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Braves at Mariners series recap: The streak ends in Seattle

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 06: Members of the Atlanta Braves stand during a tribute to Braves owner Ted Turner prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Connor Jalbert/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Ah, the Atlanta Braves and the West Coast. It’s truly a match made in the underworld as far as the Braves are concerned, as the games always just feel like they go one of two ways: Miserable slogs that have you like “I stayed up all night for this?” or miserable slogs that result in the Braves snatching and clawing their way to a close victory. Either way, it’s rarely ever a fun little ol’ romp for the Braves out West and this series was another example of that.

The Mariners weren’t coming into this series playing with their hair on fire or anything like that after they had gotten swept by the Royals (at home, no less) over the course of the weekend. Still, when it comes to games in this part of the country for the Braves, you always have to take it one day at the time and each game provides its own unique (and likely dreadful) set of challenges. So how did this series end up going? Let’s get into it.

Monday, May 4

Mariners 5, Braves 4

The force was with the Braves’ bats on this particular day but as it turned out, this ended up being a matter of picking spots rather than quantity of homers. Atlanta had no trouble dealing with Logan Gilbert while he was out there, as the Braves teed off on him for four home runs during the six innings that he spent on the mound. Matt Olson’s homer in particular was a big one, as that was his 300th career homer. Drake Baldwin, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley each homered as well, with Riley’s homer making it a 4-0 game in the top of the sixth — which is when Atlanta hit three homers in that inning, alone.

Then the problems started for the Braves. JR Ritchie was doing fine through five innings and that maybe should’ve been all he got because he went out there for the sixth inning and immediately got in trouble. Two of Ritchie’s six walks came in this frame and they both cost him dearly once Luke Raley hit a dinger that brought Seattle to within one run. Tyler Kinley entered the game after that and got into a situation where there was a man on with two outs and J.P. Crawford at the plate. Unfortunately for us, Seattle’s empire struck back as Crawford lifted off on Kinley and hit one deep to right field that gave the Mariners the lead. Atlanta was unable to wake up their bats again and this one ended in a series-opening loss for the Braves.

Tuesday, May 5

Braves 3, Mariners 2

J.P. Crawford got the Mariners started on the good foot once again, as he hit a two-run dinger off of Bryce Elder to give Seattle a 2-0 lead in the third inning. The good news is that this was the extent of the damage that Elder allowed in this one, as he delivered another fine start on the mound. Elder went six innings and only gave up two hits with three walks while striking out nine batters. It’s starting to feel like 2023 up in here, y’all.

George Kirby was equally tough for the Braves to deal with but it wasn’t a perfectly clean outing for Kirby, though. Atlanta was able to get to Kirby in the fourth inning after Mauricio Dubón delivered another big hit during the early portion of his tenure with the Braves. His RBI double brought both Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson home to score and just like that, it was a tie ballgame.

It stayed tied all the way until the ninth inning, which is when a big hit could’ve turned the tide at any given moment. As it turned out, it was none other than the man who has consistently been coming up big for the Braves so far this season; Matt Olson got a pitch that he liked from Andrés Muñoz and crushed it for a go-ahead solo shot that put Atlanta ahead. Raisel Iglesias returned to action and made the save that evened up the series for the Braves.

Wednesday, May 6

Mariners 3, Braves 1

This was another close game and another one where the home team did just enough to get across the finish line and hand the Braves their first series loss of 2026. This time, the big hero (or villain, from our perspective) of the game for the Mariners was Bryan Woo. Woo bounced back from two rough starts in a row to look more like the guy who Seattle has expected to see over the past couple of years. Woo completely held the Braves in check while he was out there as he threw six scoreless innings and only surrendered a single hit and a pair of walks while striking out nine batters.

Martín Pérez made it into the sixth inning but he gave up a two-run dinger to Julio Rodríguez with one out in that sixth inning in order to break what was a scoreless deadlock. Didier Fuentes pitched two innings in this one but he gave up an RBI double to Cole Young in the ninth inning that gave Seattle a two-run lead that felt like double that amount with the way the Mariners were pitching in this one. The only reason why the Braves avoided getting shut out is because they were able to get something going in the eighth inning that led to a sacrifice fly from Dominic Smith to put them on the board. It also didn’t help matters that right after the sacrifice fly, pinch runner Jorge Mateo got thrown out for being a bit too casual getting back to first base on a pickoff attempt. Base runners were at a premium all day and that was a very frustrating way to lose an out to play with.

Outside of that, Atlanta was completely unable to get any real momentum going in this one and the first series loss of the season finally happened for the Braves. With that being said, losing a baseball game pales in comparison to losing a life, as Wednesday was certainly a somber day in Braves Country as the franchise mourned the loss of former owner Ted Turner.

Welp! If it takes until early-May to finally drop a series, then you’re doing pretty well, right? It also seemed like if this streak was going to come to an end at any point soon, it was going to happen while the Braves were in the Pacific Time Zone since it sure feels like this region has been a house of horrors for the Braves over the course of recent history. Still, credit has to go to the Mariners who were persistently hanging with the Braves and seemingly beating them upside the head with a club every time they got a good chance to do so. Seattle had timely hitting and their pitching was mostly good throughout the three games, so they certainly earned the series win.

As far as the Braves are concerned, this is one of those rare times where I’m actually not all that perturbed with a series loss. Atlanta still has a healthy buffer between themselves at the top of the division and the rest of their foes in the NL East and they also avoided a sweep. As long as they can avoid any extended losing streaks or dips in form, they’ll be fine going forward. Plus, seeing Matt Olson continue to rake is definitely a major positive as it’s becoming clearer and clearer that he could be in line to have a really big season here in 2026.

So, who knows? Maybe with the top arms in Atlanta’s rotation going for the series at Dodger Stadium, the pressure of keeping the series winning streak will be off and the Braves can actually go out and play confident baseball against a Dodgers team that will always be tough to deal with — especially in LA’s own stadium. All good things have to come to an end eventually and maybe ending it in Seattle was the perfect time for it to happen. Now granted, I think we’d all prefer to see this streak last forever but again, what did I just say about all good things? It’s now time to hope that Chris Sale, Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder can get the job done and that the bats can wake up in Los Angeles in order to end the road trip on a high note. Let’s see what happens!

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Avalanche depth turns into 14-goal statement as they take 2-0 lead in second-round series over Wild

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche are both deep and dynamic, and that unusual combination has the Minnesota Wild searching for answers to their opponent’s offensive onslaught.

“It’s one game at a time,” Wild forward Matt Boldy said after the Avalanche’s 5-2 win put Minnesota in a 2-0 hole in this second-round series. “It’s coming into the next game ready to go. Make our adjustments and be better. You don’t win a series with two wins. That’s our mind-set. You go in, we’re going to make adjustments.”

Not much has worked for the Wild so far as the Avalanche have pummeled both of their goaltenders, Jesper Wallstedt for eight goals in a 9-6 Game 1 and Filip Gustavsson for four more in Colorado’s Game 2 dominance.

The Avalanche’s 14 goals are the most in the first two games of a playoff series since the Calgary Flames scored 15 against the Los Angeles Kings in 1988.

Twelve Colorado players have scored so far, an NHL record for the first two games of a series, and 10 Avalanche players have multiple points in the series that resumes in St. Paul.

“It’s great. I mean, right now, that’s what you need,” defenseman Cale Makar said. “You need everybody contributing and we’re finding ways to do that. There’s a lot of jelling minds right now.”

Colorado coach Jared Bednar was asked if he realized he had this much firepower and depth.

“I was hoping we did,” Bednar said. “We’re getting it now, right, and it doesn’t mean we’re always going to get the depth scoring. But I think all of our lines and players are capable of producing. Players are going to go through hot streaks, cold streaks, but I also feel like playoff time when everything’s on the line, that could drag the best out of your group at times, and sometimes it can drag the worst out in your group.

“So it’s a consistency thing for me, but it’s all up in between the ears for me.”

After sweeping the Los Angeles Kings, who slowed things down and turned the high-flying Avs into defensive-minded stalwarts, Colorado has flashed its goal-scoring prowess against the Wild.

Scott Wedgewood set the tone for the rebound after allowing a half dozen goals in Game 1. He made 29 saves as he improved to 6-0 in his inaugural playoff run as a starter.

“Means we’re winning hockey games,” Wedgewood said. “I think, statistically, like I said, if we win 9-6, as long as we win, that’s all that matters this time of the year. It’s not always going to be pretty, like the other night, but just keep winning games, putting pucks on our board and go after the main thing.”

Great goaltending. Prolific scoring. Speed. Finesse. Physicality. It’s all working for Colorado.

“They’re a great team,” Boldy said. “They play super-fast, super-dynamic. Obviously they have some incredible players. The biggest thing is just staying above them and not giving them those odd-man rushes because obviously their pretty special players make special plays.”

Especially Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog and forward Nathan MacKinnon.

Landeskog is looking like his old, pre-injury self of 2022 before a right knee injury robbed him of three seasons. He had a goal and and assist in Game 2. MacKinnon scored a goal and assisted on two others.

MacKinnon joined some exclusive company with his third straight three-point playoff game. The only players to accomplish that feat over the last 40 years are Mikko Rantanen (2025), Leon Draisaitl (2022), Joe Pavelski (2010), Joe Sakic (1997) and Dennis Maruk (1986), according to NHL Stats.

“Just excited to play playoff hockey,” said MacKinnon, whose team has scored five or more goals in three straight postseason games for the fifth time in franchise history. “Obviously, the best time of year.”

Landeskog knows that feeling.

What brings out the best in him this time of year? That’s easy.

“It’s playoff hockey. It’s what you play for,” Landeskog said. “It’s what you think about through the dog days of the season. It’s what you think about when you’re training in the offseason. This is what it comes down to, so I think it’s about just leaving it all out there, really.”

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Yankees call up rookie right-handed pitcher Brendan Beck

Prior to Thursday afternoon’s game against the Rangers, the Yankees called up right-handed pitcher Brendan Beck. The 27-year-old has been with Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre all season, and will likely make his big-league debut against Texas.

Across seven starts and 37 innings to this point in 2026, Beck’s results have been so-so. The righty has managed a 5.11 ERA and 4.61 FIP against Triple-A hitters, numbers hampered by a couple of rough starts, though his most recent effort saw him toss seven innings of two-run ball. His season debut saw him strike out nine batters in five shutout frames.

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Beck also pitched in this year’s World Baseball Classic for Great Britain, where he tossed four scoreless and hitless frames in his lone start for the tournament. Beck features a four-pitch mix, headlined by a decent slider that moves well in both directions. His excellent command, however, shines brighter on the scouting report than any of his individual pitches do, as his fastball sits in the low 90s, and the curve just does enough to get him by.

Beck’s call up is likely a short-term look, to see if the 27-year-old can provide support in a long relief capacity. Carlos Rodón is slated to be activated and make his season debut on Sunday, a move that will likely reclaim Beck’s spot on the roster. With the recently-ill Ryan Weathers scratched for Thursday, Paul Blackburn is scheduled to start for the Yankees, with Beck potentially coming in to be the bulk pitcher against Texas.

If he does make an appearance, it will be the right-hander’s MLB debut, as the Yankees look to take the series against the Rangers, and build on their thin lead over Tampa Bay in the American League East.

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Bucks' owner Haslem expects future of Giannis Antetokounmpo settled before draft

With their new coach Taylor Jenkins in the house, are the Milwaukee Bucks going to be able to build out a roster that gets Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign an extension and stay in Milwaukee, or are they going to trade him this summer (as is widely expected around the league)?

Whatever is going to happen, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam wants it to happen soon — before next month's draft.

"I just think before the draft is a natural time," Haslam said at Jenkins' introductory press conference, via the Associated Press. "Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we've got to have a lot of assets. That's Jon's [Horst, Bucks GM] job to do. And if he's here, then you build the team differently."

The expectation in league circles has always been exactly this, that any trade likely would be worked out before this draft. That allows a team trading for Antetokounmpo to include this year's pick as part of the deal (even if the trade couldn't be consummated until the end of the July moratorium). Horst gauged the market for Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline but did not make a deal, in part because he believed more teams would get in the mix and better offers would be available this offseason. That said, because Antetokounmpo now has just one year remaining on his contract (and a player option after that), he has a lot more leverage to get to a place he wants to be because he can just tell a team he will opt out and not extend with them.

For his part, Antetokounmpo is very happy about the Bucks' hiring of Jenkins, as he told Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"I think he's an incredible person. Obviously, he's an incredible coach… He had incredible culture in Memphis...

"I don't think Milwaukee is just getting just a good coach, I think they're getting a good person. And that's where it starts. Having a good person around that's gonna be able to set the tone, that set the culture and what Milwaukee Bucks basketball is all about. He's a really good coach."

However, when asked about the possibility of being coached by Jenkins...

"We'll see."

Whatever is going to happen, expect the rumors about an Antetokounmpo future and the trade market to ramp up and up as we get closer to the June 23 draft.

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Bucks owner Haslem expects future of Giannis Antetokounmpo to be settled before draft

With their new coach Taylor Jenkins in the house, are the Milwaukee Bucks going to be able to build out a roster that gets Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign an extension and stay in Milwaukee, or are they going to trade him this summer (as is widely expected around the league)?

Whatever is going to happen, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam wants it to happen soon — before next month's draft.

"I just think before the draft is a natural time," Haslam said at Jenkins' introductory press conference, via the Associated Press. "Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we've got to have a lot of assets. That's Jon's [Horst, Bucks GM] job to do. And if he's here, then you build the team differently."

The expectation in league circles has always been exactly this, that any trade likely would be worked out before this draft. That allows a team trading for Antetokounmpo to include this year's pick as part of the deal (even if the trade couldn't be consummated until the end of the July moratorium). Horst gauged the market for Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline but did not make a deal, in part because he believed more teams would get in the mix and better offers would be available this offseason. That said, because Antetokounmpo now has just one year remaining on his contract (and a player option after that), he has a lot more leverage to get to a place he wants to be because he can just tell a team he will opt out and not extend with them.

For his part, Antetokounmpo is very happy about the Bucks' hiring of Jenkins, as he told Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"I think he's an incredible person. Obviously, he's an incredible coach… He had incredible culture in Memphis...

"I don't think Milwaukee is just getting just a good coach, I think they're getting a good person. And that's where it starts. Having a good person around that's gonna be able to set the tone, that set the culture and what Milwaukee Bucks basketball is all about. He's a really good coach."

However, when asked about the possibility of being coached by Jenkins...

"We'll see."

Whatever is going to happen, expect the rumors about an Antetokounmpo future and the trade market to ramp up and up as we get closer to the June 23 draft.

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Cubs roster move: Gavin Hollowell recalled, Corbin Martin DFA

The Cubs, needing an extra arm in the bullpen for Thursday’s game, today recalled right-handed reliever Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa. Hollowell pitched in six games for Iowa, covering eight innings, with a 2.25 ERA and 15 strikeouts.

To make room for Hollowell on the 26-man active roster, right-hander Corbin Martin was designated for assignment. Martin had made four pretty good appearances for the Cubs, including posting a save against the Dodgers, then he walked the only three batters he faced a week ago in San Diego. One of those batters scored. Fortunately, the Cubs won the game. Then he had a rough inning Sunday against the Diamondbacks and another one Wednesday night against the Reds.. He will likely clear waivers and the Cubs can send him back to Iowa… if they so choose.

This move opens a spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, so feel free to speculate.

Today’s game preview will post at 11:30 a.m. CT.

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Game 37 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ New York Yankees

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Evan Carter #32 and Ezequiel Duran #20 of the Texas Rangers celebrate Carter's two-run home run during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 06, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers @ New York Yankees

Thursday, May 7, 2026, 11:35 AM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Yankee Stadium

LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. RHP Paul Blackburn

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSYANKEES
Brandon Nimmo – DHPaul Goldschmidt – 1B
Ezequiel Duran – LFAaron Judge – DH
Corey Seager – SSCody Bellinger – RF
Josh Jung – 3BAmed Rosario – 3B
Joc Pederson – RFJazz Chisholm – 2B
Jake Burger – 1BJasson Dominguez – LF
Evan Carter – CFTrent Grisham – CF
Danny Jansen – CMax Schuemann – SS
Justin Foscue – 2BJ.C. Escarra – C
MacKenzie Gore – LHPPaul Blackburn – RHP

Go Rangers!

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John Wall to represent Wizards at draft lottery

2010 NBA Draft

It’s all coming full circle for the Washington Wizards.

John Wall, the franchise’s No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, will represent the Wizards at Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery.

The 35-year-old retired in August after a decorated career that included nine seasons as Washington’s star point guard. Wall departed the Wizards as the franchise’s leader in assists (5,282) and steals (976) and led the team to three playoff series wins.

After finishing 17-65 — the NBA’s worst record — Washington owns a 14% chance of winning the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Wizards can fall no further than No. 5 and own a 52.1% chance of winning a top-four pick.

This isn’t Wall’s first time on the lottery stage. The five-time NBA All-Star represented Washington at the 2011 draft lottery when they owned the fourth-best odds at winning the top pick.

That time, the odds were not in Washington’s favor, the team instead dropping two spots to No. 6 before later selecting Jan Vesely.

Fifteen years later, Wall will take the stage once more, this time hoping for a better result in a monumental draft lottery for the Wizards, who just finished their third tanking season and appear one star player away from making real noise in the Eastern Conference.

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Penguins Sign Defenseman To One-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced two new contract extensions on Thursday morning. 

They first announced that they had re-signed forward Connor Dewar to a two-year extension before announcing that they had brought back defenseman Ilya Solovyov on a one-year extension. 

Solovyov's deal will run through the 2026-27 season and has an average annual value of $850K. 

Solovyov started the 2025-26 season with the Colorado Avalanche and played in 16 games with them before he was traded to the Penguins. He played in 30 total games this season, compiling one goal and eight points. 

He also played in three Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Penguins and skated on the third pair. 

At the very least, Solovyov is a solid seventh defenseman and will have an opportunity to push for more playing time when the 2026-27 NHL season starts in October. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

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Is Luka Doncic returning? Injury status for Lakers vs Thunder Game 2

The Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday will look to rebound from their Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their second-round playoff series. Once again, Lakers superstar Luka Dončić will not be available for the game.

Doncic indicated to reporters on Wednesday, May 6, that he was given an eight-week recovery timetable for his hamstring injury. It’s been five weeks as of Thursday, May 7.

He suffered the injury on April 2 in a regular-season blowout loss to the Thunder and has not played in a game since.

Dončić also confirmed to reports that he went to Spain shortly after the injury to receive specialized Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, with the intention of it accelerating his recovery. He stayed for an extended period to receive four separate injections that were spaced out four days apart and worked with specialists.

"I went to Spain to do PRP," Doncic said. "Everybody knows that Spain, they're just one of the best countries to do that. And obviously, I talked with the Lakers' doctors, so everybody agreed for me to go there."

More: Lakers lost Game 1 by 18. It might only get worse vs. Thunder

Will Luka Doncic play in Game 2 for Lakers?

The Lakers have officially ruled out Doncic for Game 2. Doncic would likely need to participate in practice and 5-on-5 simulated basketball games before being fully cleared to play.

When do the Lakers play next?

The Los Angeles Lakers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road on Thursday, May 7. The game is slated to start at 6:30 p.m. PT (9:30 p.m. ET) and will be aired on Prime Video.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Lakers' Luka Doncic return for Game 2 vs Thunder? Latest injury update

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Canadiens’ Dobes Not To Blame

Game 1 of their second-round series didn’t go how the Montreal Canadiens hoped, as they lost the first game by a score of 3-2, despite only allowing 16 shots on net. Those who didn’t see the game and only checked the scoreline would be forgiven for thinking that Jakub Dobes had an off night, but that wasn’t the case.

The truth of the matter is, there wasn’t much the Czech goalie could have done on any of those goals. The first goal came on a three-on-one, and he certainly wasn’t to blame for that play. The second goal came on the power play after the Habs had broken the Buffalo Sabres' play, but the puck still got to Zach Benson’s stick, who easily found Ryan McLeod by the side of the net for an easy goal.

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In the second frame, the Sabres scored early after fourth liner Jordan Greenway found himself with a golden opportunity when Alex Carrier failed to close him down and effectively screened his goaltender, just like Mike Matheson and Tyler Kozak, who were tangled in front of the net. Dobes couldn’t see a thing as the puck literally went through Carrier. If you’re going to take your goalie’s line of sight away, you need to block that puck. The final goal came on the power play from a great shot by Bowen Byram after Mike Matheson attempted to clear the puck through the middle of the ice.

Despite surrendering four goals on just 16 shots, Dobes battled all night to get a visual on the puck, and he wasn’t panicking. There’s a reason why Martin St-Louis didn’t replace him with Jacob Fowler. It wasn’t the time to do that; pulling him would only have messed with his confidence. Since claiming the number one job, Dobes hasn’t faltered, and the coach not pulling him was his way of showing him that he is their top guy and that he’s behind him. Asked about Dobes after the game, the coach said:

If you look at the first two goals, those are two goals he can’t do anything about. Dobes competed as he always does.
- St-Louis on Dobes

That’s a fair assessment. The goaltender was one of the most combative players for the Canadiens on Wednesday night, even if the scoreline suggests otherwise.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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Look up, you might miss the basketball

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs defends Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

They predicted a firm Los Angeles Lakers loss to the Houston Rockets in the First Round of this year’s NBA playoffs. Without two of their three best players (Austin Reaves, out with an oblique injury and Luka Doncic, out with a hamstring strain), they had no chance against the talented young Rockets, most media members in an ESPN survey said. 

Actually, 15 of 16 believed that Houston would win comfortably. 

And you can’t really blame them. Statistically, their chances of winning was 14 percent, according to Polymarket. That equates to “no chance”, according to Legion Hoops. 

But the Lakers still won the series – and pretty convincingly at that – getting up 3-0, which is basically unbeatable historically. 

That begs the question of how much attention we should give numbers and stats, especially in the playoffs.

Here’s why. 

Numbers are great at calculating how to get the most efficient shots, finding weak points and so much more. But they can’t stand alone. They can’t tell you about chemistry and they can’t predict the big moments of a playoff series. In order to get a full picture of a player, a team, a series, you have to look up from the stats sheet. 

Momentum, the intangibles in between possessions, rivalries, chemistry between certain players, trust in each other – and the opposite – overall team connection, leadership, mental toughness – no one can measure these things. 

But it is, however, right here that the real story of a game takes place. The story of winning – or losing – of personalities and the biggest moments. 

Most things worth experiencing are not quantifiable. It is in between all the numbers we track that the greatness of basketball is found. 

Right there, when numbers just won’t cut it anymore, we have only emotions left. In those cracks and in between our logic and reasoning, basketball forces us to feel. The good, the bad, the sad, the disappointment, and the elation. 

All of those feelings which we often are afraid to feel in our normal lives, because it would mean we lose control. But when we watch basketball, all of these feelings are acceptable, even applauded. And in that, basketball becomes a vent for all of our big feelings, which most people spend so much energy bottling up to get through the day. 

According to a Freudian psychoanalytic perspective on fandom, sports provide a rare, socially acceptable place for behavior that would otherwise be unacceptable. Fans can be loud, boo and scream, and be hostile towards the opponent. That leaves a place to get the aggressive, primal urges of the id (from Freud’s theory) out in a way that’s acceptable by our social norms and the superego, in which our moralistic nature resides. The id’s raw energy is channeled into a civilized activity that we like to call fandom. Sports help us get an emotional release for pent-up tension. And basically, that’s why it feels so important – and gratifying – to be a sports fan. 

That leads us to the future of the NBA, and a pretty good representation of the next generation generally, it seems: Victor Wembanyama from another playoff contender, the San Antonio Spurs. Just last week, Wemby talked about how he isn’t interested in trying to hide his emotions or consider it a weakness, which has been the predominant culture in the sports world, and generally, up until now. But that may be about to change.

“I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions,” he said in an answer to a question about whether being emotional is weakness. 

If sports, fandom and basketball help us cope with life, find balance and release pent-up feelings of the past, that is a powerful conclusion and a meaningful purpose. 

This piece started as a reminder to look up from the stats sheet – and perhaps your phone, as well – and how basketball is less about numbers and more about moments and all that comes in between. But as it turns out, it’s a lot about feelings, too. 

Sure, for some, it’s about money mostly, but for fans, players and people around the teams, who put so much time and effort into this sport, it comes down to feelings. 

Like someone used to say all the time (it was me), basketball is all about feelings. And maybe I was right. One thing I know, though, is that numbers can’t predict heart – so look up, or you might miss it. 

Find more Beyond Basketball pieces here.

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Where to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, May 7

The Los Angeles Lakers will try to rebound from their Game 1 loss and even their Western Conference semifinals series with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder won the opener 108-90. Oklahoma City is heavily favored with a 15.5-point spread with an over/under of 209.5. The Lakers will again be without Luka Dončić, who has not yet been cleared for contact.

  • Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -15.5

  • Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder -935 (86.6%) / Los Angeles Lakers +616 (13.4%)

  • Over/Under: 209.5

Game 1:Thunder 108, Lakers 90
Game 2: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (Thursday May 7, 9:30 ET, Prime Video)
Game 3: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles (Saturday May 9, 8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 4: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles (Monday May 11, 10:30 ET, Prime Video)
Game 5: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (Wednesday May 13)*
Game 6: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles (Saturday May 16)*
Game 7: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (Monday May 18)*

*if necessary

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Off-Day OpenThread

Apr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

The Jays don’t play today, so I figured we’d do the open thread today.

There isn’t all that much for Jays news, as we wait to hear who leaves to make room for Addison Barger. It will be interesting, I’m not sure who I’d pick. Since Barger is a left-handed batter, a lefty batter would generally be the choice, as we do have a lot of left-handed batters on the roster. But some of them are going to have to learn to hit lefties.

Yohendrick Pinango had a couple of poor at bats against a lefty yesterday. Left-handed batters don’t see a lot of left-handed pitchers on their way up to the majors. Hitting pitches moving away from you isn’t all that easy. Of course, when Nathan Lukes comes back, it will be that much more of a question.

Speaking of Yohendrick, it is his 24th birthday today. Happy Birthday, young man. Enjoy it.

In the world of aging, Max Scherzer is seeking medical advise about his ‘battle with forearm tendinitis’ that isn’t improving. I hope his doctor is older than 40, because it will be easy for him. “You are getting older, things are going to hurt.” I’m sorry, things just hurt more. It isn’t all that bad really, just aches and pains last longer.

Ask anyone in their 50s or 60s, things hurt. I’ve had a pain in my knee for about a year. It ranges from slight pain to limping bad. It’s life.

It is part of why not many guys play profession baseball in the 40s.

Anyway, use the thread to discuss anything you want to.

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What can a one-armed baseball pitcher do? Ask Carver High's Aaron Reese

Jaron Williams called time and made his way from behind the plate to the pitcher's mound. Williams overheard the opposing team talking about his pitcher, Aaron Reese.

"He's only pitching with one hand. What can he really do?"

Placing the ball in Reese's left hand, the catcher told him what he had heard. Reese didn't respond. He struck out 10 and walked away with a win.

The only words Williams had for the opposing team at the conclusion of the game was, "That's what my pitcher can do."

This happened a couple of years ago at a summer-league game, but Reese has spent his baseball life hearing variations of the same question – what can a pitcher with one fully-functional arm really do?

At Carver-Montgomery High School, that question has stopped being about limitation and started being about production. He's become a legitimate pitcher competing without adjustments from his coaching staff. What began as a curiosity to outsiders has become, for Aaron, simply baseball.

His junior season ended last month with a win in the area tournament. He struck out eight.

'What we do with two hands, he can do better with one'

Reese was born 13 pounds at birth. He got stuck in the birth canal because he was so big, doctors had to forcefully pull him out. When they did, it dislocated a nerve from his spinal cord, causing Erb's palsy.

"At that time, we didn't care. My baby was alive," Deirdre Reese told the Montgomery Advertiser.

Since then, Aaron has undergone several surgeries and been through therapy. Doctors say he will never have full use of his right arm.

That didn't keep him from developing a love for baseball.

He followed his brother, Kendall Reese, everywhere on a baseball field. Aaron's presence eventually promoted him to batboy. But batboy wasn't enough for Aaron. Sometimes, while sitting on Kendall's lap in the dugout, Aaron moved his hands in all sorts of directions around his torso and head — attempting to give signs to the team.

"He brought extra energy to the dugout," Kendall said.

Kendall knew it was time to get to work with Aaron. He couldn't waste a love for the game because of a nerve condition.

A patient brother and a painstaking process

It started with a tennis ball.

Kendall tossed Aaron a ball over and over in the field that surrounds their house in the country. At first, it wasn't about throwing or velocity, just learning how to secure the ball cleanly with his left hand. Then came the glove, and Kendall transitioned to another basic skill: getting the ball out the glove.

Aaron caught the ball in his glove, threw his glove down on the ground, picked up the ball that rolled out when it hit the ground and made the throw.

"When I first saw that, I was kind of shocked because I was like, his mind is actually working because I was thinking that he was going to try attempt to grab the ball with his other hand," Kendall said.

As surprised as he was, Kendall knew that transition wasn't going to cut it during a game.

Instead, Aaron learned to catch the ball in his glove, tuck it into his right armpit, collected the ball and make the throw.

It wasn't easy.

He would fumble with the glove and lose precious seconds getting the throw off. Kendall clocked him at 6 or 7 seconds to make a throw.

When Aaron first started pitching, he wouldn't put his glove on because he wanted get rid of the ball faster. In one game, he fielded a ball with his bare hand. His finger swelled up from taking the brunt force of the ball, forcing him to be pulled.

The frustration built. Sometimes, it was too much.

Tears in his eyes, Aaron wanted to give up. But the desire to play baseball burned too brightly.

Kendall decided to slow things down and make training baseball simple and fun with the introduction of the three-inning game. The game was a one-on-one showdown between Aaron and Kendall, with the objective of hitting the ball and making it all the way back to home before the other brother could tag the batter out.

As the big brother, Kendall wasn't going to show any mercy. But he started to notice that when he'd hit the ball at Aaron, he attempted to try and catch it. Over time, Aaron started to beat Kendall.

Kendall noticed Aaron smiling and laughing more. So, they started again.

This time, they worked on Aaron taking the glove on and off with the ball already inside. Soon, Kendall was timing his transfer to throw at 2 or 3 seconds.

"I could never make the switch as fast he could, even with two hands," Kendall said.

Fielding the ball, tucking the glove in the armpit and grabbing the ball now only takes Aaron 1.3 seconds. After two years of countless reps in the backyard and in the mirror, it's a seamless transition.

Now parents of opposing players seek Dierdre Reese out after games.

"They tell me that their players or sons can't give them any more excuses," Deirdre said. "They tell me that watching Aaron is an inspiration because it is a rarity to ever do what he does."

'I'm just a pitcher. Nothing else'

Aaron stands tall on the mound, his eyes focused on the catcher. He cradles his glove upright in his right arm with his left hand fiddling with the ball inside his glove to find the right fastball grip.

He kicks his right leg up, puffs his cheeks full of air, pulls his right arm into his chest like he's hugging his glove and rears his left arm towards home plate. As his left leg swings around to touch the ground in front of him, Aaron is sliding his left arm in his glove.

"I would put him up against anyone," Carver coach Quawon Baldwin said.

When Baldwin was coaching at Park Crossing and he'd face Aaron on the mound, he didn't ever see a pitcher with a disadvantage. He encouraged his players to give their maximum effort because that's what they were going to need to beat him.

Now that he is Aaron's coach, he doesn't give the lefty pitcher any special treatment.

During his junior season, Aaron's fastball was consistently clocking at 82 mph and could reach upwards to 87 when he was really feeling letting it fly.

"He wants to feel normal. So, with that being said, I push him as hard as the rest of the team," Baldwin said.

Said Aaron, "I love baseball, it's just something I've always done, and I'm in a mindset that I'm just a pitcher. Nothing else."

Aaron has two dreams, One large and one small.

The grander of the dreams is to be enshrined in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, but before he gets to that point, he needs to reach the smaller dream first.

That dream is of playing college baseball at the Division I level. It's a dream that is slowly unfolding with showcase invitations finding their way into his mailbox. Schools like Alabama, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Jacksonville State want to see Aaron on the mound for themselves.

There haven't been any formal offers extended, but when Baldwin takes his seniors on visits during the offseason, coaches make sure to check in on Aaron.

Aaron has heard the question for years. What can he really do?

At Carver, it's no longer a question that defines him. The answer has stopped being theoretical, it's become routine.

Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carver's Aaron Reese striking out batters despite having use of only one arm