Jalen Brunson delivered a dominant 33-point performance, propelling the New York Knicks to a commanding 108-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. The triumph puts New York on the brink of advancing to the conference finals, holding a decisive 3-0 series advantage heading into Sunday’s Game 4 in Philadelphia.
Brunson sealed the victory with crucial baskets in the closing minutes, energizing the traveling Knicks supporters who made their presence felt at the Wells Fargo Center. Supporting Brunson’s stellar effort, Josh Hart contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 23 points. The victory moves first-year head coach Mike Brown’s squad within one win of reaching their second consecutive conference championship series.
For Philadelphia, Joel Embiid returned to action after sitting out Game 2 due to injuries, managing 18 points in the losing effort. Despite his presence, the 76ers couldn’t generate enough offense to keep pace with the surging Knicks.
In other sports news, the NFL and its referees’ union reached agreement on a new seven-year collective bargaining deal, preventing a potential work stoppage that could have lasted through the 2032 season. League officials had begun preparing replacement referees last month as negotiations stalled, but the new agreement makes those contingency plans unnecessary. The resolution avoids a repeat of the 2012 situation when a 110-day lockout forced the league to use substitute officials.
The New York Jets secured their star running back for the long term, agreeing to a three-year, $45.75 million contract extension with Breece Hall, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal, finalized Friday, makes Hall the NFL’s third-highest paid running back at $15.25 million annually. Hall had been playing under the franchise tag before the new agreement was reached. Last season, he rushed for a career-best 1,065 yards despite missing the final game with a knee injury.
Golf star Rory McIlroy has softened his stance on LIV Golf players potentially rejoining the PGA Tour, though he questions whether those players actually want to return. McIlroy believes the answer may depend on LIV’s financial stability after Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund recently ended future funding for the breakaway circuit. The tour had attracted top players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau with guaranteed contracts, but their long-term commitment now appears uncertain. McIlroy called welcoming back quality players “good business practice” for strengthening the PGA Tour.
Celebrity fans Spike Lee and Timothée Chalamet were among the Knicks supporters who made the trip to Philadelphia for Game 3, despite the 76ers’ attempts to limit visiting fans through restricted ticket sales. Some creative fans like Brooklyn resident Lenny Rakhmanov found ways around the restrictions, while Philadelphia countered by donating tickets to local community organizations to maintain home-court atmosphere.
College basketball received a financial boost with March Madness expansion bringing $300 million in additional revenue through new alcohol sponsorships, providing temporary relief from ongoing challenges facing collegiate athletics. However, concerns persist as programs like Arkansas tennis face elimination, while conferences like the Big 12 and schools like Duke scramble for new revenue sources. The industry’s regulatory body, the College Sports Commission, continues dealing with structural issues. The expanded 76-team tournament format debuts next year.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell will make his season debut Saturday against Atlanta after teammate Tyler Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list with lower back spasms. The two-time Cy Young Award winner returns earlier than expected from left shoulder fatigue that had sidelined him since late March. Originally scheduled for another minor league rehabilitation appearance, Snell instead gets the call to face the Braves at Dodger Stadium. The team recalled right-hander Paul Gervase from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the roster spot.
Miami Marlins prospect Robby Snelling made his major league debut Friday in a 3-2 loss to Washington, with young fans already seeking his autograph before the game. The left-handed pitcher, who was the organization’s second-ranked prospect, earned his call-up from Triple-A Jacksonville this week. Originally drafted 39th overall by San Diego in 2022, Snelling came to Miami in a 2024 trade that sent Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing to the Padres.
Baltimore Orioles fans lined up early at Camden Yards for a unique Tupac Shakur bobblehead giveaway, with the rap legend’s sister throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The promotion honored Shakur’s connection to Baltimore, where he was raised before relocating to California’s Bay Area in the late 1980s. Friday’s matchup against Oakland made for fitting timing, with “California Love” playing during the Athletics’ lineup introductions. The visiting A’s, who departed Oakland before last season, defeated Baltimore 4-3.
Rory McIlroy surged into contention at the Truist Championship in Charlotte, firing a 4-under 67 in his second round to move within four shots of leader Sungjae Im. The world’s second-ranked player, competing for the first time since his Masters victory on April 12, struggled early but caught fire on the back nine with a 32. After sitting eight shots back at the turn, McIlroy’s strong finish positioned him for a potential fifth victory at Quail Hollow.
