmation that he was pulled due to right hamstring tightness.

During the fifth inning, De La Cruz connected on a ball that bounced twice before reaching the wall in right-center field. However, as he approached the turn at first base, De La Cruz visibly slowed his pace and took several cautious steps toward second base before returning to first.

Following an examination by the team’s trainer, De La Cruz was substituted with pinch runner Matt McLain.

The 24-year-old player has put together an impressive campaign that earned him his third straight All-Star Game selection. With his 2-for-2 performance on Sunday that included a walk and stolen base, De La Cruz is batting .280/.346/.509 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and 10 stolen bases this season.

De La Cruz appeared in all 162 games during the 2025 season and 160 games in 2024.

Soccer fans will see major rule modifications when the 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, as the International Football Association Board has approved sweeping changes to how the game is played and officiated.

The tournament, set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first major competition to implement these new regulations, which will also apply to the 2026-27 season.

“The IFAB approved a set of landmark changes to the Laws of the Game and the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first major tournament to use them,” FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina told reporters.

“These amendments aim to tackle discrimination, cut time-wasting, enhance match tempo and improve both the player and fan experience,” Collina explained.

MOUTH COVERING PENALTIES

Players who use their hands, arms, or jerseys to cover their mouths during confrontational moments will face immediate ejection with a red card. This regulation was introduced following an incident where Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni allegedly made discriminatory comments toward Vinicius Jr while concealing his mouth. UEFA suspended Prestianni for six games, with the penalty extended globally.

The rule will not apply to players having casual conversations with teammates from opposing clubs, officials clarified.

FIELD DEPARTURE PROTESTS

Any player who exits the playing surface to dispute a referee’s call will receive a red card. The same penalty applies to coaching staff who encourage players to leave in protest. Teams that cause match abandonment will automatically lose the contest.

This change follows an incident during the Africa Cup of Nations final when Senegal walked off to protest a penalty decision against them before returning to defeat Morocco 1-0 in extra time.

TIMING RESTRICTIONS

Referees will implement visible five-second countdowns using raised hands for throw-ins and goal kicks. If players fail to put the ball back in play within this timeframe, possession switches to the opposing team through either a throw-in or corner kick.

SUBSTITUTION UPDATES

Players being replaced have just 10 seconds to exit the field once the substitution board appears, and must leave at the closest boundary point. Those who exceed this limit will delay their replacement’s entry until the next stoppage after one minute has passed. Exceptions include injuries and safety concerns.

MEDICAL TREATMENT RULES

Field players who receive on-field medical attention must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes. Goalkeepers, collision victims, players with severe injuries, and penalty takers are exempt from this requirement.

VIDEO REVIEW EXPANSION

“We started (using) VAR in FIFA competitions in 2017, at the Confederations Cup before the World Cup in Russia in 2018,” Collina noted. “So, we (think it is) the time to reconsider the protocol which was written when there was very limited experience.”

Video Assistant Referee technology will now cover additional situations including incorrect yellow cards that should be red, mistaken player identity for cards, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and fouls committed before set pieces.

“VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which, if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken,” IFAB stated.

HYDRATION PERIODS

Every match will feature mandatory three-minute water breaks in each half, typically occurring around the 22nd minute. Referees can adjust timing based on game circumstances, such as injury treatments.

GOALKEEPER TREATMENT PROTOCOL

When goalkeepers receive medical care on the field, players from both teams must remain on the pitch and cannot consult with their coaches during this timeout period.

An 18-year-old football player at Ball State University has passed away following a shooting incident in Florida, according to multiple media reports released Sunday.

Gavin Yates-Lyons, originally from Valdosta, Georgia, was one of three people injured in a shooting that occurred in a Tallahassee parking structure on May 24. Reports from The Tallahassee Democrat indicate that Yates-Lyons became trapped in gunfire within the garage, which sits next to housing complexes used by Florida State University students.

Medical personnel transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

The young athlete had excelled as a defensive back while attending Lowndes County High School in Georgia. After completing his studies early in December 2025, he joined Ball State University for the spring 2026 term as an early enrollment student.

Ball State football chief of staff Pete Roley released a statement on the social media platform X Sunday morning, saying: “Gavin was an extraordinary person and it is difficult to express the grief we all feel.”

Roley’s statement continued: “Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Thank you to the Ball State admin, staff and community for the support of our players and staff as we mourn.”

Just one day prior to the shooting incident, Yates-Lyons had traveled back to his former high school to participate in graduation festivities.

Two other individuals were wounded in the same shooting event. Both adult men sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Law enforcement officials with the Tallahassee Police Department report that those responsible for the shooting remain unapprehended, and their investigation continues.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have sidelined rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin for a minimum of 10 days on Sunday, giving his injured right elbow adequate time to recover from a strain.

The 20-year-old had been filling the designated hitter role for the past two games as the team attempted to keep his offensive production in the lineup while reducing stress on his throwing arm, but management ultimately determined this approach was insufficient to avoid placing him on the injured list.

Griffin delivered solid offensive numbers during Pittsburgh’s weekend sweep of Minnesota, going 4-for-9 with one double and scoring a run in Friday and Saturday’s wins.

Following a challenging beginning to his rookie campaign, Griffin has improved his performance to a .270/.327/.402 slash line, contributing four home runs and 14 stolen bases across 51 games this season.

The Pirates filled Griffin’s roster spot by reinstating first baseman and outfielder Ryan O’Hearn from the injured list. O’Hearn had posted impressive numbers with a .289/.368/.459 slash line, seven home runs, and 29 RBI in 44 games before being sidelined with a strained right quadriceps.

Pittsburgh also adjusted its pitching staff, moving Carmen Mlodzinski to the restricted list after he was removed from the starting rotation this week to accommodate Jared Jones. Right-handed reliever Cam Sanders was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to take his place.

The 27-year-old Mlodzinski compiled a 4-3 record with a 3.76 ERA across 11 appearances this season, including nine starts. He recorded 46 strikeouts against 20 walks in 55 innings of work.

Sanders appeared in five relief outings for Pittsburgh earlier this season, allowing six runs, six hits, and five walks across five innings for a 10.80 ERA. The 29-year-old has shown improvement at the Triple-A level, posting a 3.77 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama struggled to find his words.

Following the San Antonio Spurs’ victory in the Western Conference championship that secured their spot in this year’s NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, the young star was asked about his connection with former head coach Gregg Popovich and the significance of this postseason journey for the legendary coach.

Wembanyama hesitated, visibly moved by emotion, before responding.

“I don’t know what it means for him,” Wembanyama said. “That’s a guy who’s got more experience as a coach than almost anybody and has been through so many things in his career and so many things right now as ‘El Jefe.’ He goes through some things we can’t even imagine. So, I need to call him. I need to see him. I need to talk to him because there’s no way I can understand right now how he feels.”

Popovich, age 77, currently holds the position of President of Spurs Basketball. In an unofficial capacity, the Basketball Hall of Famer functions as coach emeritus — frequently attending team practices in San Antonio and appearing at games, occasionally using a cane for mobility. He continues to influence both players and coaching staff, even making an appearance in the locker room following the Spurs’ Game 3 defeat to Oklahoma City in the West finals to deliver both encouragement and criticism, depending on one’s viewpoint.

However, his true role is El Jefe. The leader. This is how he identified himself upon stepping down from coaching last year, making his first public appearance since suffering a stroke in November 2024 that effectively concluded his coaching tenure and resulted in Mitch Johnson taking over the position with minimal advance notice. He appeared at that event wearing a jacket, which he then opened to reveal a shirt displaying “El Jefe” across the front.

“You talk about the greatest coach pretty much of all time to be able to sit here and tell you the experiences that they went through or that he’s been through or that he sees,” Spurs guard Devin Vassell said. “I mean, it’s second to none, honestly. He helps out. He helps out a lot. … He just has so much wisdom and stuff that you can’t take for granted.”

The opening game of the Knicks-Spurs championship series begins Wednesday in San Antonio.

Knicks coach Mike Brown experienced Popovich’s leadership style directly during his three-year tenure as an assistant coach in San Antonio.

Brown maintains family connections in San Antonio — leading him to mention recently that a Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals matchup would reduce his expenses since he wouldn’t need to arrange flights for as many relatives to attend the games.

“He still has a huge presence. He will always have a presence,” Brown said of Popovich. “The job that he’s done, not only on the court with that team or that organization but off the court too, is going to be imprinted for as long as the game of basketball exists. His presence is very, very much felt all the time and I’ve got a lot of respect for the organization for a lot of different reasons.”

Popovich continues to earn that reverence, even in his current role.

The veteran coach greeted the Spurs upon their return from Games 3 and 4 of their West semifinal matchup against Minnesota several weeks ago — with deliberate intent. Wembanyama had been thrown out of Game 4 following a flagrant elbow he delivered to Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. Upon Wembanyama’s arrival from the aircraft, Popovich was there waiting. Video footage captured their interaction, making it evident that Popovich was speaking while Wembanyama listened attentively.

“He gives feedback and talks to us regularly,” Wembanyama said, without revealing the content of Popovich’s message that day.

During his coaching tenure with San Antonio, Popovich captured five NBA titles, with the initial championship occurring in 1999 when the Spurs defeated the New York Knicks. The current chapter of Spurs basketball has begun, with Johnson at the helm, and it presents an intriguing parallel that his inaugural finals as Spurs coach features the same opponent as Popovich’s first championship.

“I’m fortunate my old boss is still around, and has been through this a few times,” Johnson said. “Coach Pop has been a resource.”

Following his most significant victory to date — the triumph that earned him entry to his first NBA Finals with hopes for many more — Wembanyama expressed urgency about speaking with El Jefe.

“When I talk to him, it’s going to be only stored in my head — except if I record it in secret,” Wembanyama said. “But I need to talk to him, so quick.”

Additional knowledge awaits. Four more victories are required. Wembanyama understands that if anyone possesses the blueprint for achieving those wins, it’s Popovich.

The Los Angeles Dodgers brought back left-handed pitcher Jack Dreyer from the 15-day injury list on Sunday while sending right-hander Paul Gervase down to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The 27-year-old Dreyer had been sidelined for 13 games due to inflammation in his left shoulder. He last took the mound on May 15, throwing in the eighth inning during a 6-0 win against the Los Angeles Angels.

This season, Dreyer holds a 2-1 record with a 2.08 ERA across 20 relief appearances, recording 24 strikeouts against six walks over 21 2/3 innings. Since joining the major leagues with the Dodgers last year, he has compiled a 5-3 record with four saves and a 2.76 ERA in 87 total games, including five starts.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Gervase posted a 1.80 ERA in two bullpen outings this season for Los Angeles without recording a decision. At the Triple-A level, he carries a 2-0 record with one save and a 5.14 ERA across 10 relief appearances.

Detroit Tigers veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is scheduled to take the mound for Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, marking his return to competitive play following a left hip injury sustained in late March.

The 43-year-old right-handed pitcher finished two simulated games prior to starting his rehabilitation assignment with the Mud Hens.

Verlander was sidelined on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation on April 4, following his designation as a three-time Cy Young Award recipient.

Tuesday’s matchup against Iowa in Des Moines will mark Verlander’s first game action since giving up five runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings during Detroit’s 9-6 defeat to Arizona on March 30, his only outing this season in what is his 21st campaign.

“Getting him into competition is something that we’ve been pushing for and he’s been pushing for,” manager A.J. Hinch said before Sunday’s series finale against the host Chicago White Sox. “We feel like we can take a normal start and deal with odds and ends of a start, whether it’s various pitch counts, ups and downs. He can pitch significant innings.”

While Verlander has worked up to around 70 pitches during his recovery, the length of his rehab assignment remains uncertain. According to the Detroit Free Press, he will rejoin Detroit on Wednesday to reconnect with the team following their road trip to Tampa.

“I’m happy that he’s getting to that next step,” Hinch said. “I don’t know what it means or how many innings he’s even going to go.”

The nine-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion and 2011 American League MVP holds a career record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA and 3,554 strikeouts across 556 career starts with four different teams.

In other roster news Sunday, the Tigers brought back outfielder/DH Kerry Carpenter from the 10-day injured list while sending infielder Gage Workman down to Toledo.

Carpenter was placed on the IL with a left shoulder sprain on May 10, just one day after colliding with the wall in right field during an inside-the-park home run by Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr.

The 28-year-old Carpenter remained in the contest following Witt’s first-inning homer but departed two innings later due to the sprained AC joint. This season, he’s hitting .216 with six homers and 17 RBIs across 37 games.

Workman, 26, posted a .158 average with two home runs and five RBIs in 16 games after being promoted to fill Carpenter’s roster spot.

Minnesota placed right-handed pitcher Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to inflammation in his right elbow.

The 30-year-old hurler holds a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA across 12 starts this season. His Saturday performance against Pittsburgh was particularly rough, surrendering eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits over 4 2/3 innings during a 10-9 defeat.

Since joining the Twins in 2021, Ober has compiled a 37-33 record with a 4.13 ERA over 127 career starts. During his tenure, he has recorded 650 strikeouts against 151 walks across 684 1/3 innings pitched.

The organization also promoted right-hander Mike Paredes by selecting his contract, sent right-hander John Klein down to Triple-A St. Paul, and brought back right-hander Travis Adams from St. Paul.

The 25-year-old Paredes has not yet appeared in the major leagues. This season, he has posted a 3-2 record with a 4.44 ERA across 13 appearances (10 starts) split between St. Paul and Double-A Wichita.

Klein, 24, was brought up Saturday and worked the final two innings against Pittsburgh, giving up one hit while issuing three walks and recording one strikeout. He carries a 0-1 record with a 4.15 ERA through three relief outings this season.

Adams, 26, has appeared in seven bullpen games this season, posting a 1-0 record with one save and a 7.20 ERA.

Tampa Bay has sidelined veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel with a right wrist injury, moving him to the 15-day injured list as of Sunday.

The team made the injury designation effective from Thursday, which marked Kimbrel’s 38th birthday.

Since joining Tampa Bay, Kimbrel has pitched just once – taking the mound against Baltimore on Tuesday where he recorded two strikeouts during a clean inning of relief work.

The veteran right-hander joined the Rays as a free agent this past Monday after declining a minor league assignment offer from New York.

During his time with the Mets this season, Kimbrel struggled to a 0-2 record and 6.00 ERA across 14 relief appearances. He managed 15 strikeouts over 15 innings pitched but failed to register any saves.

The accomplished closer sits fifth on baseball’s all-time saves list with 440 career saves. He topped the National League in saves for four consecutive years while with Atlanta, beginning with his Rookie of the Year season in 2011. Throughout his career, he has compiled a 56-50 record with a 2.64 ERA over 866 relief outings.

Tampa Bay also made additional roster moves Sunday, bringing up left-handed pitcher Cam Booser and right-handed pitcher Trevor Martin from their Triple-A Durham affiliate while placing right-hander Andrew Wantz on waivers.

The 34-year-old Booser will make his first appearance in a Rays uniform this year. He brings a 4-7 record and 4.28 ERA from 82 career relief appearances split between Boston and Chicago.

Martin, age 25, has posted a 3.68 ERA without a decision through four relief appearances during his first major league season with Tampa Bay.

Wantz, 30, struggled in his only outing this season for the Rays, surrendering five runs on two hits across 1 2/3 innings during Saturday’s 14-3 loss to Los Angeles.

Norway achieved a remarkable 3-2 overtime victory against Canada on Sunday to claim the bronze medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Zurich, marking their greatest achievement in tournament history while delivering another shocking loss to the Canadian squad.

Canada entered the bronze medal contest as heavy favorites to earn their first medal since 2023, especially after suffering an unexpected quarter-final elimination by Denmark the previous year. However, the Canadians found themselves trailing 2-0 and required two clutch goals from Robert Thomas, including one with just eight seconds remaining in regulation, to send the game into overtime.

Despite appearing completely exhausted after absorbing a devastating 6-0 defeat against host Switzerland in Saturday’s semifinal, Norway found the strength for one final push. Noah Steen delivered the decisive goal 3 minutes and 32 seconds into the extra period, clinching Norway’s maiden tournament medal.

The historic achievement drew praise from Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, who posted on social media: “An incredible and historic day – with a winning goal in sudden death… We celebrate, (this is) a new era for Norwegian ice hockey.”

Switzerland and Finland will compete in Sunday’s championship final.

This year’s NBA Finals brings together a franchise riding an impressive 11-game winning streak against a squad anchored by a towering 7-foot-4 phenom.

New York has been resting since completing a sweep of Cleveland in the Eastern Conference championship on May 25, marking their first Finals berth since 1999. During that previous appearance, they faced San Antonio, with the Spurs claiming victory in five contests for their inaugural championship under coach Gregg Popovich, who would go on to guide the team to five total titles.

Once again finding themselves in the underdog role, New York faces a challenging path to capture their first championship since 1973. Sportsbooks have installed the Jalen Brunson-led squad at +170 odds according to both BetMGM and DraftKings, while San Antonio — featuring 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama — stands as the favorite at -210 and -205 respectively.

In Saturday’s decisive seventh game against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Wembanyama contributed 22 points and seven rebounds as San Antonio prevailed 111-103 over reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates in the Western Conference championship.

San Antonio, seeking their first championship in 12 years, will welcome New York for Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday evening.

The teams split their regular season series, though New York emerged victorious 124-113 when they met in the NBA Cup Final on Dec. 16.

PARIS, May 31 – Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar mounted an extraordinary comeback Sunday, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat veteran Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 in an all-Spanish generational clash at the French Open, securing his first quarterfinal appearance at the tournament.

The 19-year-old clay court specialist, who only turned professional late last year, has emerged as a potential dark horse contender following unexpected departures of several top-seeded players, including world number one Jannick Sinner. This marks his second consecutive five-set victory after defeating Alex Michelsen in the prior round.

Jodar initially seized momentum with an early break for a 4-2 advantage, but his veteran opponent remained composed and captured four consecutive match points to claim the opening set as the young player’s performance suddenly faltered.

The teenager, who enjoyed a breakthrough clay court season with his first professional title in Marrakesh, semifinal appearances in Barcelona, and quarterfinal runs in Madrid and Rome, found himself in deeper trouble as the 34-year-old Carreno Busta secured two additional breaks for a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set.

Despite being ranked 707th just one year ago, Jodar showed signs of life by capturing three consecutive games, though he couldn’t prevent Carreno Busta from closing out the second set with a flawless serve-and-volley combination on his second set point opportunity.

The momentum shifted dramatically when Jodar secured an early break in the third set, utilizing more aggressive tactics and a powerful attacking forehand to claim the frame.

Carreno Busta required a medical timeout for right shoulder treatment, but the break didn’t halt his mounting unforced errors as Jodar captured two service breaks to force a decisive fifth set.

Though displaying some late-match jitters, the teenager sealed his remarkable victory on his fifth match point opportunity after three hours and 41 minutes of play.

His quarterfinal opponent will be determined by the outcome of the match between second seed Alexander Zverev and Dutchman Jesper De Jong.

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk delivered a stunning upset victory over world number one Iga Swiatek with a 7-5, 6-1 win at Roland Garros on Sunday, advancing to her first quarter-final at the French Open.

The 23-year-old’s triumph marked her 15th consecutive victory on clay courts, a remarkable turnaround for someone who hadn’t made it past the second round in Paris over the past four years. Her clay court success this season began with a title at the Open de Rouen, followed by an unexpected championship at the Madrid Open where she entered as the 26th seed.

“For sure it feels great, very happy with the streak. Very happy with the quarter-final. Going to celebrate a little bit today and keep my head in the tournament,” she told reporters.

“A lot of things clicked this year on clay too, and in Madrid, which was also not my best tournament. It’s a good feeling.

“I think I just give myself more space. I’m enjoying more, just creating points, dealing with challenges, learning how to navigate the difficult situations in the matches.”

Even after her impressive victory, Kostyuk maintains she remains an underdog despite her tactical brilliance in dismantling Swiatek’s typically solid defensive game and neutralizing the four-time champion’s serve.

“It was a great match-up, but at the end of the day, I still think I was the underdog in this match,” she said.

“Things change in tennis, but I’m much more consistent. I’m the most consistent I have ever been in my career and a long way to go to be a top-10, top-5 player.

“Technically, I’m still the underdog. We will see, maybe a lot of things will change after this tournament or not. I’m not going to be considered an underdog anymore, but I don’t mind being in both positions.”

Her outstanding performance came amid deeply troubling circumstances at home, as a Russian missile struck near her family’s residence in Kyiv just hours before her opening match. The incident left her questioning her coach Sandra Zaniewska about whether competing in Paris made any sense.

“It’s a different perspective because, for example, before my first-round match, I told Sandra, ‘I don’t even know, what am I doing here? Like, this is not important at all’,” she said.

“So it was difficult for me. I didn’t know how the match is going to go because I didn’t know if I’d just be able to keep the focus on important things, which was winning the match and playing tennis.

“Sometimes it gives you different perspective, whether it’s that it’s not important at all that I’m here, or it’s great that I’m here. I have this opportunity and I’m really thankful for that.”

Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek experienced a devastating birthday surprise on Sunday, as tension overwhelmed her during a stunning fourth-round loss to Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in Paris.

The Polish tennis star, who has dominated clay court tennis in recent years, suffered a 7-5, 6-1 defeat that marked her earliest departure from the French Open since she first competed in the tournament in 2019.

Swiatek’s 25th birthday became one to forget as her performance deteriorated significantly in the second set against the 15th-seeded Kostyuk. The six-time Grand Slam winner hasn’t claimed a clay court championship since winning the 2024 French Open.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Swiatek was candid about what led to her comprehensive defeat.

“I lost control of the match, and there was no way to come back, because I felt worse and worse. This isn’t positive, and this is different than losing to Elina Svitolina in Rome or to Mirra Andreeva in Stuttgart,” Swiatek explained.

“It’s not great. I know I lost because I was tense, and my body couldn’t do … the proper things, but it’s not the first time, as well. So yeah, I just need to work on it.”

The tennis champion reflected on different types of losses, noting that her defeat had a particular sting to it.

“Honestly, maybe the toughest loss is when you had the match in your hands, you made stupid decisions, you let it go and your opponent suddenly came back,” she said.

“It’s also bad when your tennis is terrible, and you know you were worse than the players you play with. But I feel I lost today because Marta used the opportunity and I was super tense.”

Despite the disappointing result, Swiatek acknowledged she understands what needs improvement and won’t rush the process.

“Maybe it’s not going to take one week or one month,” the champion stated. “Maybe it’s going to take even a season or something, but I need to believe that I can work through this and not be thrown off so quickly.”

With the grass court season approaching and Wimbledon beginning June 29, Swiatek will need to regroup quickly as she prepares to defend her title there.

However, she admitted she hasn’t begun thinking about the transition to grass courts yet.

“I haven’t thought about grass at all,” Swiatek said. “Yeah it was a great year last year, but also, my previous results weren’t good. They were good, but depending on how you look at it.”

“I’m going to probably take it easy and try to be patient and be humble. I don’t know how it’s going to be. I’m not a wizard.”

Twenty-two players from the Vegas Golden Knights have contributed at least one point during their journey to the Stanley Cup Final, while the Carolina Hurricanes have received scoring from 19 different players in their nearly flawless postseason campaign.

The Golden Knights boast 15 different players who have found the back of the net, compared to 12 goal-scorers for Carolina.

“They’re deep, we’re deep, so it’ll be a good matchup,” said Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb.

The championship series appears evenly matched, with Carolina holding a slight edge as favorites. The Hurricanes have captured 12 victories in 13 playoff contests across three rounds and will enjoy home-ice advantage.

However, Vegas demonstrated their dominance by sweeping NHL-best Colorado in the Western Conference Final. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar described the experience, saying he and his team “ran into a buzzsaw.” The Golden Knights controlled that series completely.

“They dismantled Colorado,” commented player-turned-ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro. “I don’t know if there’s ever such a thing as perfect, but whatever next door to perfect was, that’s how they played in that series. It’s what they are. This is their team, and they’re healthy.”

Carolina’s health status matches Vegas, setting the stage for what could be an extraordinary championship series.

The opening two contests will take place Tuesday and Thursday evening in Raleigh, where passionate Caniacs have waited years for their team’s first championship appearance since 2006. Carolina captured the title that season, with current coach Rod Brind’Amour serving as team captain.

Saturday night’s Game 3 and June 9’s Game 4 will occur at the Las Vegas Strip arena known as the Fortress. The Golden Knights celebrated their Cup victory on that home ice three years ago.

Should additional games be needed, Game 5 is scheduled for June 11 in Carolina and Game 6 for June 14 in Vegas. A potential Game 7 would take place June 17 in Carolina.

All championship games will broadcast in the U.S. on ABC and in Canada on CBC and Sportsnet in English, with French coverage on TVA Sports.

Playing for Vegas, Mitch Marner has achieved his deepest playoff run in his NHL career, surpassing previous first- and second-round eliminations during nine seasons in Toronto. Marner tops all playoff scorers with 21 points.

Jack Eichel follows closely with 18 points, three years after playing a significant role in the Golden Knights’ Cup championship. His defensive abilities are equally impressive.

“Jack Eichel might be the best 200-foot center in the game right now,” said 2003 Cup champion Mike Rupp.

Vegas has benefited from crucial saves by Carter Hart, particularly during the Western final where he turned away 118 of 125 shots faced. Carolina has relied on goaltender Frederik Andersen throughout their run, depending on him for key stops while typically outshooting their opponents.

“He’s so strong mentally,” said retired goalie Cory Schneider, who now works with NHL Network alongside Rupp. “He’s able to play games where he only sees eight or nine shots and make the save he has to make. Some goalies really struggle with your team possessing the puck all game and now you get that breakaway and you’ve got to find a way to make a save.”

Carolina’s top performers during the regular season included Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov. Their second line featuring Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake has emerged as their primary scoring threat during this playoff run.

“Lots of times, coaches throw three names together and it looks like it’s going to work and it doesn’t,” Ferraro explained. “Stankoven and Blake and Hall, they fit.”

For Vegas, Brett Howden and Pavel Dorofeyev have been the playoff scoring leaders, each netting 10 goals. The Golden Knights also feature three players — Marner, captain Mark Stone and defenseman Shea Theodore — who experienced defeat in the Olympic final while representing Canada. Jarvis was also a member of that Canadian squad.

Eichel, teammate Noah Hanifin and Carolina’s Jaccob Slavin have the opportunity to achieve the gold medal-Stanley Cup combination after their victory in Milan with the U.S. team.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Golden Knights find themselves back in the Stanley Cup Final spotlight, with particular attention focused on goaltender Carter Hart and his controversial journey back to hockey’s biggest stage.

Hart’s stellar play has been instrumental in Vegas reaching the Cup Final for the third time in nine seasons as they pursue their second championship in four years. Three playoff opponents have been unable to crack his defensive prowess, leaving Carolina — who enters with a 12-1 playoff record — as the final team standing between Hart and hockey’s ultimate prize when the series begins Tuesday in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The goaltender’s return to professional hockey sparked debate about whether he should be permitted to compete. Hart was among five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team who were cleared of sexual assault charges this past July. League officials determined these players could sign contracts beginning October 15 and return to game action starting December 1. Hart inked a two-year, $4 million deal with Vegas and has focused forward since.

Hart has become a legitimate contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. While his media availability has been restricted in recent months, he will likely field questions regarding the legal case prior to the opening game.

Vegas supporters embraced him immediately, applauding his first ice appearance on December 2 against Chicago, with some fans displaying supportive signage. The enthusiasm has intensified throughout the team’s championship run, as Hart now receives some of the loudest cheers during pregame introductions at home contests.

“Everybody here has been so awesome,” Hart said after the Golden Knights swept Colorado in the Western Conference Final. “You see it every day with the fans. They show up at the rink and our practices. The support that we get is unbelievable. They’re just so excited about the Vegas Golden Knights, and I’m so blessed to be here.”

The Nevada franchise may have provided an ideal landing spot for Hart’s comeback.

Vegas operates as an organization willing to pursue aggressive moves in pursuit of victory. The team also features an experienced locker room, and Hart benefits from playing under a coach familiar with his abilities who strongly supports both his character and goaltending skills. John Tortorella previously coached Hart in Philadelphia and believed the Flyers were developing into serious contenders during the 2023-24 campaign when the league suspended Hart alongside the other four players connected to the controversy.

When Vegas dismissed Bruce Cassidy with eight games remaining and installed Tortorella as replacement, Hart gained a trusted advocate behind the bench.

“I think he’s a strong kid mentally,” Tortorella said. “I certainly watched him when he came into the organization and played in his first couple of games, and I watched him play in an overtime game where he played really well. He’s dialed in … He was growing tremendously in Philly until he had to step out of the league, and he’s right back at it.”

Cassidy had been utilizing Adin Hill, who guided the Golden Knights to their 2023 Cup victory, during the season’s final stretch. Among Tortorella’s initial decisions was installing Hart as the primary netminder.

“I loved playing for him in Philly,” Hart said. “Super happy he’s here.”

Hart’s presence in Vegas was anything but guaranteed last summer.

He was among the junior players facing charges in 2024 related to an incident in London, Ontario, from six years prior. The presiding judge determined prosecutors failed to meet conviction standards and ruled the allegations lacked sufficient credibility to support the charges.

The NHL completed its own review in 2022, and following the players’ legal exoneration, the league announced their reinstatement. With officials describing the players’ conduct as “deeply troubling and unacceptable,” teams showed little urgency in pursuing their services.

The Hurricanes evaluated signing Hart and Michael McLeod but ultimately declined. Vegas reached a different conclusion regarding Hart, welcoming him to the organization and later releasing a statement about remaining “committed to the core values that have defined our organization from its inception.”

Hart delivered his own statement to media members at the time, expressing his desire “to show the community my true character and who I am and what I’m about.”

His return to competition didn’t unfold as Hart had hoped.

He posted a 5-3-3 record with a 3.23 goals-against average and .874 save percentage, though performance issues weren’t his primary concern. Hart sustained a lower-body injury during a January 8 contest against Columbus, sidelining him for nearly three months.

Vegas struggled with inconsistent goaltending as Hill and Akira Schmid essentially split responsibilities. Even with Hart’s expected late-season return, few anticipated the Golden Knights could depend on their goaltending corps.

Tortorella recognized different potential, starting Hart in six of the season’s final eight contests. Hart responded with a 6-0 record, 1.67 GAA and .930 save percentage.

The starting goaltender question was suddenly resolved.

“He (spends) a long day at the rink with his preparation and making sure he’s dialied (in),” defenseman Shea Theodore said. “It’s just fun to watch.”

Hart has maintained his excellent form throughout the playoffs.

He owns a 12-4 record with 2.22 GAA and .924 save percentage. Hart has captured six consecutive starts, including sweeping Colorado despite facing a team that led the league with 3.63 goals per game but managed just 1.75 against Hart and Vegas’s defensive unit.

“I think he’s just been getting more and more confident each game, each round he’s played,” forward Brett Howden said. “There’s a lot of momentum in these rounds of games. Obviously, it’s going to go back and forth. I feel like he does an unbelievable job of keeping us in the game. He’ll bail us out if we need to be bailed out.”

The upcoming challenge presents no relief, as Carolina outshot Montreal 139-67 during the Eastern Conference Final’s final four games. Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen has delivered outstanding playoff performance with 1.41 GAA and .931 save percentage.

An Andersen-led Cup victory would likely result in his Conn Smythe Trophy selection.

Hart recognizes the task ahead.

“I have a lot of work to do,” Hart said. “We’ve just got to prepare for the next game. We’ll be ready for Game 1.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The defending NBA champions saw their title defense come to a close as the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder in a decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder guard who has claimed back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player awards, delivered an outstanding performance in the elimination game with 35 points. However, San Antonio proved to be the superior team on this night, preventing Oklahoma City from advancing to defend their championship.

Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional display of scoring ability — including mid-range shots, drives to the basket, and step-back jumpers against San Antonio’s towering 7-foot-4 defender Victor Wembanyama — the Thunder couldn’t secure the victory. The star player offered no alibis for the defeat.

“So many things go into it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked about the difficulty of winning a championship — and trying to go back-to-back. “Sometimes it’s like things you can’t control, sometimes it’s things you can control. Yeah, it’s a hard task to do one time, so to do it twice will only make it even more challenging.”

Oklahoma City had worked throughout the regular season to secure home-court advantage for this crucial seventh game, finishing with 64 wins compared to San Antonio’s 62. However, the Spurs had dominated the season series with four victories in five meetings during the regular season, then captured four wins in seven playoff games. The Thunder also faced adversity with injuries sidelining Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell during the series.

“Not to make any excuses, but they’re a really good team over there,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And losing Ajay and Dub the way we did in the midst of a series, you would think it would be a lot harder for us.”

Both franchises appear positioned for sustained success in coming seasons, suggesting the foundation for a lasting competitive rivalry has been established.

“Yeah, they’re young, they’re talented, well-coached,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Play the right way, play together, seems like they like each other. They have the makeup, for sure. You don’t beat us without the makeup and they beat us. They have the makeup to go get one.”

The Thunder organization faces upcoming personnel choices and possesses several first-round draft selections that could be utilized to acquire talent or potentially packaged in trades to move up in the draft for a targeted prospect.

While those organizational decisions fall outside Gilgeous-Alexander’s responsibilities, Canada is hoping he will participate in World Cup qualifying competition this summer — with basketball’s next World Cup scheduled for 2027 — as he continues working to enhance his skills like all elite athletes.

“We just have to take it one day at a time from here on out,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Try to get better this summer, be a better team than we were this season — and try to get back over the hump.”

The quest for French Open quarterfinal spots intensifies Monday as the tournament’s top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka squares off against a rejuvenated Naomi Osaka in fourth-round competition.

Fourth-seeded men’s player Felix Auger-Aliassime and Frances Tiafoe will also take the court in what has become an unpredictable tournament with numerous favored players already eliminated, setting up Roland Garros to produce two first-time singles champions in one year for the first time since 2014.

FEATURED WOMEN’S SHOWDOWN: ARYNA SABALENKA V NAOMI OSAKA

Following widespread criticism, French Open tournament officials have broken from tradition of exclusively scheduling men’s matches for evening sessions. Sabalenka and Osaka mark the first women to compete under the lights at Roland Garros since 2023.

Both Osaka and Sabalenka are making their ninth appearances in the French Open’s main tournament bracket. Each player has claimed the Australian Open and U.S. Open championships twice, yet neither has secured the Paris title.

With title defender Coco Gauff and four-time champion Iga Swiatek already eliminated from competition, runner-up Sabalenka from last year finds herself with an excellent chance to claim her first French Open crown. Yet Osaka’s improved performance on clay courts could disrupt the Belarusian’s championship aspirations.

Osaka, whose most recent Grand Slam victory came in 2021, has never advanced to a WTA final on either clay or grass surfaces. The 28-year-old has demonstrated remarkable improvement this season on clay, historically her most challenging surface, making her first-ever fourth-round appearance at the French Open.

During their only previous clay court meeting in Madrid last month, Osaka captured a set via tiebreaker before Sabalenka mounted a comeback victory.

“I feel like I played a pretty good match in Madrid … so hopefully, just keep the consistency and keep trying to be aggressive,” said Osaka about facing Sabalenka.

FEATURED MEN’S COMPETITION: FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME V ALEJANDRO TABILO

Sixth-ranked Auger-Aliassime has yet to advance past the fourth round at the French Open, with his inconsistent Roland Garros performance continuing this year as the Canadian has lost the opening set in every match thus far.

Despite early struggles, the 25-year-old has demonstrated clutch performance under pressure through comeback victories, especially during his third-round battle with Brandon Nakashima where he maintained composure to capture two tiebreakers, even as play was temporarily halted while spectators celebrated Paris St Germain’s Champions League triumph.

The Parisian spectators had little reason to cheer when Chile’s Tabilo defeated hometown favorite Moise Kouame to advance to his first Grand Slam fourth round.

Currently ranked 36th globally, Tabilo gained attention by reaching the Italian Open semifinals in 2024, defeating Novak Djokovic during that tournament run. However, the 28-year-old has struggled to maintain consistent performance levels.

“I think the doubts come out more in the key moments. It’s been harder to start matches, I come in doubting myself,” Tabilo told the Clay website last year.

However, competing in Paris has historically brought out his strongest tennis, he noted.

“In Paris, I finished without pain and with good sensations … this tournament made me feel very comfortable physically and with my tennis,” Tabilo added.

TIAFOE, ARNALDI PREPARE FOR INTENSE BATTLE

Marathon four-hour matches challenged both Tiafoe and Arnaldi during their third-round encounters.

Tiafoe engaged in a heated exchange with opponent Jaime Faria while the 19th-seeded American rallied from a two-set deficit to secure victory in a tense match.

“Why don’t you quit trying to act like you’re tough? You’re not hard bro, just play,” Tiafoe told Faria before the chair umpire stepped in.

Tiafoe had executed a similar comeback against Arnaldi at Wimbledon in 2024, with both players engaging in an intensely competitive battle.

World number 104 Arnaldi has also excelled in pressure situations, as his third-round encounter with Raphael Collignon extended nearly five hours before the Italian emerged victorious in a tiebreaker.

“It was a battle, a fierce fight… when you get to the fifth-set tiebreak, it’s hard to talk about tennis; at that point, it’s about emotions and who can manage them better,” Arnaldi said.

“I hope to recover and be 100% against Frances Tiafoe.”

FRENCH OPEN MONDAY SCHEDULE (prefix number indicates seeding):

COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER

10-Flavio Cobolli (Italy) v Zachary Svajda (U.S.)

Maja Chwalinska (Poland) v Diane Parry (France)

4-Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) v Alejandro Tabilo (Chile)

1-Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) v 16-Naomi Osaka (Japan)

COURT SUZANNE-LENGLEN

28-Anastasia Potapova (Austria) v 22-Anna Kalinskaya (Russia)

19-Madison Keys (U.S.) v 25-Diana Shnaider (Russia)

Juan Manuel Cerundolo (Argentina) v Matteo Berrettini (Italy)

19-Frances Tiafoe (U.S.) v Matteo Arnaldi (Italy)

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina overcame an early deficit to defeat Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 on Sunday, advancing to the French Open quarterfinals at Roland Garros in Paris.

The seventh-seeded Svitolina, who is pursuing her first Grand Slam championship at 31 years old, entered the tournament with strong momentum after capturing the Rome title by defeating Coco Gauff in that tournament’s final.

Her path through Paris started with a three-set battle in the opening round, followed by convincing victories in rounds two and three that built her confidence heading into Sunday’s matchup against the 11th-seeded Bencic on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Bencic, who is also chasing her inaugural major championship after earning Olympic gold in Tokyo five years ago, managed to hold off Svitolina’s late push in the first set to take an early advantage.

However, Svitolina found her rhythm in the second set to even the match, then dominated the final set as Bencic’s resistance crumbled.

The Ukrainian completed her comeback by shutting out her opponent in the third set, setting up a quarterfinal clash with compatriot Kostyuk, who earlier upset four-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek.

A Romanian tennis veteran showed that age is just a number Sunday when Sorana Cirstea defeated China’s Wang Xinyu 6-3 7-6(4) at the French Open, securing her spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years.

At 36 years old and planning to retire when this season ends, Cirstea has now reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal just three times throughout her entire career.

This marks her first quarterfinal appearance in Paris since 2009, creating the longest span between first and second quarterfinal appearances in women’s singles during the Open Era.

“I always thought there is no expiry date for ambition and for dreams. I have so much passion for this sport,” Cirstea commented following her win.

“I absolutely love tennis and to be able to still play at this level – have my family, my team, the closest people watching me – it’s an absolute joy.

“I think sometimes society puts us in certain groups because of the age. But I think in life, you are free to do whatever you want and I want to play. And here I am, thank you everyone for all the support.”

The veteran player recognized an opportunity for success, noting that the tournament’s bottom half lacks any Grand Slam finalists following several surprising eliminations, including four-time champion Iga Swiatek’s departure earlier Sunday.

Cirstea has been performing at peak level after setting a record earlier this month as the oldest player to enter the top 20 rankings.

During the clay court season, she advanced to two semifinal rounds and delivered an upset victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Rome.

The Romanian also established another Open Era milestone by becoming the oldest competitor to achieve a 6-0 6-0 victory in Grand Slam main draw play during her third-round match against Solana Sierra.

In Sunday’s match against Wang, Cirstea controlled the first set from early on, securing two service breaks to build a commanding 5-1 advantage.

Leading 5-2 in the second set and approaching victory, Cirstea watched Wang mount a comeback that pushed the set to a tiebreaker, where the Romanian regained momentum to close out the 84-minute match before the competitors shared an embrace at the net.

“I think the older I got, the less pressure I put on myself. I’m trying to just play the points, not play the score and this is what’s helping me,” Cirstea explained.

“I think I’m a very complete player. I can attack, I can defend, I’m way calmer on the court and I’m also enjoying (myself).

“At the end of the day, we all have a passion and my passion is tennis. I’m just so grateful for everything that’s happening.”

Cirstea’s quarterfinal opponent will be determined by the outcome of the match between eighth seed Mirra Andreeva and Jil Teichmann.

What should have been a celebratory 25th birthday for Iga Swiatek turned into disappointment at Roland Garros on Sunday. The third-seeded tennis star saw her hopes for a fifth French Open championship dashed when Ukrainian 15th seed Marta Kostyuk defeated her 7-5, 6-1 in fourth-round action.

The opening set featured competitive play with both players exchanging service breaks twice. Kostyuk managed to secure a crucial service hold in the 11th game before elevating her performance to close out the first set with a crosscourt backhand winner.

This marked the first time Kostyuk had won a set against the Polish star, having previously lost all three of their prior encounters. Sensing momentum for a major upset, the Ukrainian pressed forward and established a 3-1 advantage in the second set through determined play.

The Rouen and Madrid titlist maintained her composure throughout the remainder of the match, extending her perfect 15-0 record on clay courts this season. Kostyuk now advances to face either seventh-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina or 11th-seeded Swiss player Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals.

Authorities in France arrested more than 400 individuals following violent disturbances that broke out across multiple cities Saturday evening after Paris Saint-Germain secured the Champions League championship.

The unrest resulted in injuries to seven law enforcement officers as soccer supporters ignited fires and damaged storefronts, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who called the violence “absolutely unacceptable.” Authorities also reported that a small group of individuals attempted to force their way into a police facility in Paris.

According to Nuñez, the disturbances occurred in approximately 15 French cities, with close to 400 people taken into custody nationwide. Nearly 300 of those arrests happened in Paris.

Despite the overnight chaos, Nuñez confirmed that planned victory celebrations for Sunday afternoon at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower will proceed as originally scheduled. Following the public celebration, the PSG squad will visit French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee presidential palace.

The celebrations began in Paris immediately after the match concluded Saturday evening in Budapest, Hungary, where Paris Saint-Germain claimed victory over Arsenal in a penalty shootout during an intense championship match.

Supporters gathered along streets near the Arc de Triomphe, with some lighting flares and honking vehicle horns. Approximately 20,000 people assembled on the Champs-Elysees, where law enforcement officers worked to manage the crowds.

According to the Paris police prefecture, smaller groups created disturbances throughout the city, damaging businesses and starting fires. Vehicles were also set on fire. Police successfully dispersed those who tried to breach a police station in the upscale 8th Arrondissement area.

Last year in May, following PSG’s previous championship, 201 people suffered injuries in the French capital while police arrested over 500 individuals throughout France.

The Seattle Mariners connected for four solo home runs while Bryan Woo delivered seven shutout innings in a 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, extending their winning streak to five games.

Julio Rodriguez, Luke Raley, Dominic Canzone and Colt Emerson each launched solo shots as Seattle climbed above .500 at 30-29 for the first time since holding a 3-2 record on March 30.

Woo (5-3) dominated early, setting down the first 13 batters before Adrian Del Castillo lined a one-out single to center in the fifth inning. Ildemaro Vargas followed with another center field single, but Woo struck out Jose Fernandez looking to escape the jam. The right-hander surrendered just those two hits while walking none and fanning nine to match his season high.

Arizona starter Ryne Nelson (2-4) was tagged for five runs, four earned, on seven hits across 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander issued no walks and struck out three as the Diamondbacks dropped their second consecutive contest.

Braves 5, Reds 2

Ronald Acuna Jr. belted two home runs to power Atlanta past host Cincinnati and secure the first two games of their weekend series.

Acuna recorded his first multi-homer performance of the season, connecting for his third and fourth long balls in the past three contests after managing just two in his initial 42 games. Jorge Mateo and Matt Olson contributed solo homers for the Braves, who captured their fourth victory in five outings and became the first major league team to reach 40 wins.

Martin Perez (3-3) surrendered two runs on four hits across five frames, striking out two and walking three. Raisel Iglesias notched his 10th save in 10 opportunities with a flawless ninth inning. Brady Singer (2-5) allowed three runs on four hits in five innings, walking four and striking out two as Cincinnati suffered its third straight loss and fell to 9-17 in May.

White Sox 7, Tigers 1

Edgar Quero, Colson Montgomery and Andrew Benintendi connected for home runs as host Chicago defeated struggling Detroit.

White Sox starter Anthony Kay surrendered one run and six hits across five innings. Chicago will attempt to complete a three-game sweep on Sunday. The Tigers have dropped three in a row and stand just 6-21 in May.

Detroit’s Framber Valdez allowed four runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings. The left-hander fanned four and walked two in 89 pitches. Wenceel Perez homered for the Tigers.

Orioles 6, Blue Jays 5

Pete Alonso delivered a walk-off single to cap host Baltimore’s five-run ninth inning rally that stunned Toronto and snapped a two-game losing streak.

The Orioles, who drew 11 walks in the contest, stormed back with four hits, three walks and a hit batter in the ninth after managing just three singles through eight innings. Albert Suarez (2-0) worked the ninth and allowed one run but earned the victory.

Toronto’s Kazuma Okamoto doubled home two runs in the eighth, but the Blue Jays’ four-game winning streak came to an end. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. collected four hits, including a double, and scored twice, while Ernie Clement added two singles as part of Toronto’s 11-hit offensive display. Jeff Hoffman (4-4) surrendered ninth-inning runs on Leody Taveras’ triple, Baltimore’s first extra-base hit of the game, and Jackson Holliday’s single.

Rangers 7, Royals 6

Ezequiel Duran delivered a walk-off RBI single to right field as Texas rallied for three runs in the ninth inning to defeat struggling Kansas City in Arlington, Texas.

The Rangers entered the ninth trailing 6-4 when Joc Pederson opened with an opposite-field homer to right off Lucas Erceg (3-3). Josh Jung and Brandon Nimmo followed with consecutive infield singles before Jake Burger’s third hit knotted the score. Duran came through with a ball that dropped in front of right fielder Jac Caglianone, allowing Nimmo to score.

The Royals, who have dropped five straight, managed only three hits and failed to capitalize on three walks issued by Texas starter Kumar Rocker, who departed with a 3-0 lead after the sixth inning. However, Kansas City finally broke through in the seventh and eventually built a 6-3 advantage in the eighth.

Pirates 10, Twins 9

Jake Mangum and Nick Gonzales each recorded three hits and two RBIs to lead host Pittsburgh to a wild victory over Minnesota.

Mangum’s second-inning solo homer off Twins starter Bailey Ober (6-3) marked his first as a Pirate and sparked a six-run second inning that gave Pittsburgh a 7-1 advantage. Ober surrendered three home runs in the opening two frames, including a three-run blast to Oneil Cruz in the second and a leadoff solo shot to Spencer Horwitz in the first.

Minnesota responded in the third on a Kody Clemens RBI triple and plated five runs in the fourth off Pirates starter Mitch Keller to even the game at 7. Mangum’s RBI single in the fifth put the Pirates ahead permanently. After Keller lasted just four innings, Yohan Ramirez (3-2) worked the first of four scoreless frames by Pirates relievers to earn the win.

Astros 9, Brewers 2

Jeremy Pena and Isaac Paredes capped three-run rallies with two-run extra-base hits to help Houston defeat visiting Milwaukee.

Pena went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs while Paredes finished 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Yordan Alvarez and Jake Meyers also recorded multi-hit games for the Astros, while Christian Walker blasted a three-run shot in the eighth.

Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat (1-4) retired seven of the next eight batters following the Pena homer, but the right-hander unraveled when Pena led off the fifth with a single. He was removed after two more batters but was charged with two of the three runs that scored.

Red Sox 9, Guardians 1

Jarren Duran launched a three-run homer and Connor Wong singled home a pair in a six-run ninth inning, lifting visiting Boston to a victory over Cleveland.

Wong gave the Red Sox a 2-1 lead in the sixth with an RBI double off Matt Festa (1-1), scoring pinch hitter Marcelo Mayer, and added two more in the ninth against Will Dion. Boston won for the second time in its last eight games, aided by a strong start from Sonny Gray (6-1), who secured his fourth May victory by allowing one run on four hits over six innings.

Jose Ramirez had a first-inning RBI double for the Guardians, who scored their lone run two batters into their half of the first. Starter Parker Messick didn’t factor into the decision but was again effective, giving up one run on five hits over five innings.

Angels 14, Rays 3

Rookie Wade Meckler blasted his first career grand slam in the opening inning as Los Angeles evened its series with Tampa Bay by routing the Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Meckler went 2-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base, staking his club to a 4-0 lead before the Rays batted as the Angels cruised to their sixth win in eight games. Mike Trout was 2-for-3 with a homer, three runs and two walks. Jo Adell ripped a three-run homer and Oswald Peraza also went deep. Reid Detmers (2-5) allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.

Yandy Diaz homered among his two hits and scored twice, and Junior Caminero had two doubles, two walks and an RBI for Tampa Bay. Drew Rasmussen (4-2) surrendered a season-high five runs on four hits to lose for the first time in five May starts.

Cubs 6, Cardinals 1

Pete Crow-Armstrong broke out of his slump with a season-high four hits to lead Chicago to a victory over host St. Louis.

The Cubs center fielder entered with a modest four-game hitting streak but was batting just .154 (10-for-65) in his last 19 games. His 4-for-5 night included a double and his seventh home run of the season. He scored twice and drove in a pair. Ben Brown (2-2) limited the Cardinals to just three hits and one run over seven innings, matching his career high.

St. Louis struck first in the fourth with Alec Burleson’s one-out single to right scoring JJ Wetherholt, who led off the inning with a single up the middle. Starter Kyle Leahy scattered six hits in 4 1/3 innings for the Cardinals.

Rockies 8, Giants 3

Jake McCarthy homered, singled twice and drove in four runs while Ryan Feltner returned to the rotation with six shutout innings as Colorado beat San Francisco in Denver.

Kyle Karros also went deep, and TJ Rumfield and Willi Castro had two hits each for Colorado, which has won consecutive games for the first time since May 7-8. Drew Gilbert homered among his two hits, and Jung Hoo Lee and Matt Chapman also had two hits for the Giants, who have lost five in a row.

Feltner (2-1) was activated from the injured list (right ulnar nerve inflammation) to make his first start since April 23. The right-hander retired the first five batters he faced before Chapman’s two-out double in the second, and he erased leadoff singles in the third and fifth innings with double-play grounders.

Nationals 9, Padres 4

Luis Garcia Jr. hit a two-run single to highlight a six-run seventh inning as host Washington rallied past San Diego.

Garcia had two hits and Drew Millas homered for the Nationals, who had lost two straight.

Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. homered for the Padres, who have lost five of their past six games.

Mets 6, Marlins 1

Christian Scott pitched five effective innings for his first career win as New York supported him with three runs in the fourth inning of their victory over visiting Miami.

Mark Vientos hit a two-run double and Marcus Semien hit an RBI single in the fourth, when the Mets went ahead 3-0 against the Marlins’ Tyler Phillips (0-1). Scott (1-0) allowed one run on five hits to lift New York to its second straight win over Miami after getting swept in a three-game series in Florida last weekend.

Liam Hicks delivered an RBI single in the fifth for the Marlins, who dropped their fourth straight and lost for the seventh time in 11 games. Miami also set a season high by striking out 15 times.

Athletics 6, Yankees 4

Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz drilled two-run homers and Tyler Soderstrom hit a solo shot as the Athletics beat visiting New York at West Sacramento, California.

J.T. Ginn (3-3) pitched six solid innings, yielding just one unearned run and four hits as the Athletics snapped a four-game losing streak. Kurtz went 3-for-4 and scored twice and Soderstrom reached four times on three hits and one walk.

The Yankees had just six hits — none producing a run — while seeing a five-game winning streak come to an end. New York’s Ryan Weathers (2-3) served up three homers and allowed five runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings. The left-hander matched a season-best with 10 strikeouts and walked three.

Phillies 4, Dodgers 3

Edmundo Sosa hit a go-ahead two-run home run with two outs in the eighth inning as Philadelphia rallied past Los Angeles to improve to 4-1 on a six-game West Coast road trip.

Bryce Harper added an RBI single in a three-run eighth, while Alec Bohm hit a second-inning home run for the Phillies. Orion Kerkering (3-0) gave up a run in the seventh and Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth for his 12th save.

Alex Call had an RBI single and a run scored for the Dodgers, who saw their season-best six-game winning streak snapped. Left-hander Tanner Scott (1-2) gave up all three Philadelphia runs in the eighth inning.

An emotional Matteo Berrettini says he’s finally regaining his belief in his abilities after advancing to the French Open’s fourth round with a victory over Francisco Comesana on Saturday in Paris.

The former world number six has faced ongoing fitness challenges and has only made it to the fourth round of a Grand Slam once since 2022, missing eight of 18 major tournaments following his championship match loss to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon five years ago.

The Italian player emerged victorious in an exhausting five-hour marathon against Argentina’s Comesana on Saturday, taking the match 7-6(3) 5-7 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(15-13).

“I know what it takes to go deep in a slam, but at the same time, it’s also true that I haven’t been deep in a slam for a long time,” Berrettini told reporters after his win.

“Coming into the tournament, I didn’t have the confidence, like I had a couple of years ago, but at the same time, I feel like I have built this confidence up.

“I’m in the fourth round, second week of Paris, means that I can go deep. I’m playing well. Today was, I think, a high-level match. My weapons are working, physically I’m there, and fingers crossed.”

Following the victory, Berrettini seemed to fight back tears while acknowledging the crowd at Court Simonne Mathieu.

“I doubted about myself a little bit too much, I think, in the last months and years,” the 30-year-old said.

“Even though I had unbelievable support from my family, from my friends, from my team, and everybody kept telling me that I still had it in me. Sometimes I just have to confess that I thought that I couldn’t come back, I couldn’t feel good on court again.

“That’s why I was emotional, because I proved to myself one more time that I can do this, I can do it well, I can fight, I can enjoy my time on court.”

His next opponent will be Juan Manuel Cerundolo from Argentina, who scored an upset victory over world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Baseball’s automated ball-strike technology experienced an unusual malfunction during Saturday night’s matchup between the Athletics and New York Yankees.

During the fourth inning, a pitch thrown to Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers was incorrectly validated as a strike, despite video evidence revealing the ball missed the strike zone by nearly an inch.

The controversial moment occurred in the fourth inning of the Athletics’ 6-4 victory when Ryan Weathers delivered a 2-0 pitch that was ruled a strike. Langeliers promptly disputed the decision, believing the ball was thrown too low.

Following a brief pause, home plate umpire Adam Beck declared the pitch was upheld as a strike, causing the Athletics to forfeit their challenge. However, video replay on MLB.com demonstrated the pitch was 0.8 inches below the strike zone and should have been ruled a ball. The error ultimately had minimal impact since Langeliers later earned a walk, though the team did sacrifice one challenge opportunity.

“The explanation on the field was the umpires were told from the communication upstairs, the controller of the ABS, that the call was confirmed,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said after the game.

Kotsay explained that the Athletics reviewed the replay on their dugout iPad at the inning’s conclusion, following standard procedure, and confirmed the pitch should have been called a ball. Kotsay approached the umpires between innings attempting to recover the lost challenge but was unsuccessful.

“Obviously, they don’t have access to the iPad,” Kotsay said. “They only have access to the information they’re being told through their ear piece. That’s something we need clarified through the league and we will have that conversation with the league.”

American soccer defender Chris Richards finds himself in a crucial recovery period as he battles to make the United States World Cup roster following a significant ankle injury that has sidelined him from upcoming team activities.

The Crystal Palace player sustained torn ligaments in both sides of his ankle during a Premier League match against Brentford that ended in a 2-2 tie earlier this month. The injury also prevented him from participating in his club’s Conference League final triumph this week.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday that Richards would not join the team for their preparation match against Senegal scheduled for Sunday in North Carolina, as medical staff continues to evaluate his condition.

“We decided with Chris, with the medical and the performance staff, (for him) to not be part of the group that is going to be in North Carolina playing tomorrow against Senegal,” Pochettino explained to the media.

“I think he needs to keep doing his rehab, and I think it’s much better to stay here and plan to train and reevaluate next week how he is.”

The coach revealed his ongoing concern about Richards’ status, describing frequent consultations with his coaching staff about the defender’s progress.

“I was asking from yesterday, (when Richards) arrived, to (assistant coach) Jesus 100 times: ‘What do you think, what information do we have?’. The answer was, ‘Wait, wait, wait, wait.’ Yes, it’s too early. We need to see. The next few days are going to be key.”

Meanwhile, Pochettino announced that veteran defender Tim Ream, who has earned 80 caps for the national team, will serve as team captain.

“I am so grateful that he is with us, because he’s a great captain, not only on the field, we know that, maybe more important, off the field,” Pochettino said of Ream.

“I think he has the experience, the capacity to be the leader that we want, the positive leader.”

The United States will begin their World Cup campaign on June 12 when they face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles in their opening Group D match. The Americans are co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.

The family of former NHL star Claude Lemieux announced Saturday they will donate his brain for chronic traumatic encephalopathy research following the hockey legend’s death at age 60 this past Thursday.

According to reports from multiple news outlets, Lemieux died by suicide based on information from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. He was discovered at a furniture business he operated with his wife in Lake Park, Florida.

“In the hope that Claude’s life can continue to help others, the family has chosen to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury,” the family announced through a statement issued by his daughter Claudia Lemieux Bishop. “The family has also given permission for the CTE Center to identify Claude by name in connection with his donation and any findings it may publicly share in accordance with its research protocols.”

“The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers. No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”

Lemieux spent 21 years competing in the NHL and earned the 1994-95 Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff most valuable player. His championship victories included two titles with the New Jersey Devils (1994-95, 1999-2000) along with wins for the Colorado Avalanche (1995-96) and Montreal Canadiens (1985-86).

During his playoff career, Lemieux accumulated 158 points through 80 goals and 78 assists while serving 529 penalty minutes across 234 postseason contests. His performance helped lead the Canadiens to their 23rd Stanley Cup championship in 1985-86, where he scored a team-best 10 goals including four game-winners.

“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” his family stated, noting his work as a player representative. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”

Recognized as an intense competitor who played with physical intensity, he balanced his role between delivering crucial scoring and creating on-ice confrontations.

Throughout his regular season career, Lemieux totaled 786 points with 379 goals and 407 assists while accumulating 1,777 penalty minutes over 1,215 games with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, then-Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks.

“The Lemieux family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans, former teammates, opponents, organizations and friends across the hockey community,” the family expressed in their statement. “The stories being shared of Claude’s competitiveness, humor, loyalty and unmistakable presence have brought comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. The family asks only for continued prayers.”

The Quebec-born player was drafted by Montreal in the second round of the 1983 NHL Draft.

Earlier this week on Monday, Lemieux participated in pre-game ceremonies at the Bell Centre, carrying the torch before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between Montreal and the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.

“The family recognizes that there has been public reporting about the circumstances of Claude’s death,” the family noted in their statement. “Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who loved him. Anyone in crisis or emotional distress in the United States can call or text 988 for confidential support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”

OKLAHOMA CITY — At the beginning of the Western Conference finals, Victor Wembanyama witnessed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrate with a Most Valuable Player trophy that the San Antonio Spurs sensation coveted for himself.

The series concluded with Wembanyama claiming his own MVP award — along with much more significant achievements.

The French phenom — playing in only his third season — has guided the Spurs to the NBA Finals. The newly minted Western Conference finals MVP contributed 22 points during a decisive Game 7 victory in Oklahoma City, securing San Antonio’s first opportunity to compete for an NBA championship since 2014. The Finals will feature San Antonio against New York, beginning Wednesday evening.

“Winning the Larry O’Brien, it’s a childhood dream,” Wembanyama stated, mentioning the championship trophy’s official name. “And having a real shot at it, having a chance, a tangible chance at winning it and realizing a dream … it’s a lifetime chance. You never know when it’s going to happen again.

“It’s hard to put into words. It’s almost like the meaning of my life now.”

Throughout the series, he posted averages of 27.3 points and 10.9 rebounds, reaching the 20-point mark in each contest. His dominance began with a spectacular 41-point showing in Game 1, followed by versatile performances featuring dunks, defensive blocks, and even point guard duties that maintained momentum through the Game 7 triumph. The series MVP selection was unanimous, which comes as little shock. He carried his trophy into the locker room following the victory, celebrating enthusiastically with fans and teammates.

“You work all these hours, it’s for these type of emotions,” Wembanyama explained. “I want to win so bad. It’s like my life depends on it.”

During his draft night, Wembanyama discussed his knowledge about San Antonio. He mentioned breakfast tacos, which he eagerly anticipated trying. He spoke about learning Spanish and embracing the local culture.

And naturally, he talked about winning.

“The ring,” Wembanyama declared that evening.

The championship ring. Less than three years after departing France for the United States, Wembanyama is preparing for his inaugural opportunity to compete for that prize.

“The best player in the world,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson shouted to anyone within earshot, clearly indicating his subject.

While he didn’t claim the NBA MVP award, arguing that Wembanyama represents the world’s top player wouldn’t be unreasonable. At minimum, he will hold that distinction soon. He may not have reached his peak performance yet. The Spurs feature a young roster constructed for sustained success.

Translation: This could mark just the beginning.

“When you step into a game in regular season, you don’t even look at the big picture of the season. You look at what you need to do tonight, what you have to do in the first half, on the first possession,” Wembanyama said. “And when you lay a brick like this every time you get a chance and you lay it perfectly fine, at the end of the day you get a big castle — a beautiful house and we just did. This, it’s just like the entry hall of our castle right here.”

The San Antonio Spurs secured their spot in the NBA Finals with a decisive 111-103 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Saturday’s Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, marking their first championship series appearance since capturing their fifth title in 2014.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a stellar performance with 22 points and seven rebounds to propel the Spurs to the road victory. The team will now face the New York Knicks in the Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday in San Antonio.

The advancement of both San Antonio and New York ensures that the NBA will crown its eighth different champion over the past eight seasons. Oklahoma City’s elimination also means the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors remain the most recent team to capture consecutive championships.

Julian Champagnie provided crucial support for the Spurs, contributing 20 points while connecting on six of his 10 three-point attempts. He scored 11 of those points during the third quarter.

A pivotal moment came with less than seven minutes remaining when Wembanyama was forced to the bench with five fouls while his team held a 97-91 advantage. Luke Kornet, who stepped in as Wembanyama’s replacement, made an immediate impact by blocking Isaiah Hartenstein’s attempted dunk following a steal. Dylan Harper secured the rebound, and Stephon Castle converted at the opposite end.

Following an Oklahoma City turnover, Wembanyama returned to the game as Kornet headed back to the bench amid enthusiastic celebrations from his teammates. Moments later, Champagnie connected on his sixth three-pointer to extend San Antonio’s lead to 11 points.

Although the Thunder managed to cut the deficit to six points with 2:02 remaining, the Spurs maintained their composure and finished strong to secure the series victory.

League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered what may have been his finest performance of the series for Oklahoma City, recording 35 points on 12-of-21 shooting while adding nine assists and three steals. However, Chet Holmgren struggled significantly, managing only four points on two shot attempts and failing to take a shot during the entire second half. Alex Caruso also had difficulties, shooting just 3-of-14 from the field for 12 points.

San Antonio established an early advantage for the fourth time in five games, building a commanding 14-point lead just seven minutes into the contest with a 27-13 score. De’Aaron Fox contributed significantly to this early surge with a three-pointer, an assist, and two steals during the 17-7 run.

In the closing minute of the first quarter, an incident occurred when Wembanyama’s elbow made contact with Hartenstein during a drive attempt. Officials initially called a foul on Hartenstein, and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault received a technical foul. Oklahoma City successfully challenged the call, having it reversed to an offensive foul, though it was not upgraded to a technical.

The Thunder mounted a comeback late in the second quarter, using a 20-5 run to claim their first lead in the series since the conclusion of Game 5. Gilgeous-Alexander sparked this rally by scoring the first seven points and nine of the first 11 Oklahoma City points during the surge.

However, San Antonio responded by scoring the final seven points of the half to reclaim a 56-53 halftime advantage.

The third quarter proved decisive as Champagnie scored 11 points during a dominant 16-2 San Antonio run that established a 76-65 lead for the Spurs.

The New York Knicks are returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, and they’ll face the same opponent that defeated them back then — the San Antonio Spurs, who once again feature a rookie sensation heading to his first championship series.

A quarter-century ago, that rising star was Tim Duncan. Today, it’s Victor Wembanyama leading the charge for San Antonio. The stage is set for the 2026 NBA Finals: San Antonio seeking its sixth championship banner against New York’s quest to end a 53-year title drought.

The series opens Wednesday night in San Antonio.

This championship showdown offers compelling storylines beyond the historical parallel — notably, these same squads battled in this season’s NBA Cup final, which New York captured. The series combines the global appeal of America’s biggest city with the international flair of France’s basketball phenom, while continuing an unprecedented era of league-wide competitive balance.

Regardless of which team claims victory, the winner will become the eighth different organization to capture a championship over the past eight seasons — marking the longest streak of title diversity in league annals. Toronto claimed the crown in 2019, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Denver in 2023, Boston in 2024, Oklahoma City last season, and now either New York or San Antonio will join that exclusive group.

San Antonio’s victory over Oklahoma City on Saturday night highlighted another element of this competitive balance — no defending champion has returned to the Finals since Golden State accomplished the feat by winning in 2018 and advancing again in 2019.

The Knicks aim to accomplish something not achieved since the era of Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe and Phil Jackson — capturing the ultimate prize. Since New York’s last championship, 17 different organizations have hoisted championship trophies, with the Los Angeles Lakers collecting 11 titles during that stretch, Boston claiming seven, Chicago earning six and Golden State winning five.

New York has captured the city’s attention after reaching their first Finals since 1999. The atmosphere was markedly different just one month earlier, when the Knicks found themselves trailing Atlanta 2-1 following consecutive one-point defeats in Games 2 and 3 of their opening playoff round.

Since that low point, New York has been unstoppable at 11-0, with most victories coming by decisive margins. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson emphasized the importance of maintaining focus regardless of external commentary.

“When there’s negative things being said about you, it’s important to ignore them,” Brunson said. “When there’s positive things about you, it’s easy to be able to read them to make you feel good. But you can’t do one and not the other. Just block it out as best you can.”

During the regular season, the teams essentially split their encounters. New York captured two of three meetings, though the NBA Cup championship game — effectively an 83rd contest in an 82-game schedule — doesn’t factor into official league records or statistics.

Each squad protected their home court during regular season play. Julian Champagnie connected on 11 three-point attempts while Wembanyama contributed 31 points as the Spurs rallied for a 134-132 victory over New York on Dec. 31. The Knicks responded with a fourth-quarter surge to secure a 114-89 triumph on March 1, ending San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak, before also claiming the Cup final in Las Vegas.

Predictably, the Spurs — who hold home-court advantage — entered as early betting favorites for the series. They opened with odds of -210 on Saturday evening, requiring bettors to risk $210 to win $100.

The Knicks were listed at +170 odds.

The hockey world is mourning the loss of Dennis Hull, a former Chicago Blackhawks standout who passed away on Saturday at the age of 81, according to a team announcement.

The Blackhawks organization shared the news without providing additional details about his death, with team owner and CEO Danny Wirtz releasing a statement honoring the veteran forward.

“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning,” Wirtz said. “Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise but to the game itself.”

During his NHL career spanning 14 seasons, Hull spent his first 13 years in Chicago from 1964 to 1977, before concluding his playing days with the Detroit Red Wings following a trade in the 1977-78 season.

The talented forward earned recognition as a five-time All-Star, appearing in consecutive All-Star Games from 1970-71 through 1973-74, and received second-team NHL All-Star honors during the 1972-73 campaign.

Throughout his regular season career, Hull accumulated 654 points with 303 goals and 351 assists, along with a plus-22 rating across 959 games. His postseason performance included 67 points on 33 goals and 34 assists over 104 playoff contests. He represented Chicago in three Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 1965, 1971, and 1973.

“Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it,” Wirtz said. “He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome.

“On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him.”

Born in Point Anne, Ontario, Canada, Hull earned the nickname “Silver Jet” while his brother Bobby was known as the “Golden Jet.” Bobby Hull, who passed away in January 2023 at 84, received Hockey Hall of Fame induction in 1983.

Dennis Hull also represented Canada in international competition, participating in the historic 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. He contributed two goals and two assists across four games as Canada claimed victory in the series.

The family of former NHL player Claude Lemieux has decided to donate his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for studies on the lasting impact of repeated head trauma, according to a statement issued Saturday by his daughter Claudia Lemieux Bishop.

The 60-year-old former hockey player took his own life on Thursday, officials confirmed. Just days before his death, he had carried the torch for the Montreal Canadiens before a playoff game. During his professional career spanning from 1983 to 2009, he participated in close to 1,500 NHL games across six different teams, earning recognition for his aggressive playing approach and clutch performance that helped secure four Stanley Cup championships.

According to the family’s statement, they have authorized the CTE Center to make public any research results using Lemieux’s name, while emphasizing that no assumptions should be made about potential diagnoses.

“Claude dedicated his post-playing career to helping the next generation,” the family said, referring to Lemieux becoming an agent. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the national suicide and crisis lifeline, or through online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Kansas City’s third baseman Maikel Garcia departed Saturday’s matchup with Texas after suffering a right hamstring strain during the seventh inning at Arlington, Texas.

The 2025 All-Star sustained the injury while advancing from first to third base on Vinnie Pasquantino’s tiebreaking double. Garcia recorded one hit in four at-bats with one RBI during the game, extending his sluggish performance in the 2026 campaign. The 26-year-old player currently holds a .268 batting average this season with only three home runs and 21 RBIs, significantly down from last year when he hit 16 homers and drove in 74 runs.

Tyler Tolbert entered as a pinch-runner after Garcia’s exit and remained in the game at second base, while Nick Loftin took over Garcia’s position at third base. Should Garcia require placement on the injured list, Loftin, who has four years of major league experience, would likely handle most of the third base duties. Loftin currently has a .215 batting average this season and a .218 career average.

Kansas City, now on a five-game losing streak, held a 6-3 advantage going into the bottom of the eighth inning but ultimately fell 7-6.

Oklahoma City’s standout player Jalen Williams may return for the NBA Finals if the Thunder can defeat San Antonio in tonight’s decisive Game 7, according to head coach Mark Daigneault’s comments before Saturday’s home matchup.

The 25-year-old forward will miss the final game of the Western Conference series due to a left hamstring problem. Tonight’s winner-take-all contest will determine who faces the New York Knicks in the championship round, set to begin Wednesday.

In Game 6, Williams appeared for just 10 minutes as a substitute and had difficulty performing due to his injury, managing only one point while turning the ball over twice. However, Daigneault indicated that Williams did not worsen his condition during that appearance.

“He’s feeling about the same as he did,” Daigneault told reporters. “He actually came out of the game pretty good for where he is in a normal rehab. Depending on what happens tonight, if we’re fortunate enough to win and advance, he’ll continue this rehab, and we’ll take the same process as we go forward.”

Williams has only appeared in three contests during this series and five games total throughout the playoffs because of hamstring problems. The injury to his left hamstring occurred during the first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns, forcing him to miss six consecutive games. He re-injured the same hamstring during Game 2 against San Antonio.

Throughout the postseason, Williams has posted averages of 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

The extended struggle has come to an end for San Diego.

Fernando Tatis Jr. has launched his first home run of the season.

The 27-year-old star player, who topped the National League with 42 homers in 2021 and brings 152 career long balls into this campaign, broke his widely-discussed power outage with a solo blast during the fifth frame of San Diego’s 9-4 defeat against the Nationals in Washington on Saturday.

The round-tripper, delivered against a 90 mph heater from Nationals southpaw Forster Griffin, arrived during Tatis’ 208th trip to the plate and 239th overall plate appearance in 2026. The contest marked San Diego’s 57th outing of the current campaign.

Upon making contact, Tatis flipped his lumber during his swing’s completion and watched the 451-foot rocket sail into left field at Nationals Park. The blast provided San Diego with a temporary 3-1 advantage before Washington plated six runs during the seventh frame.

“I just knew right away,” Tatis shared with media members following the contest. “About (expletive) time.”

Tatis’ previous home run occurred on Sept. 27 of last season. The long ball now makes Tampa Bay speedster Chandler Simpson the player holding the most plate appearances (232) without a homer this year.

PARIS, May 30 – Saturday’s seventh day of competition at the French Open delivered thrilling matches and surprising results as the tournament continued in Paris.

COMEBACK VICTORIES FOR AUGER-ALIASSIME AND TIAFOE

Canadian fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime mounted an impressive comeback against American Brandon Nakashima, winning 5-7 6-1 7-6(4) 7-6(1) after dropping the opening set. His victory sets up a fourth-round clash with Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.

In an even more dramatic turnaround, American 19th seed Frances Tiafoe overcame a two-set deficit to defeat Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4-6 6-7(2) 7-6(4) 6-1 6-2, earning his spot in the round of 16 where he’ll meet Italian Matteo Arnaldi.

KEYS ADVANCES TO FOURTH ROUND

American 19th seed Madison Keys secured her place in the fourth round with a 6-3 5-7 7-5 victory over ninth seed Victoria Mboko, setting up a meeting with Diana Shnaider.

CERUNDOLO REACHES FIRST GRAND SLAM FOURTH ROUND

Juan Manuel Cerundolo, fresh off his upset of world number one Jannik Sinner, achieved another milestone by defeating Martin Landaluce 6-4 6-7(7) 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 7-6(10-8) to reach his first Grand Slam fourth round. He’ll face Matteo Berrettini next.

DEFENDING CHAMPION GAUFF ELIMINATED

In a major upset, Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova ended defending champion Coco Gauff’s title defense, defeating the American fourth seed 4-6 7-6(1) 6-4 in third-round action.

BERRETTINI SURVIVES MARATHON MATCH

Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini endured a grueling five-hour marathon against Argentinian Francisco Comesana, ultimately prevailing 7-6(3) 5-7 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(15-13) to advance to the fourth round.

PARRY UPSETS ANISIMOVA

French crowd favorite Diane Parry delivered a stunning upset by defeating American sixth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3 4-6 7-6(3). The 23-year-old, ranked 92nd globally, reached her first Grand Slam fourth round and will next play Poland’s Maja Chwalinska.

SABALENKA CRUISES TO OSAKA SHOWDOWN

World number one Aryna Sabalenka dominated Daria Kasatkina 6-0 7-5, setting up an anticipated fourth-round battle with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

OSAKA MAKES FRENCH OPEN BREAKTHROUGH

Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka achieved a career milestone by reaching the French Open’s fourth round for the first time, overcoming American 17th seed Iva Jovic 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-4.

COBOLLI DOMINATES TIEN

Italian 10th seed Flavio Cobolli, last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist, cruised past American 18th seed Learner Tien 6-2 6-2 6-3 to reach his first French Open fourth round. He’ll next face Zachary Svajda.

HOT CONDITIONS IN PARIS

Competition began under warm conditions at Roland Garros, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius and expected to peak around 33 degrees. France’s national weather service issued a high-temperature warning for Paris.