ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 25: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates in the first inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Monday, May 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Astros best starter this season has been a guy not deemed good enough to make the Opening Day roster.
Spencer Arrighetti (W, 7-1) picked up his 7th win in 8 starts with another terrific performance, limiting the Texas Rangers (25-31) to one run over 6 innings as the Houston Astros (26-32) took 3 of 4 games in Arlington with a 5-1 victory at Globe Life Field.
Arrighetti allowed just 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6. His lone blemish was a solo HR allowed to Josh Jung.
Houston gave Arrighetti all the run support he would need before he even took the mound.
Jeremy Pena led off the game with a HR, his 2nd of the season, off Rangers SP Nathan Eovaldi (L, 5-6). Eovaldi then walked Yordan Alvarez before surrendering a 2-run HR to Isaac Paredes. Houston led 3-0 going into the bottom of the first. The 3 runs in the first off Eovaldi by Houston was more runs than they had scored off him in his last 4 starts against them (2 runs in 27.1 IP).
After Jung homered in the bottom of the 2nd, the Astros answered right back in the top of the third.
Paredes drew a 2-out walk, then took second on a wild pitch. Taylor Trammell then ripped an RBI double, scoring Paredes to make it a 4-1 lead. Cam Smith then drove in Trammell with a single to center to make it a 5-1 game. Eovaldi was charged with 5 runs, 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 HR allowed in 7 innings. He struck out 6.
Houston used 4 relievers to get the final 9 outs, with Bryan Abreu working a 1-2-3 9th with a pair of strikeouts.
Pearson, Okert, De Los Santos and Abreu allowed only 1 hit and 2 walks in 3 innings, while striking out 5 as the bullpen got the job done again for Houston.
Houston has now won 9 of its last 13 games, and only allowed 13 total runs in those 9 wins. They went 7-3 on the road trip, and have won consecutive series for the first time this season.
Houston took 3 of 4 from the Rangers in this series, and now has a 5-2 edge in the Silver Boot Series.
The Astros will now come back to Daikin Park and open a 3-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Pitching probables:
Fri: RHP Kai-Wei Teng vs. RHP Coleman Crow (Fri, 7:10 pm)
Sat: RHP Peter Lambert vs. RHP Brandon Sproat (Sat, 3:10 pm)
Sun: RHP Tatsuya Imai vs. RHP Jacob Misiorowski (Sun, 1:10 pm)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have been eliminated for over a month now, but one Phoenix Sun continues to stay in the public eye.
He’s not going to a get technical for it, but after Dillon Brooks’ partnership with Underdog Sports, where the Suns forward was promoting a game similar to Operation making fun of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the point guard and his management team sent a cease and desist letter to Underdog Sports, according to the Athletic.
It doesn’t look like Underdog Sports is going to be stopping their promotion they did with Brooks. After SGA’s team filed for a cease and desist, according to Front Office Sports.
An attorney for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent a cease and desist to Underdog about a promotional board game making fun of his "foul bating."
Underdog tells FOS it will not stop promoting the game: “We like to have some fun with whatever is in the sports fan zeitgeist.
If you’ve been on the internet or been following NBA discourse the last few months, you’ve probably seen the constant criticism and mockery of the 2-time NBA MVP and Finals MVP receives for his play style. One of the main vocalists has been Brooks.
During the team’s matchup in the first round, the two made subtle jabs at each other after the game.
Brooks had some words for the refs after the Suns lost in Game 2 of the series that were pointed at SGA’s play.
"Ya'll should be interviewing the officials."
Dillon Brooks after Game 2 loss to OKC as he fouled out with 30 points.
"That should be a new thing in the NBA. Officials got to explain themselves because it's getting ridiculous when you can see it. It starts getting fiery. No… pic.twitter.com/Lgvdi3B8af
Both Brooks and Gilgeous-Alexander are from Canada and play on the team’s Olympic squad together, so it may have been all fun and games between the two off the court to get in each other’s heads, but what remains true is that Brooks has kept himself in the NBA eye since the Suns were eliminated. Brooks showed up front row to see LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who he’s had history with, be eliminated by the Thunder in the second round.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault spoke to the media after the loss about Gilgeous-Alexander's performance. The guard scored 32 points the game prior.
"I was pretty encouraged last game at the cracks we were able to get him," Daigneault said. "And obviously, I don't think we were able to do that as well tonight. I'd never discredit the defense and the opponent. There's always that. There are things I think we can do better."
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game in the regular season en route to his second straight Most Valuable Player award. He had a career-high 55 points early on in an October double-overtime matchup where the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 141-135, in a rematch of last year's Finals.
The four-time All-Star has cooled off a bit in the playoffs, though. He's been held under 20 points two other times this postseason. He had 18 points on May 5 in a 108-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs and only notched 19 points in Game 4 against San Antonio, a 103-82 loss.
“I’m not too sure, to be honest,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked why he’s been struggling to hit shots of late (36.2% from the field over his last four games). “A lot of the shots that I’m shooting, I’ve shot plenty of times before and they feel good. They’re just not going in.
“But it’s too late to abandon my work and abandon my game and who I am. This late in the season, I got to trust it and live or die by it.”
His 15 points were the fewest he's put up in any game since he was held to 14 in a May 24, 2025 playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He shot just 4-for-13 in that contest, which the Thunder lost 143-101.
The Thunder will host the Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday, May 30. The winner will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
The NHL lost a total legend on Thursday, when NHL legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60 in Florida.
Lemieux played 1,215 NHL regular-season games along with 234 playoff games, winning four Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy.
Lemieux has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history with 80, and has the 27th most points with 158.
Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with ex-New York Islanders' coach Patrick Roy, in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens and in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.
The duo were teammates for a decade total, first with the Canadiens from 1984 until 1990, then reuniting in Colorado from 1996 until 2000.
Roy eulogized Lemieux Thursday evening:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux's passing," Roy said in a statement to TVA's Renaud Lavoie. "Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport.
"His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents. We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”
Lemieux's Conn Smythe victory came in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and then-general manager Lou Lamoriello.
Lamoriello, the Islanders' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager from 2018 until 2025, traded for Lemieux twice while with the Devils, first in 1990 and then early in the 1999-2000 season.
The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2000, with Lemieux playing a key role.
Lamoriello spoke to The Athletic about his relationship with Lemieux and his untimely passing.
"Lamoriello told The Athletic on Thursday how 'shocked' he was by the death of his former player and an agent with whom he negotiated contracts."
Lemieux, a player agent post-retirement, represented several active NHL players, including Pierre Engvall, signing his current contract with the Islanders and Lamoriello on July 1, 2023.
The NHL lost a total legend on Thursday, when NHL legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60 in Florida.
Lemieux played 1,215 NHL regular-season games along with 234 playoff games, winning four Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy.
Lemieux has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history with 80, and has the 27th most points with 158.
Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with ex-New York Islanders' coach Patrick Roy, in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens and in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.
The duo were teammates for a decade total, first with the Canadiens from 1984 until 1990, then reuniting in Colorado from 1996 until 2000.
Roy eulogized Lemieux Thursday evening:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux's passing," Roy said in a statement to TVA's Renaud Lavoie. "Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport.
"His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents. We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”
Lemieux's Conn Smythe victory came in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and then-general manager Lou Lamoriello.
Lamoriello, the Islanders' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager from 2018 until 2025, traded for Lemieux twice while with the Devils, first in 1990 and then early in the 1999-2000 season.
The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2000, with Lemieux playing a key role.
Lamoriello spoke to The Athletic about his relationship with Lemieux and his untimely passing.
"Lamoriello told The Athletic on Thursday how 'shocked' he was by the death of his former player and an agent with whom he negotiated contracts."
Lemieux, a player agent post-retirement, represented several active NHL players, including Pierre Engvall, signing his current contract with the Islanders and Lamoriello on July 1, 2023.
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 15: Cooper Consiglio #28 of the NC State Wolfpack takes the mound during the college baseball game between the Boston College Eagles and the NC State Wolfpack on March 15, 2026 at Doak Field at Dail Park in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Game 1: (1) Auburn vs (4) Milwaukee | Fri, May 29 @ 1:00pm | ESPN+ | Stats
Game 2: (2) UCF vs (3) NC State | Fri, May 29 @ 6:00pm | ESPN2 | Stats
Game 3: Game 1 Loser vs Game 2 Loser | Sat, May 30 @ 3:00pm | ESPN+ | Stats
Game 4: Game 1 Winner vs Game 2 Winner | Sat, May 30 @ 8:00pm | ESPN+ | Stats
Game 5: Game 3 Winner vs Game 4 Loser | Sun, May 31 @ 3:00pm | ESPN+ | Stats
Game 6: Game 4 Winner vs Game 5 Winner | Sun, May 31 @ 8:00pm | ESPN+ | Stats
Game 7: Repeat of Game 6 (if necessary) | Mon, Jun 1 @ TBD | ESPN+ | Stats
Welcome to the 2026 Auburn Regional, hosted by – you guessed it – the #4 overall seed Auburn Tigers. Let’s get to know the participants.
Opponent: Auburn | Seed: 1
Mascot: Generic Create-a-School Selection | Location: The Original Clemson, AL | Conference: SEC
The consistent thing you’ll hear about Auburn is that they’re battle-tested, and it’s not hyperbole. This Tigers team played the most Q1 games in the country this year and played not only the overall toughest schedule in the country, but also the toughest one in the SEC, playing fellow Regional hosts Texas, Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Georgia. Four of those series were on the road, plus they played a non-conference series against Regional host Nebraska, plus three total games against Regional hosts Florida State and Georgia Tech.
We’ll get the pitching staff here momentarily, but the lineup is vastly undervalued. Of the eight lineup mainstays, seven have OBPs over .400, the most of any team in the Auburn Regional. It’s a young core, too, with six of those eight mainstays being freshman or sophomores. SO 2B Chris Rembert (.345/.402/.478, 13 2B, 4 HR, 7.4 BB%, 16.0 K%, 11-16 SB) was the only 1st Team All-SEC honoree on the squad this year, but he’s far from the only deserving one. FR 1B Ethin Bingaman (.323/.415/.538, 7 2B, 11 HR, 12.0 BB%, 15.2 K%, 4-6 SB) earned 2nd Team honors while SO C Chase Fralick (.311/.415/.594, 16 2B, 14 HR, 11.4 BB%, 17.3 K%, 1-1 SB) has been invited to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team training camp and JR 3B Eric Guevara (.335/.403/.555, 12 2B, 12 HR, 6.4 BB%, 18.5 K%, 3-3 SB) is a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy. JR CF Bristol Carter (.299/.432/.388, 7 2B, 2 HR, 15.1 BB%, 12.0 K%, 30-31 SB) and rFR SS Brandon McCraine (.347/.428/.432, 11 2B, 1 HR, 11.2 BB%, 17.9 K%, 16-19 SB) provide the wheels to the lineup. Oh, and that one lineup mainstay with a sub-.400 OBP? That’s leading home run hitter SO LF Bub Terrell (.303/.383/.588, 12 2B, 16 HR, 10.0 BB%, 29.6 K%, 3-5 SB).
The pitching staff is what gets the most attention for the Tigers, and rightfully so as it’s as good of a group as you’ll find the country, and the reason why so many are high on this team to be playing in Omaha in two weeks. The starting rotation has been not only consistent but consistently dominant, with SO LHP Jake Marciano (5-5, 2.64 ERA, 81.2 IP, 5.1 BB%, 30.1 K%), SO RHP Andreas Alvarez (9-3, 3.30 ERA, 73.2 IP, 9.1 BB%, 33.0 K%), and rSO RHP Alex Petrovic (9-2, 3.21 ERA, 81.1 IP, 5.8 BB%, 24.8 K%) forming a fearsome three-headed beast. Somehow, none of the three earned All-SEC honors. Like Guevara, Petrovic is a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy. Getting one of those three out of the game early does you no real favors as the bullpen is just a lethal. SO LHP Jackson Sanders (4-1, 4 SV, 2.66 ERA, 61.0 IP, 8.7 BB%, 32.5 K%), a 2nd Team All-SEC pick, was the main midweek starter for Auburn, but also led the team in saves. FR RHP L.J. Cormier (1-0, 2 SV, 2.06 ERA, 39.1 IP, 7.3 BB%, 29.7 K%), JR RHP Ryan Hetzler (4-2, 2 SV, 2.76 ERA, 29.1 IP, 4.2 BB%, 22.9 K%), and JR LHP Garrett Brewer (1-2, 3 SV, 5.00 ERA, 18.0 IP, 10.7 BB%, 31.0 K%) also notched multiple saves each on the year. Cormier is the son of long-time MLB pitcher Lance Cormier. JR RHP Jett Johnston (0-1, 5.64 ERA, 22.1 IP, 4.0 BB%, 28.0 K%) doesn’t have a pretty ERA, but good luck against him with those walk and strikeout numbers. It’s worth noting that Brewer hasn’t pitched since May 12th and Johnston since May 5th.
This Auburn team is built for postseason play with talent and depth in both the starting rotation and bullpen, a talented lineup with a high ceiling, and a solid fielding team that controls the running game. That’s a College World Series contender recipe right there.
Opponent: Central Florida (UCF) | Seed: 2
Mascot: Medieval Times | Location: Strip Mall Central, FL | Conference: Big 12
Around these parts we consistently hound on NC State’s dreadful non-conference scheduling, but it’s kind of wild to see that the Wolfpack had the 2nd “hardest” non-conference schedule among Auburn Regional teams. The Knights surprisingly had a worse non-conference schedule than the Wolfpack, checking in at #109 compared to NC State’s #96. UCF struggled against that OOC portion of their schedule, though, sweeping Murray State and Siena but going 6-9 against the rest. The Knights still started out hot in Big 12 play, getting out to a 10-2 start through their first four series, including a sweep over Regional team Oklahoma State and series wins against Regional host West Virginia. A rough two-week stretch being swept at Kansas (Regional host and Big 12 regular season and tournament champs) and losing a series to Cincinnati (another Regional team) removed UCF from the conference drivers seat, but they finished strong going 10-5 down the regular season stretch before getting bounced by Oklahoma State in their lone conference tournament game.
The lineup isn’t going to blow your socks off in any one area, but they handle the stick well and put up tough at-bats from 1-to-9. JR RF Andrew Williamson (.320/.440/.601, 13 2B, 12 HR, 15.5 BB%, 17.5 K%, 8-13 SB) and SR LF John Smith III (.328/.393/.582, 12 2B, 12 HR, 7.9 BB%, 14.0 K%, 2-4 SB) both earned 2nd Team All-Big 12 honors, but rSR C Zak Skinner (.365/.438/.503, 8 2B, 5 HR, 9.7 BB%, 13.7 K%, 2-2 SB) and rSR 3B Javier Crespo (.335/.429/.486, 9 2B, 5 HR, 9.7 BB%, 12.1 K%, 1-1 SB) also deserve some love. FR SS Jordan Lodise (.241/.338/.391, 14 2B, 4 HR, 12.4 BB%, 17.1 K%, 4-4 SB), the younger brother of former Georgia Tech SS Kyle Lodise (3rd round pick in last year’s MLB Draft) and cousin of former Florida State SS Alex Lodise (2nd round pick in the same draft), earned All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors.
Injuries have hurt the pitching staff, losing JR RHP Matt Sauser (2-3, 3.06 ERA, 35.1 IP, 7.7 BB%, 20.3 K%) and JR RHP Braden Smith (3-1, 6.21 ERA, 33.1 IP, 6.0 BB%, 15.3 K%) each after 8 starts. That put a serious hurt on the pitching staff, but JR RHP Camden Wicker (5-3, 4.00 ERA, 72.0 IP, 9.0 BB%, 20.3 K%) has been a steadying presence in the starting rotation for the Knights. The 6’7 Wicker has only hit 90+ pitches in two of his 15 starts this year, but has worked into the 7th inning on five occasions this year, an indication to his ability to be efficient on the bump. The injuries to Sauser and Smith have moved SO RHP Mateo Gray (5-1, 1 SV, 4.87 ERA, 57.1 IP, 6.2 BB%, 18.1 K%) into the starting rotation, with mixed results. Despite the shifting to fill holes in the rotation, the bullpen is solid with rJR RHP Evan Jones (1-3, 4 SV, 4.10 ERA, 41.2 IP, 8.0 BB%, 26.7 K%), rSR Kris Sosnowski (1-0, 4 SV, 2.10 ERA, 25.2 IP, 5.5 BB%, 14.7 K%), and FR RHP Max Murray (5-2, 3.62 ERA, 32.1 IP, 11.1 BB%, 25.7 K%) all earning some level of Big 12 honors this year. Add to that group rFR RHP Anthony Lariz (4-0, 4.39 ERA, 26.2 IP, 12.1 BB%, 24.1 K%), who finished the season strong (9.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K over his last five appearances).
The lack of starting pitching depth is going to hamstring UCF in the postseason, with the team needing the lineup to produce over what it’s done to date and hoping the bullpen can keep up.
Opponent: NC State | Seed: 3
Mascot: The Best Mascot Ever | Location: Home of the Future Stanley Cup Champs, NC | Conference: ACC
The Wolfpack’s season has revolved around two themes: injuries and inconsistency. A third theme will dominant their postseason: the retirement of long-time head coach Elliott Avent.
Injuries hit the starting rotation the hardest, with NC State losing JR RHP Jacob Dudan (4-1, 3.60 ERA, 50.0 IP, 5.9 BB%, 30.4 K%) after eight starts and being without JR LHP Ryan Marohn (6-1, 3.18 ERA, 45.1 IP, 11.9 BB%, 33.5 K%) for the last five weeks of the regular season plus the ACC Tournament. There’s a chance Marohn will return for the Auburn Regional, but to what extent and at what effectiveness will be the real question. Those two injuries forced shuffling for the rest of the pitching staff, with JR LHP Cooper Consiglio (3-4, 3 SV, 5.73 ERA, 59.2 IP, 10.5 BB%, 26.6 K%) being forced into a starting role and keeping JR RHP Heath Andrews (3-4, 7.24 ERA, 59.2 IP, 11.2 BB%, 19.3 K%) in the starting rotation despite his struggles. That caused its own chaos in an already thin bullpen, and stud reliever SO RHP Anderson Nance (4-2, 3 SV, 3.78 ERA, 47.2 IP, 11.3 BB%, 26.4 K%) has now joined the starting rotation – he’s slated for the start against UCF on Friday.
Despite the overall numbers being the most potent among the four teams in Auburn this weekend, the Wolfpack have struggled at times with plating runs, being held to two or fewer runs on eight occasions, including four shutouts. Despite not having a true power guy or a blazing speedster, the lineup both packs a punch and can push the issue on the bases, but it really thrives when it can work pitchers into delivering pitches with which damage can be done. FR LF Rett Johnson (.392/.498/.460, 10 2B, 1 HR, 16.9 BB%, 6.3 K%, 14-16 SB) has been a revelation from the leadoff spot, JR 2B Luke Nixon (.361/.450/.600, 16 2B, 9 HR, 12.6 BB%, 14.6 K%, 11-16 SB) has been arguably the best two-hole hitter in the ACC, and SO CF Ty Head (.294/.467/.572, 8 2B, 14 HR, 22.8 BB%, 8.9 K%, 26-29 SB) has lived up to his MLB Draft hype both at the dish and with his defense. The lineup suffered for a while when SO SS Mikey Ryan (.336/.427/.599, 11 2B, 9 HR, 12.2 BB%, 17.1 K%, 11-13 SB) was forced to miss time with an ankle injury, but he’s back. JR 3B Sherman Johnson (.335/.438/.555, 7 2B, 9 HR, 11.8 BB%, 15.2 K%, 11-14 SB) might be the most undervalued bat in the conference.
Like the Knights, pitching depth is going to be the Wolfpack’s Achilles heel in the postseason, although Elliott Avent has proven to be able to make a run to Omaha before with essentially just five pitchers. Expecting him to something similar again might be asking a bit much. NC State’s going to need the lineup to carry this team in Auburn.
Opponent: Milwaukee | Seed: 4
Mascot: Tim “The Toolman” Taylor | Location: PBRtown, WI | Conference: Horizon
What a ride 2026 has been for the Panthers. Milwaukee started the year as straight trash, with a 5-23 record when the sun came up on April 4th. They’ve been hot since, albeit suffering through a 10-game stretch in late April to mid-May where they went just 3-7. But they got right at the right time, winning their last four games of the regular season and then going unbeaten through the Horizon League Tournament, defeating perennial Horizon power Wright State (and their head coach, former NC State player Alex Sogard) twice, including via a walk-off home run in the title game.
Milwaukee’s lineup has some exciting pieces to it, led by JR CF Dylan O’Connell (.338/.435/.566, 17 2B, 8 HR, 11.9 BB%, 14.4 K%, 40-44 SB), the team’s three-hole hitter and a 1st Team All-Horizon pick. It is a top-heavy group, though, and despite former Notre Dame player Joey Spence coming through with the heroics to capture the league trophy, 6-to-9 in the order have struggled to consistently contribute. JR C/DH Dom Kibler (.317/.466/.571, 13 2B, 11 HR, 16.9 BB%, 11.3 K%, 13-17 SB) and SR RF Charlie Marion (.310/.387/.580, 16 2B, 12 HR, 8.7 BB%, 19.9 K%, 8-9 SB) each bopped double-digit bombs while joining O’Connell on the All-Horizon 1st Team.
The pitching staff doesn’t offer a ton to get excited about, but does have JR RHP Camden Kuhnke (4-1, 6 SV, 3.38 ERA, 32.0 IP, 10.5 BB%, 23.1 K%), a 1st Team All-Horizon honoree and the Horizon Reliever-of-the-Year. The starting rotation has been consistent with 1st Team All-Horizon rSR RHP Gavin Theis (2-3, 4.91 ERA, 69.2 IP, 9.6 BB%, 17.3 K%), Aric Ehmke (5-6, 4.50 ERA, 70.0 IP, 6.1 BB%, 14.5 K%), and LHP Riley Peterson (5-4, 7.18 ERA, 62.2 IP, 8.6 BB%, 23.7 K%) toeing the rubber every weekend. The issue has really been anything past Kuhnke in the bullpen.
While it wouldn’t be the biggest upset in this year’s field thanks to South Dakota State (4-seed in the Lincoln Regional) also being in a Regional, Milwaukee moving on to a Super Regional would be the most shocking 4-seed Regional champion in recent memory. The bullpen is too light for Regional play, but this is a team capable of pulling off a win in Auburn.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 15: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game on January 15, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I want to make this about New York, and their Knickerbockers.
On one hand, it is pretty awesome to see Knicks fans flooding the streets in a frenzy going absolutely wild for their franchise winning the Eastern Conference and making it to the big dance. On the other hand, as I stare out from the proud but dilapidating confines of the Golden Empire here in Dub Nation HQ, my eyes glaze over with creeping disgust. Knicks fans are already having a parade just for making it to the NBA Finals? That feels like a very Knicks move for as long as I’ve been a ballwatcher.
I’m not one for the “if you weren’t here for this” tweets. But I will say:
As a kid, I (and I know many of you) sat there watching every single game. Grasping for any hope. Jubilant for the smallest victories.
Marbury and Curry and Lee and Melo and Porzingis and tanks and…
I do not personally respect their franchise very much because my biggest Knicks related memories are Steph Curry dropping 54 on them in the Garden and Michael Jordan destroying them in the 90s. But I do enjoy their fan base. I have hella friends in New York and to see their eyes light up off Hennessy and deferred hopes coming to fruition is something I can relate to as a Warriors fan who saw my hometown team be trash for most of my life before they ruined the league for a decade.
I absolutely remember going to games during the late-90s and early-2000s when they were force feeding tickets on people. Get four hot dogs and four bags of chips with the family four-pack! Giving free tickets away if you complete the Oakland Public Library summer book club challenge! READ THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD AND GET TO A GOLDEN STATE GAME FOR FREE!
(Also looking back that’s a CRAZY name for a kids book. I do remember enjoying the hell out of that series though, along with Beverly Cleary books about Ramona Quimby and Ralph the mouse with the motorcycle. Sigh. Simpler times.)
The point is that I understand Knicks fans better than they probably realize. I know what it’s like when your franchise spends decades surviving on hope. I know what it’s like when loyalty itself becomes the accomplishment because championships aren’t even part of the conversation. I know what it’s like when simply reaching a Finals feels like the biggest thing that has happened to your basketball life.
But I also used to sleep on an air mattress as a freshman in college. At some point you gotta level up and actually win some championships, as the Warriors have done in the Splash Bros era. The Knicks don’t know anything about that.
Loved that the Knicks had somewhat of a muted celebration. Happy but didn’t overdo it.
Perfect.
The job – as Mamba famously said – is not finished.
But how about that Knicks front office? Every move scrutinized and most heavily criticized off the bat: Brunson signing, KAT…
The Knicks last won a title in 1973 when Richard Nixon was president and the ABA still existed. Walt Frazier was still crossing people over in bell bottoms. Since then, eighteen different franchises have won an NBA championship. The Celtics built multiple dynasties. The Lakers built multiple dynasties. The Bulls happened. The Spurs happened. The Heat happened. The Warriors happened. The Raptors got one. The Cavaliers got one. The Nuggets got one. The Thunder got one. Fifty-three years!
Every season another franchise climbed the mountain while New York kept talking about how nice the view would be when they finally got there. Now my friends from New York laugh at my disdain for their organization. They ask me, “Ayo B, why you mad buggin’, son?!”
Fortunately I watched Do the Right Thing when I was a kid so I can translate.
I’m buggin’ because your team hasn’t won yet. Do you think I respected the 2018 Cavaliers, a team with LeBron damn James, just because they made the Finals? Absolutely not.
But my respect doesn’t pay bills or win titles, and so I’ll be watching to see if these plucky Knicks and their boisterous fanbase can actually get four more wins and write the most beautiful closing chapter in sports: becoming a champion.
The Knicks won’t know their NBA Finals opponent until Saturday night after the Spurs forced Game 7 in the Western Conference finals with a 118-91 blowout of the Thunder on Thursday in San Antonio.
The Spurs led wire to wire.
Victor Wembanyama, who scored 28 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander look on during the Spurs’ 118-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder on May 28, 2026 in San Antonio. NBAE via Getty Images
It means the Knicks will have to go through practice the next two days not knowing who to prepare for.
“Obviously, you want to focus on being ready as a team, but you gotta prepare for both [teams],” Jalen Brunson said after practice Thursday. “Just understand the differences between the teams. You have two really good teams going at it right now. We gotta prepare for both.”
Victory Wembanyama goes up for a layup during the Spurs’ Game 6 win over the Thunder. Getty Images
Regardless of opponent, the Knicks will have a significant rest advantage.
They will have had eight days between Game 4 of the conference finals against the Cavaliers and Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The Thunder or Spurs, on the other hand, will have just three days between their Game 7 and Game 1 of the Finals.
“Just going out there, playing our way no matter what, whoever’s out there, don’t really care,” Mikal Bridges said Thursday. “Just go out there and just play our way, and whoever’s out there is out there. We just got to play the right way.”
With the way they are playing right now, the Knicks don’t seem to care who they face.
“If we expect to be who we think we are, then at the end of the day it doesn’t matter,” coach Mike Brown said. “If we play San Antonio, it’ll save me some money because my family lives in San Antonio. I don’t have to buy airline tickets. But at the end of the day, both teams are great and both teams will be a challenge for us.”
Victor Wembanyama, after his no-show in Game 5, returned to form in Game 6 and finished with 28 points — on 10-for-21 shooting overall and 4-for-9 shooting from 3-point range — along with 10 rebounds and three blocks. Stephon Castle added 17 points.
After a big Game 5, league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had just 15 points and missed all five 3-pointers he took.
Jalen Williams (hamstring) returned after missing the last three games but played just 10 minutes and did not make a field goal.
Williams has missed nine games this postseason with the hamstring injury and remains a major question mark for the Thunder.
Ajay Mitchell missed his third straight game with a calf injury and is also an uncertainty for the Thunder.
The past three games of the series have all been blowouts — two for the Thunder and one for the Spurs. Game 7 will be played in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder are 6-1 this postseason.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors embrace prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Chase Center on January 30, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The offseason is here for the Golden State Warriors, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. has a whole lot of decisions to make over the next few months. There will be rumors, reports, draft picks, signings, and likely trades. But for now, we only know two things: first, the roster that takes the court in October will be different than the roster that ended the season in April. And second? Well, it won’t be too different.
With that said, let’s take a look at the contract situations for the 18 players who ended the 2026-27 season wearing a Warriors jersey, so we can properly take stock of the offseason waiting ahead.
Guaranteed contracts (6)
Jimmy Butler III(1 year, $56.8 million) Steph Curry (1 year, $62.6 million) Moses Moody (2 years, $25.9 million) Brandin Podziemski (1 year, $5.7 million) Will Richard (1 year, $2.2 million, with a non-guaranteed contract in 27-28, and a team option in 28-29) Gui Santos (2 years, $9.6 million, with a player option in 28-29)
This is where the guaranteed money is, but it doesn’t mean the money is guaranteed to still be around come Opening Night. In reality, Curry is the only player here who is truly guaranteed. Butler’s contract would almost certainly have to be included in any trade for a star, while Santos and Moody’s deals could be used to make the money add up in a trade. Podziemski has a bit of trade value, and would be an appealing piece if the Dubs make a big swing. Richard would also make a nice throw in.
While these deals are all fairly short term, expect the Warriors and Curry to work on an extension this summer … and possibly one with Podziemski, too.
Non-guaranteed contracts (2)
LJ Cryer Malevy Leons
Cryer and Leons both impressed, the former for his hot shooting and the latter for his toughness. According to Spotrac, both players signed two-year, two-way contracts. All two-way contracts are non-guaranteed, as they’re prorated and the team can cut the players at any time without owing additional money. Furthermore, two-way contracts do not count against the salary cap.
Player options (3)
Draymond Green ($27.7 million) Al Horford ($6 million) De’Anthony Melton ($3.5 million)
The Warriors would likely be thrilled if Melton or Horford picked up their player option for next year, as the veterans were key players this past season, and provide steady play that Steve Kerr loves. I would assume that Melton seeks more money elsewhere, though he struggled towards the end of the season, so who knows. Horford will have to decide whether he wants to retire, chase a ring with a more competitive team, or run it back with the Dubs.
Green’s contract is the interesting one. He definitely won’t surpass the $27.7 million mark in free agency, and with Kerr returning, I’d be shocked if Draymond wants to play elsewhere. But he could opt out and re-sign — essentially restructuring his contract — to give himself a little bit more long-term security, while giving Dunleavy more short-term flexibility to build a competitive roster.
Unrestricted free agents (5)
Charles Bassey Seth Curry Gary Payton II Kristaps Porziņģis Nate Williams
Some interesting names here, and it’s hard to tell who might return. Bassey impressed the team during his very short stint, but it seems unlikely that it was enough to sway them into giving him a guaranteed deal; though if no one signs him this summer, I’d expect that he’s in camp at the very least. The younger Curry was a feel-good addition last year, and his spacing could really aid a Warriors team that no longer has Buddy Hield, but are the aging Dubs really interested in a player who is on the tail end of his career and was only healthy for 10 games last season?
Porziņģis is, obviously, the biggest name here, and his time with the team was a mixed bag following February’s trade. On the one hand, his skillset on both offense and defense was an excellent fit, and he seemed to get along well in the locker room as well. On the other hand, his availability remains a huge issue, and it remains to be seen what his market will be like from other suitors. It certainly raised a few eyebrows how non-committal he was when asked about whether or not he wanted to return during exit interviews.
It’s hard to imagine Payton playing elsewhere. He loves the Warriors, Kerr loves him, and GPII has seen firsthand that the grass isn’t greener on other rosters. But we’ll have to wait to see if the team has space on the roster for him. He’ll almost certainly only cost the veteran’s minimum.
Williams, like Cryer and Leons, impressed on his two-way contract. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s back on the same deal.
Restricted free agents (2)
Quinten Post Pat Spencer
The Warriors like both Post and Spencer. It’s also clear that they need to improve their roster, so neither of these guys will be at the top of the free agency list. But it’s easy to envision either returning — especially Spencer.
Mar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kane Kepley against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Javier Assad started and left the game after issuing a one-out walk in the fifth. But Luis Peralta then let that run score and two more of his own, so technically Assad got the loss. The final line on Assad was one run on four hits over 4.1 innings. Assad struck out five and only walked that one. He left after 78 pitches.
Iowa had seven hits tonight, all singles, and went 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position.
Connor Schultz was activated off the injured list and and got the start tonight. He allowed two runs in the first inning, but settled down after that and finished with two runs on five hits over five innings. Schultz struck out eight and walked no one, so that’s awfully nice.
Nick Dean pitched the next two innings, gave up one run on two hits and took the loss. Dean walked two and struck out two.
Right fielder Alex Ramírez went 3 for 5 with a double. He also stole two bases.
Both Smokies runs scored on errors in the first inning. Shortstop Jefferson Rojas hit an infield single and Ramírez scored on a throwing error in the play. Then Rojas got picked off second base, ran to third and scored when the throw to third went wild. Rojas was 1 for 3 with a steal.
This is Rojas stealing third and scoring. We don’t know what happened. It’s possible that Rojas thought that it was strike three and he was just walking off the field. But why he’d be walking towards the home dugout is unclear.
Cole Reynolds started and got the win after allowing two runs on four hits over five innings. Both runs scored on solo home runs. Reynolds struck out five and walked just one.
Adam Stone pitched the next three innings, allowing just one run on just one hit, a solo home run. Stone struck out three and walked no one.
Ethan Bell pitched the ninth and got the save. He gave up one base runner, a one-out double, but no runs. Bell struck out one.
Left fielder Miguel Useche hit a solo home run in the eighth inning for some insurance. It was his third home run of the year. Useche went 2 for 4 with two runs scored.
DH Kane Kepley was 2 for 3 with a triple and a walk. Kepley also had his 28th steal of the season already, which leads the Midwest League. Kepley scored one run and drove in one.
Josiah Hartshorn was 1 for 2 with three walks. He scored once and drove in one with a bases-loaded walk in the fifth.
Here is an RBI double for Matt Halbach and Kepley’s RBI triple.
Starter Kaleb Wing gave the Pelicans three scoreless innings, permitting just three hits. Wing walked two and struck out four.
Jordan Henriquez gave up a run in the eighth and a run in the ninth and got the loss. Henriquez’s final line was two runs, one earned, on three hits over two innings. He walked two and struck out three.
Right fielder Eli Lovich connected on a solo home run in the second inning. It was his sixth of the season. Lovich was 1 for 4.
Catcher Logan Poteet got the Birds to within a run with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth. It was his seventh of the season and second in as many games. Poteet was 1 for 4.
Shortstop Deniche Valdez went 2 for 4 and he scored one run.
“I think it helps even just being on the road a little bit, being in a hostile environment,” Mikal Bridges said following Thursday’s practice. “That should just get the mindset right off the jump anyway … Second time going around it, knowing that, ‘OK, we just got to pick it up.’ ”
Mikal Bridges talks with reporters during Knicks practice on May 27, 2026 in Tarrytown, N.Y. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Whether it was the result of rest or rust, the Knicks put up their worst three quarters of the postseason in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, nine days after completing their sweep of the 76ers.
They opened 4-of-23 on 3-pointers. They scored 71 points in the first 40 minutes, falling behind by 22. A night defined by Jalen Brunson’s heroics started with the Knicks’ leading man shooting 7-of-19 (0-for-5 on 3-pointers) before he guided the greatest postseason comeback in franchise history.
This time, the crowd will not help carry them to the finish line. This time, the Knicks will enter a series as underdogs for the first time this postseason, facing one of the toughest defenses of this era.
“Comparing our situation from last time, just being mentally and physically locked in,” Brunson said. “I think that’s really important for us and that’s what we have to focus on these next couple of days.”
Knicks coach Mike Brown’s seventh appearance in the NBA Finals will be his third trip after an extended break.
In 2017, he filled in for Steve Kerr, leading the Warriors to a sweep in the Western Conference finals before Golden State cruised to a title. Following a sweep in the 2019 conference finals, the Warriors lost Game 1 on the road in Toronto and eventually the series.
“It’s hard to manufacture the competitive environment that you’re going to be in in Game 1,” Brown said. “So [we want] to continue to just find different ways to keep that competitive spirit or to keep that edge as high as you can … The biggest thing that I think should help us is knowing that as a group, the last time we went through this we started off a little slow in that game, and we can’t afford to do that again. Our guys, they’re a veteran group. They’ve been really resilient, and they’ve done a good job of growing quickly anytime they’ve hit adversity.
“The biggest thing is reminding them what happened in Game 1 of our last series, and let them know that when you’re watching these teams, it can’t happen this time around.”
Believe it or not, we're only a month away from the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be held from June 26-27 in Buffalo.
Hype is beginning to build for it, especially since the 2026 NHL Combine is also in Buffalo from June. 1-6. It's set to start on Monday and go through next Saturday, giving teams the chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects. Teams can also get physical assessments for the players and review their medicals.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have members of their front office there to talk with some of the players who could be available to them at No. 22 in the first round.
One of the players who could be there is defenseman Ryan Lin, who spent the 2025-26 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants. He finished this past season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games and is set to play for the University of Denver during the 2026-27 season.
When I watch Lin play, the words "steady" and "reliable" come to mind. He's always in a good position and has good pinching tendencies. He really knows when to pull back and avoid what I like to call "30/70" pinches.
He also knows exactly when to jump into the play, and there were numerous moments throughout this season when he would smartly come down and absolutely rifle the puck. He's not afraid to rip it when he gets the chance.
Lin has experience quarterbacking the power play and has had some impressive keeps at the blue line. One example I keep coming back to is from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal between Canada and Team USA, when he dove across to keep the puck at the point. Tynan Lawrence then corralled the puck along the boards before cutting to the slot and firing the puck home.
He also moves the puck extremely well from his own zone, and an example of this comes from Vancouver's game against Kamloops this past season. Lin started from behind his net and quickly got a burst of speed coming out of his own zone. He quickly gained the red line before skating the puck into the offensive zone, dropping the puck off for a teammate. The puck was in the back of the net two seconds later, and it all started because of Lin's breakout.
He's a solid skater with good hockey IQ, but I still think he could bulk up a bit. He's currently listed at 5'11 and 176 lbs, but the important thing to remember is that he's still only 18.
Finally, his own-zone play is really solid, along with his gap control. He's an all-around solid defenseman who will have numerous teams looking at him in the first round.
The Penguins should be one of those teams, since they still need to add more to their defensive pipeline. It'll all come down to whether or not Lin is there when it's their turn to pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick with a chance to become a reliable top-four defenseman.
Believe it or not, we're only a month away from the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be held from June 26-27 in Buffalo.
Hype is beginning to build for it, especially since the 2026 NHL Combine is also in Buffalo from June. 1-6. It's set to start on Monday and go through next Saturday, giving teams the chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects. Teams can also get physical assessments for the players and review their medicals.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have members of their front office there to talk with some of the players who could be available to them at No. 22 in the first round.
One of the players who could be there is defenseman Ryan Lin, who spent the 2025-26 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants. He finished this past season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games and is set to play for the University of Denver during the 2026-27 season.
When I watch Lin play, the words "steady" and "reliable" come to mind. He's always in a good position and has good pinching tendencies. He really knows when to pull back and avoid what I like to call "30/70" pinches.
He also knows exactly when to jump into the play, and there were numerous moments throughout this season when he would smartly come down and absolutely rifle the puck. He's not afraid to rip it when he gets the chance.
Lin has experience quarterbacking the power play and has had some impressive keeps at the blue line. One example I keep coming back to is from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal between Canada and Team USA, when he dove across to keep the puck at the point. Tynan Lawrence then corralled the puck along the boards before cutting to the slot and firing the puck home.
He also moves the puck extremely well from his own zone, and an example of this comes from Vancouver's game against Kamloops this past season. Lin started from behind his net and quickly got a burst of speed coming out of his own zone. He quickly gained the red line before skating the puck into the offensive zone, dropping the puck off for a teammate. The puck was in the back of the net two seconds later, and it all started because of Lin's breakout.
He's a solid skater with good hockey IQ, but I still think he could bulk up a bit. He's currently listed at 5'11 and 176 lbs, but the important thing to remember is that he's still only 18.
Finally, his own-zone play is really solid, along with his gap control. He's an all-around solid defenseman who will have numerous teams looking at him in the first round.
The Penguins should be one of those teams, since they still need to add more to their defensive pipeline. It'll all come down to whether or not Lin is there when it's their turn to pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick with a chance to become a reliable top-four defenseman.
May 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game six of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Spurs rattled Oklahoma City with a cogent 35-22 first quarter and a convincing 32-13 third quarter (including a 20-0 run) to secure a resounding game 6 win and force game 7 on Saturday night (NBA / Peacock 7:00 PM CDT). San Antonio did it by honoring its possessions, limiting its penchant for turnovers, and nearly doubling up the Thunder from three in the minutes that mattered. The Spurs also had the unexpected bench scoring advantage (46-38) in a trend that could bode well for Saturday evening. Victor Wembanyama (28 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals) matched his four field goal total from game 5 in the first quarter alone and his Spurs led from start-to-finish. While the Thunder starters struggled with their outside shooting, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso led a spirited backup effort to prevent a runaway over 2 1/2 quarters before San Antonio’s second-half detonation.
Wembanyama and Castle (17 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds) received a crucial boost from rookie Dylan Harper (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), who had his best game since game 1 tonight as the third banana to his more heralded teammates. Devin Vassell (12 points and 2 blocks) and Julian Champagnie (10 points and 6 rebounds) supplied timely shooting and suffocating defense to aid San Antonio’s impressive start. Carter Bryant supplied a healthy dose of defensive pressure in his limited minutes, and Keldon Johnson performed well (9 points and 3 rebounds) in his spot minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (15 points and 4 assists) was kept contained throughout the game with contributions from Isaiah Hartenstein (10 points and 5 rebounds) and Chet Holmgren (10 points and 11 rebounds) being empty calories. Wallace (11 points) and Caruso (7 points) provided an early bench boost for Oklahoma City. Jalen Williams returned to action for the first time since game two, but did not significantly impact the game
A 9-2 opening burst caused Mark Daigneault to call for time within 90 seconds. While Wembanyama and Castle got off to good starts, Vassell and Champagnie held up their end of the outside shooting bargain with three combined triples. Gilgeous-Alexander connected on his first two shots, and the Thunder defense kept the Spurs out of the lane over several minutes. Given the very close-quarters combat nature of the previous games, it was surprising that the teams combined for a ‘only’ handful of fouls in 10 minutes of action. Just as they had started the period, Wembanyama and Castle pieced together a 5-0 run to get San Antonio to 35-22.
Behind McCain and Wallace’s scoring, Oklahoma City closed the gap with the Spurs to six quickly. San Antonio’s rookie guard Harper supplied his most points since the first two games of the series. A pair of jumpers by Wembanyama pushed the lead back out to double-digits. The physicality ratcheted leaps-and-bounds late in the half with Vassell and Bryant instigating a good amount of San Antonio’s defensive presence. The Thunder threateningly found their shooting touch late in the stanza – bringing their deficit down to seven.
The Spurs continued to nudge the Thunder players well away from their comfortable spots throughout a third quarter that seemingly rattled Gilgeous-Alexander, and timely and accurate shooting from Vassell, Champagnie, and Harper increased the San Antonio advantage back to 15. During a 20-0 run coinciding with a good amount of minutes for Wembanyama to rest, Harper figured the most prominently in hastening the Frost Bank Center crowd to a froth. A Holmgren lay-up broke a 7+ minute Thunder drought and the Spurs went to the fourth up 92-66.
Observations
The stark differences in officiating and physicality between games 2 and 6 should be a real focus of Adam Silver’s this summer instead of lottery business. (yes, I’m typing this as I typed the words ‘Wembanyama,’ ‘Castle,’ and ‘Harper’ numerous times tonight).
Wembanyama – even at this stage of his career, is a more consistent free throw shooter than Tim Duncan and David Robinson at their peaks.
Very strange to hear Carmelo Anthony imploring the Spurs’ rotation players to ‘deliver the nastiness’ and ‘get the hustle plays.’
The (very subjective) 25-26 Spurs comps that I had going into game 5: 1990 Bulls (lost to Detroit in 7), 1998 Lakers (lost to Jazz in 4), 2005 Suns (lost to Spurs in 5), 2011 Thunder (lost to Mavs in 5).
Sequence of the Game #1: Late in the first quarter, Vassell admirably defended a 2-on-1 OKC fastbreak – standing up Gilgeous-Alexander on his lay-up attempt and then knocking away Caruso’s tip try. Harper encouragingly hit a three at the other end to make it 26-17.
Sequence of the Game #2: San Antonio showcased a ’Beautiful Game’ possession late in the opening half that saw Harper flick a pass baseline to Carter Bryant in the corner to Fox on the left wing to Wembanyama on the right wing. The superstar center drove slow-motion into the lane for a floater.
Sequence of the Game #3: After a well-defended possession moments into the third, Wembanyama snared the long carom, and fed a streaking Castle near the paint. Castle found Champagnie on the left baseline for a corner three.
Sequence of the Game #4: That 20-0 run in the third quarter looked way different than the tempporarly 15-0 run San Antonio started game 3 with.
Game Rundown
Champagnie saw his first three go down from the tip. Just like in game 4, Hartenstein responded with two floaters in succession. Wembanyama sandwiched two threes around a block on McCain. Lu Dort hit Oklahoma City’s first three. Wembanyama assertively drove Hartenstein deep into the lane and hit an effortless fadeaway. Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down his first two shots. San Antonio started settling for threes and their offense unsurprisingly stalled out. Vassell’s pair of triples put the Spurs up five. Gilgeous-Alexander noticeably didn’t fall to the ground on two misses. Fox and Johnson helped keep the Spurs’ sufficiently ahead. Wembanyama’s stepback three and Castle’s shotclock beating jumper helped put San Antonio up 13 at the end of one.
McCain’s transition three got Oklahoma City to within 10 to start the second period. San Antonio diligently drew three team fouls on the Thunder, and Harper’s three kept their advantage in double digits. Wallace’s pair of threes brought the Thunder within six. Harper confidently knocked down a baseline jumper and powered a lay-up over Hartenstein. His playmaking allowed Castle and Fox to get a breather over much of the quarter. Jaylin Williams (240 lb) got ‘laid out’ by Bryant (220 lb) on a pick. Bryant responded with an emphatic slam at the other end, and Vassell turned away Holmgren at the rim during a heated sequence. The Thunder put together a 10-5 run to make it a 60-53 game at the half.
Coming out of the break, Vassell hit his fourth three, which was answered by yet another Hartenstein floater. Shortly after, Wembanyama was whistled for a questionable goaltend on a Gilgeous-Alexander and-1. Wembanyama excellently kept Oklaoma City out of the paint. Holmgren and Harteinstein did tally two tip-ins to keep the Thunder in striking distance. Castle executed a nifty stepthrough move in the paint to draw an and-1, and Harper followed that with a stepback that would have made James Harden proud. Gilgeous-Alexander made contact with Harper’s head on a foul, but it was not reviewed for any further escalation. An emboldened Harper drew another foul on the next possession by driving it through several Thunder defenders. By the time San Antonio completed its 20-0 run, Oklahoma City essentially lost its chance to close out the series tonight.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, left, is congratulated by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during the Warriors ring ceremony held before the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. The event also featured the raising of their NBA championship banner. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group) (Photo by MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Okay, Grandpa, sit down. Put the remote down, this is important to the game of basketball that you love.
You know how every year some NBA teams spend the entire season losing on purpose? Not because they’re bad necessarily, but because they want to get draft lottery balls. They call it tanking, and for the last twenty years it has essentially been the league’s version of financial fraud. A franchise intentionally burns down its own house hoping the insurance payout is a 19-year-old who can dunk from the free throw line.
On Thursday, the league’s Board of Governors voted 29-1 to overhaul the draft lottery beginning in 2027, introducing something called the “3-2-1 Lottery” and attaching enough anti-tanking measures to make Sam Hinkie wake up in a cold sweat.
The simple explanation is that being the worst team in basketball is no longer the best business strategy.
Under the current system, teams at the bottom of the standings receive the best odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick. That’s why every spring fans find themselves watching perfectly healthy 24-year-olds develop mysterious soreness in seventeen different body parts while their teams explain that shutting them down is in everyone’s best long-term interests. Somehow every franchise doctor in America reaches the exact same diagnosis right around March.
The new system flips that incentive on its head. The three worst teams in the league will actually receive fewer lottery balls than the teams directly above them. Teams finishing fourth through tenth worst receive three balls. The bottom three teams receive only two. The NBA is essentially telling teams that there is now a meaningful difference between rebuilding and shamelessly face-planting down a flight of stairs.
There’s now a 71% chance the NBA’s No. 1 pick falls to a 6th place-12th place team. Only a 29% chance it falls to a bottom 5 team, per @ShamsCharania.
Think about how insane that would have sounded ten years ago. Imagine sitting through a 67-loss season, paying for tickets, and convincing yourself this suffering is all part of some master plan. Then draft night arrives and the league informs you that after all that losing, your grand prize is the twelfth pick and a player whose college highlights are mostly him setting really good screens.
The NBA just looked tanking teams dead in the eye and said, “Have you considered trying?” For years the league has watched franchises race toward the bottom because the reward structure encouraged it. Now the reward structure is encouraging something else. The lottery is expanding to sixteen teams and play-in teams will receive lottery balls. The league is giving itself the power to reduce lottery odds, alter draft positions, and levy significant fines if it believes a team is deliberately tanking.
In other words, the NBA isn’t just changing the game. It’s announcing that if you find a loophole, they’re planning to close that too. Whether any of this actually stops tanking remains to be seen. NBA front offices employ some of the smartest people in sports. Give them a rule and they’ll spend six months looking for the side door.
But for the first time in a long time, the league has attached actual risk to being awful. And as someone who watched the Warriors spend a decade proving that there are ways to build a champion besides intentionally setting your roster on fire, I can’t say I’m mad about it.
The ping-pong balls are still bouncing. They’re just a lot less friendly to quitters now.
