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After slow start at plate, Mark Vientos back looking like player Mets expected

Mark Vientos’ early-season struggles appear to officially be behind him. 

The Mets' young slugger is finally settling into a groove at the plate -- putting together back-to-back multi-hit showings to helpsecure a big three-game series victory over the first-place Cubs. 

Vientos’ first knock on Sunday was a huge one -- he put New York back in front in the sixth after Chicago evened things up on a solo shot from former Mets prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong during the top half of the inning. 

It was Vientos' seventh homer of the year, which continued his Mother’s Day success. 

“That’s mommy power right there,” he joked postgame. “That one was for my mom. Crazy stat for you, but I feel like the past five years I’ve hit four home runs on Mother’s Day, so mommy power is real.”

Real or not, the Mets will certainly take it -- and the rest of the lineup was able to use some mommy power of their own later in the contest to regain the lead after the Cubs evened things up for a second time.  

Francisco Lindor crushed a go-ahead home run into the bullpen leading things off, then Pete Alonso laced a double into the left-field corner and Vientos drove him home with a single, before Brandon Nimmo capped off a four-run inning with a two-run shot. 

Vientos finished the day 2-for-4 with a pair of runs driven in.

After looking extremely lost at the plate early on this season, he’s now hitting a strong .311 with five home runs and a .912 OPS over his last 20 games.

“I’ve just been competing,” Vientos said. “I’m just trying not to give away any pitch or any at-bat. It’s contagious that our whole team isn’t giving any ABs away and I’m just going up there trying to do the same thing.”

“His at-bats have been a lot better,” Carlos Mendoza added. “We’ve seen a lot of that this year he just wasn’t getting the results, finally today it was there -- it’s good to see him being the player we know he’s capable of.”

The turnaround comes at a perfect time for Vientos, as Brett Baty has returned to the big leagues with a power surge -- crushing three home runs in two games since being called back up from Triple-A. 

Though playing time may become a bit tricky with so many hot bats and only a handful of open lineup spots, the skipper is confident they’ll find way to get it done. 

“We’ll find room,” Mendoza said. “I’ve been saying it, there’s 13 guys there. It doesn’t matter the nine that you put out there you feel good about your chances. That’s my job and that’s our job to continue to put these guys in good positions -- we have a lot of good options.”

One of those options is using Vientos as the designated hitter while Baty slots in at the hot corner -- the route they took on Saturday night when Baty hit two of those homers and drove in five runs. 

Vientos says he’d absolutely be open to the idea: “Whatever gets the team wins, I’m all for it.”

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Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman has a setback in his rehab from a left knee injury

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman had a setback as he tries to return from a left knee injury that has sidelined him for the last month.

Manager Aaron Boone said Stroman still had “discomfort” in his knee after throwing a live batting practice session in Tampa, Florida, on Friday and will be reevaluated before the team figures out the next step in his rehabilitation process.

“He’s gotten a lot of treatments on it and stuff,” Boone said Sunday. “It just can’t kind of get over that final hump to really allow him to get to that next level on the mound. We’ll try and continue to get our arms around it and try and make sure we get that out of there.”

Stroman hasn't pitched since allowing five runs in two-thirds of an inning against the San Francisco Giants on April 11. He was placed on the 15-day injured list the next day with what Boone hoped at the time would be a short-term absence.

But there is no timeline for his return, and Boone said that injury likely impacted the way Stroman pitched before going on the IL. He was 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA in three starts.

“Certainly that last start, I think he just couldn’t really step on that front side like he needed to,” Boone said. “I talk about how these guys are like race cars, and one little thing off and it can affect just that last level of command or that last level of extra stuff that you need. So we’ll continue to try to get him where we need to.”

Stroman had surgery on March 19, 2015, to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He returned to a major league mound that Sept. 12.

The 34-year-old Stroman is in the second season of a two-year contract guaranteeing $37 million. The right-hander’s deal includes a $16 million conditional player option for 2026 that could be exercised if he pitches in at least 140 innings this year.

Last season, Stroman was 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA in 30 games (29 starts) when he threw 154 2/3 innings, his most since 2021 with the Mets. Stroman struggled in the second half and did not pitch in the postseason, when the Yankees made their first World Series appearance since 2009.

In other injury news, DJ LeMahieu played for the second straight day on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday and could join the team in Seattle this week to make his season debut. LeMahieu recently had a cortisone injection last week in his right hip, an injury stemming from last year.

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Usually calm, collected Francisco Lindor fired up after lifting go-ahead homer vs. Cubs: ‘I wanted that at-bat’

Francisco Lindor had a chance to win the game for the Mets on Saturday night. 

After Jeff McNeil worked a tremendous 10-pitch walk leading off the bottom of the ninth facing Cubs closer Porter Hodge, the superstar shortstop stepped to the plate looking to provide some more late-inning magic. 

However, he rolled into a 1-6-3 double play before Juan Soto grounded out to end the game.

Fast forward just a few hours, and Lindor found himself in a similar spot. 

Knotted in a 2-2 tie in the rubber match of a three-game set, Hodge was brought in to face the top of the order in the bottom of the eighth -- and this time, the Mets' star leadoff man was able to get the best of the matchup. 

Lindor quickly found himself in a favorable 3-1 count before he demolished a middle-middle sweeper deep into the Mets’ bullpen in right-center -- putting them ahead for good to secure the series victory. 

The usually cool, calm, and collected Lindor, no matter how big the moment, was visibly fired up after this dramatic blast -- letting his emotions show as he went back to the dugout and celebrated the go-ahead homer with his teammates.

“It was just the moment,” Lindor said. “I wanted that at-bat. I wanted to get on base and make something happen for the boys. Yesterday, I felt like the momentum was on our side and we didn’t capitalize, so today I wanted to make sure I did something for the boys.

“I wasn’t trying to hit a home run there. I was just trying to have a quality at-bat and let the big boys do what they do best, and then the emotions just came out. I definitely had my mom, my sisters, and my wife, who was in the stands, in my mind.” 

And the guys behind him did their job as well -- adding some insurance as Pete Alonso followed him up with a double before Mark Vientos cracked an RBI single and Brandon Nimmo crushed a two-run homer of his own. 

The four-run eighth inning not only pushed the Mets across the finish line to secure a huge series victory over the first-place Cubs, but it also showcased just how scary this deep lineup can be late in ballgames. 

“It’s really cool,” Lindor said. “It’s cool to go up into the 7th, 8th, or 9th inning feeling like one of us is going to get it done. We have a really good lineup, the coaches continue to prepare us the right way day in and day out, and we do a good job talking in the dugout. 

“It feels good to have that feeling of anyone can get it done.”

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Mets’ Griffin Canning was in ‘complete control’ during Sunday’s dominant birthday outing

Have yourself a birthday, Griffin Canning. 

The righty took the ball on his birthday Sunday afternoon, and put together another stellar outing -- allowing just one run on two hits while walking one and striking out five in six innings. 

Canning opened the game perfectly -- setting down each of the first six batters he faced, including striking out the side in the top of the first for just the second time in his big-league career.   

He ran into trouble in the third as the first two batters reached on a single and a walk, but bared down nicely and was able to escape without any damage, picking up a big punch out of Pete Crow-Armstrong. 

The right-hander continued cruising from there, pushing his streak to 10 batters in a row before Crow-Armstrong stuck with one out in the top of the sixth, crushing a game-tying solo homer into the Coca Cola Corner. 

Canning retired the next two batters to end his day strong. While he saw his five-start winning streak come to an end, he once again delivered the Mets the type of performance they were looking for. 

“He was solid,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He had everything going today. It starts with the fastball, especially at the top to get the swing-and-misses, and then we know how good the slider and the changeup can be. 

“All three pitches today, I thought he was in complete control of the game. He used them effectively, mixed, attacked -- he got ahead and then just used them to put hitters away. It was a really solid outing there.”

Canning, a former second-round pick, has shown spurts of potential throughout his big-league career, but he has never quite been able to put it all together. 

He ended up being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels after pitching to a 5.39 ERA last season -- and was picked up by the Atlanta Braves, but was non-tendered after he couldn't crack the big leagues.

Still, the Mets decided to take a chance on him this winter, and after making some tweaks to his pitch usage, he’s delivering some of the best baseball of his career. 

Canning has a tremendous 2.36 ERA through seven starts this season.  

“The change of scenery has been good,” he said. “I fit in well with these guys over here. It’s always fun just going out there and trying to win and playing for the team. Everyone on and off the field have been really helpful.” 

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Sneyd inspires Warrington to defeat Leigh and reach Challenge Cup final

  • Semi-final: Warrington 21-14 Leigh
  • Sam Burgess going to Wembley for second straight year

These may still be considered the formative years of Sam Burgess’s coaching career but, as Warrington celebrate back-to-back Challenge Cup finals, it was worth a moment to reflect on how, just as he did in his playing days, Burgess belied his lack of experience on the biggest stage once again.

This year has not been anything like as enjoyable a season in charge of the Wolves for Burgess. After the high of guiding Warrington to a cup final and a playoff semi-final in his first year as a head coach, the early part of this campaign has been much more testing for the 36-year-old, with inconsistency at the heart of most of what they have done. It is perhaps easy to forget that, in coaching terms at least, he is still incredibly young.

Continue reading...
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Mets score four times in eighth, secure series victory with 6-2 win over Cubs

The Mets secured the series victory with a 6-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

Here are some takeaways...

- Both offenses were sleepwalking through the 12:10 start following the Saturday night game. Each of the first 10 batters were set down in order before Starling Marte was hit by a pitch and Luis Torrens brought him home with a two-out RBI triple off the left-center fence.

Torrens was forced to leave the game in the top of the sixth after being struck by a foul ball.

- After breezing through the first two innings, Griffin Canning ran into immediate trouble in the top of the third, allowing an infield single and a walk -- the right-hander dug deep and was able to retire the next three batters in order to escape without any damage.

Canning continued cruising from there, working efficiently through Chicago's lineup. He pushed his streak to 10 in a row before allowing a game-tying homer to former Mets prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong with one out in the sixth -- he finished his day strong, retiring the next two.

Canning was terrific, pitching on his birthday, recording his second quality start of the season. He lowered his ERA to 2.36 after allowing just the one run on two hits while walking one and striking out five in six innings of work.

- The Mets' offense was held in check by Cubs starter Matthew Boyd aside from the RBI triple, but Mark Vientos was finally able to break through in the sixth. He immediately picked up Canning after allowing a game-tying homer, crushing a solo shot of his own to put the Mets back in front.

- Reed Garrett was hurt by a leadoff walk in the seventh -- allowing the Cubs to tie the game again just two batters later on a Nico Hoerner RBI double, but he was able to strand him there. Ryne Stanek kept the score even with a scoreless top of the eighth.

- The Mets were unable to get to Cubs closer Porter Hodge in a one-run game on Saturday, but they jumped all over him in a non-save situation this one. Francisco Lindor crushed a leadoff solo homer, and then Vientos drove in Pete Alonso, who doubled to left.

After a pitching change, Brandon Nimmo launched a two-run homer, capping off a four-run eighth inning. Vientos, Nimmo, and Lindor all had two hits on the day -- Francisco Alvarez also had two singles of his own after entering the game in place of Torrens.

- Edwin Diaz then put the finishing touches on the series win with a 1-2-3 ninth for the second straight day.

Game MVP: Francisco Lindor

Lindor got the party started in the four-run bottom of the eighth.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets are back in action on Monday night as they open a three-game set with the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates.

Left-hander David Peterson (3.05 ERA, 1.357 WHIP in 38.1 innings) gets the ball for the home team against right-hander PaulSkenes (2.77 ERA, 0.945 WHIP in 48.2 innings).

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10 of NFL's biggest 2025 offseason moves

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Here are the top moves from the NFL's 2025 offseason — spanning high-profile trades, crucial free-agent signings, coaching hirings and draft picks — as discussed on the "Football 301" podcast by Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald:

Why it matters: Dallas needed a vertical X receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Pickens is highly talented but brings risk due to maturity and engagement concerns. The Cowboys see this as a worthwhile gamble at a reasonable cost.

Why it matters: This gives the Rams a true X receiver for the first time since Odell Beckham Jr., providing Matthew Stafford with another elite target and forming one of the NFL’s best receiving duos alongside Puka Nacua. Adams still shows elite skills against man coverage, and is expected to elevate the Rams’ passing game.

Why it matters: Thuney adds not just talent, but leadership and versatility (he can also play center if needed). Chicago also signed Drew Dalman and drafted Ozzy Trapilo, signaling a true commitment to protecting Caleb Williams and shifting from patchwork solutions to real upgrades. The Bears appear to be bolstering an O-line that has been a weak point since Olin Kreutz retired.

Why it matters: Coen is expected to bring a more diverse and aggressive run game, better schemes for their new weapons like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, and overall creative play design to boost Trevor Lawrence’s development.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - MAY 10: Head coach Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars speaks with the media after practice during Rookie Minicamp at Miller Electric Center on May 10, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
Jacksonville's Liam Coen is one of seven head coaches in their first year with a new team. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
Logan Bowles via Getty Images

Why it matters: Starks — paired with Kyle Hamilton — gives Baltimore perhaps the league’s most versatile safety duo. The secondary gets tougher and more flexible, helping the Ravens sustain or improve their top-tier defense.

Why it matters: Kubiak was hired as offensive coordinator to reshape the Seahawks' personnel to fit his vision.

Seattle bolstered the tight end room and offensive line, and brought in a variety of receiving and running options, including drafting Christian Haynes (OL) and adding Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jalen Milroe. The aim is to make the offense more dynamic and scheme-friendly, particularly focusing on two tight end looks to compete in the rugged NFC West.

Why it matters: They traded for Laremy Tunsil and drafted Josh Conerly Jr. as bookend tackles. Prioritizing protection for rookie QB Jayden Daniels, Washington’s aggressive moves to solidify the offensive line should help him stay upright and effective, signaling a long-term plan to build around him.

Why it matters: The Vikings struggled with interior pressure and run-game consistency last year. It prompted them to sign Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, and draft Donovan Jackson for the interior O-line. The overhaul supports QB J.J. McCarthy and a diverse, physical run game.

Why it matters: For the first time in years, the Raiders are treated as a serious, professional operation. With creative offense (with Kelly as the coordinator), strong leadership (with Carroll as head coach), and a commitment to running the ball, the franchise is seen as genuinely interesting and relevant again.

Why it matters: Denver targeted the middle of its defense by re-signing D.J. Jones, drafting Jahdae Barron, and adding Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga.

After being manhandled by top playoff offenses, the Broncos doubled down on getting tougher at every level — defensive line, linebacker and secondary. This is widely viewed as a move that could make them the best defense in the NFL.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Rely On Lundell Helping Panthers Even Series With Game 4 Win Over Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs aim for commanding 3-1 lead while Panthers look to even up the series

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The Maple Leafs stunned the Cats in the first two games of their second round series but Florida responded with a hard-fought overtime victory in game three. The game was another battle with both sides looking to inflict as much pain as possible. 

Game three will make for an exciting showcase as the Panthers will look to even up the series while the Maple Leafs aim to put Florida on the ropes with a 3-1 series lead headed back to Toronto for game five. 

For bettors, this matchup provides a chance to capitalize on some of our recent strong trends, like our 33-25 record on our last 58 picks, including perfect records during Game 1 and 4 of the Maple Leafs-Senators series. 

More NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers Betting Guide: Best Bets, Strategies and Future Options

All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers Best Bets:

  • Panthers ML (-190)
  • Under 6.5 goals (-134)
  • Anton Lundell Over 0.5 points (+142)
  • Maple Leafs Under 2.5 goals (-108) 

The Panthers have life once again and it's mainly because of their red hot third line. Headlined by Brad Marchand, the offensive unit has combined for four goals including the game winner in game three. Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen have worked well with the former Bruins captain and Lundell works as the best value option as he also mans the second power play unit with Marchand.

More NHL: Jonathan Toews NHL Return Could Be With Anaheim Ducks, According to NHL Insider

Florida's Finnish centre played a significant role in their run to the Stanley Cup Finals last season with 17 points in 24 games. He's been red hot with three goals and five assists for eight points over his last five games and should get back on the board after failing to do so in game three. 

The game may once again be high-scoring as every game of the series has gone over but I expect that we will finally get a big Sergei Bobrovsky game. The Russian netminder has experienced his career-worst stretch versus the Maple Leafs over the last three games with 13 goals allowed.

He should bounce back when the team needs him and keep the Panthers in this game. I expect Joseph Woll to do the same for the Buds as his career playoff numbers show he is far better than his 11 goals allowed over three appearances this postseason.

More NHL: Utah Hockey Club Announces New Team Name

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What's the lowest scoring game in NBA playoff history?

What's the lowest scoring game in NBA playoff history? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder made NBA history on Sunday…just not the kind any team wants to make.

The two teams combined for just 25 points in the first quarter of their Game 4 matchup, equaling the record for fewest points in the first quarter of a playoff game in the shot clock era.

The Thunder led the Nuggets 17-8 after the first, matching the previous low first set in 1999 when the Portland Trail Blazers led the Utah Jazz 14-11 and in 2002 when the Detroit Pistons led the Toronto Raptors 16-9, according to the Associated Press.

The Nuggets and Thunder joined that group after combining to shoot just 18.2% in the quarter, with Denver going 0-14 from deep and the Thunder just 1-for–11.

The two teams returned to form in the second quarter, with the Nuggets outscoring the Thunder 28-25. Oklahoma City took a 42-36 lead into the half and went on to win 92-87.

That first quarter, though, nearly rewrote the record books.

What’s the lowest scoring quarter in NBA history?

The Nuggets, with eight first-quarter points, nearly set a new mark for fewest points scored in a quarter of an NBA playoff game.

The record is held by the 2015-2016 Boston Celtics, who scored seven points in the first quarter of Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics lost the game 89-72.

The fewest points scored in a quarter by a single team in the regular season is five by the Nuggets in 2015 and the Miami Heat in 2016.

What’s the lowest scoring game in NBA history?

The fewest points scored by a single team in an NBA playoff game in the shot clock era is 54 by the Utah Jazz. The Jazz lost 96-54 to the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals, scoring no more than 17 points in any quarter and just nine in the fourth.

The New Jersey Nets are the only other team that have failed to reach the 60-point mark in an NBA playoff game, losing 78-56  in Game 1 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals.

The fewest points scored by an NBA team in the shot clock era is 49 by the Chicago Bulls, who lost 82-49 to the Chicago Bulls in 1999.

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What's the lowest scoring game in NBA playoff history?

What's the lowest scoring game in NBA playoff history? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder made NBA history on Sunday…just not the kind any team wants to make.

The two teams combined for just 25 points in the first quarter of their Game 4 matchup, equaling the record for fewest points in the first quarter of a playoff game in the shot clock era.

The Thunder led the Nuggets 17-8 after the first, matching the previous low first set in 1999 when the Portland Trail Blazers led the Utah Jazz 14-11 and in 2002 when the Detroit Pistons led the Toronto Raptors 16-9, according to the Associated Press.

The Nuggets and Thunder joined that group after combining to shoot just 18.2% in the quarter, with Denver going 0-14 from deep and the Thunder just 1-for–11.

The two teams returned to form in the second quarter, with the Nuggets outscoring the Thunder 28-25. Oklahoma City took a 42-36 lead into the half and went on to win 92-87.

That first quarter, though, nearly rewrote the record books.

What’s the lowest scoring quarter in NBA history?

The Nuggets, with eight first-quarter points, nearly set a new mark for fewest points scored in a quarter of an NBA playoff game.

The record is held by the 2015-2016 Boston Celtics, who scored seven points in the first quarter of Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics lost the game 89-72.

The fewest points scored in a quarter by a single team in the regular season is five by the Nuggets in 2015 and the Miami Heat in 2016.

What’s the lowest scoring game in NBA history?

The fewest points scored by a single team in an NBA playoff game in the shot clock era is 54 by the Utah Jazz. The Jazz lost 96-54 to the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals, scoring no more than 17 points in any quarter and just nine in the fourth.

The New Jersey Nets are the only other team that have failed to reach the 60-point mark in an NBA playoff game, losing 78-56  in Game 1 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals.

The fewest points scored by an NBA team in the shot clock era is 49 by the Chicago Bulls, who lost 82-49 to the Chicago Bulls in 1999.

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A Rational Way Of Understanding And Coping With NHL Officiating

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

It never fails. Never.

Every single day one reporter or another -- not to mention endless numbers of fans -- beef about officiating.

And, if the Rangers were in the playoffs right this minute, you'd be hearing about this play or that infraction being missed or called incorrectly.

What The Maven has tried to do is find an impartial, rational critic who can simply explain this vexing situation.

My choice is Vic Morren, co-host with Neil Smith, on the insightful NHL Wraparound, The Maven's favorite podcast above all.

Exhibit A took place last night after his favorite Alberta team was beaten.  Edmonton columnist David Staples began ranting about the officiating in the Oilers-Vegas series. (Of course, it was sinful that the Knights won.

Which brings me to the question and Vic to the answer: So what does Morren think? Listen up.

"Everything is so magnified at this point," Vic explains.  "The default for many teams is officiating and Vegas may have a point regarding the Arvidsson/McNab play in overtime on Thursday.

"In reality, teams have so many self-inflicted wounds that officiating is a convenient outlet. 

"The game is lightning fast, everything is split second and officials can’t outskate the puck or players so stuff gets missed. I'll give you another example:

"In the case of the Ekblad hit on Hagel, Marchand and Glendening skated in the referee’s field of vision for the entire sequence of that incident.  He’d turned to look back and was blocked.

"They miss stuff? Sure do.  As long as humans are playing and officiating, it comes with the territory.

"And when robots start calling games, people will have problems with that too."

The Maven adds: There's no question but that the NHL works overtime trying to make the officiating as accurate as possible and will continue to do so. The following example might clarify the discussion just a bit:

One day, while I was having lunch with Commissioner Bettman, I lodged a complaint about officiating in a game I had recently worked.  Upon hearing that, the league's boss pulled a letter out of an envelope and read what was a tough-tough rip on NHL officiating, but without telling me who wrote the critique.

"Take a guess who wrote this and when," the Commissioner said. 

At the time outspoken Brian Burke was g.m. at Hartford. "It was written by Brian Burke," I snapped. "Last week."

Bettman smiled and said; "Wrong guy; wrong team, wrong time."

He handed me the missive and at the bottom I realized how wrong I had been. The letter was written in 1932 by Lester Patrick, manager and coach of the New York Rangers!

When it comes to whistle-blowers, nothing changes!

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Mets’ Luis Torrens 'doing better' after leaving Sunday's game vs. Cubs

Mets catcher Luis Torrens left Sunday afternoon's game against the Chicago Cubs in the top of the sixth.

Torrens remained down for several moments after being struck by a foul ball off the bat of slugger Kyle Tucker.

After talking with trainers and trying to battle through it, Torrens was able to walk off and leave the game. Francisco Alvarez replaced him and caught the remainder of the game -- lining a pair of singles in his two at-bats.

Postgame, Carlos Mendoza said that Torrens was "doing better" and is in a "better spot."

Prior to his departure, Torrens was able to make his mark on the victory -- smacking an RBI triple off the left-center fence to get the scoring started in the bottom of the third.

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Warriors GM Dunleavy states refs are in ‘tough spot' during playoffs

Warriors GM Dunleavy states refs are in ‘tough spot' during playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There has been plenty of talk about officiating during the 2025 NBA playoffs, and whether or not referees are allowing too much physicality in some of these crucial postseason games.

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy understands the conversation both as a former player and current front-office executive, and he believes officials might be having a hard time finding a happy medium.

“I think it’s an interesting dichotomy because clearly, in the regular season, the league, the fans, everybody wants this open, free-flowing type of play, a lot of points, all those things,” Dunleavy told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Bonta Hill, Chris Mullin and Zena Keita on “Warriors Pregame Live” before Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday at Chase Center.

“But then when you flip the page of the postseason, everybody’s used to physicality, grind it out, tough possessions, and whether it’s the players, the fans, the coaches, everybody wants that. So, we put the referees in a tough spot, where the all of a sudden the postseason kicks in, and now guys are expecting whistles. But, ‘Hey, no, we want them to be able to play more and play more free.’

“It’s a tough spot that [referees are] in. There’s been a lot of discussion about it. I think it’s good. I think playoff basketball is the best. We’ve got to let it keep playing out like it is, but we’ve got to find a balance.”

After the Warriors won Game 1 of their semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, both coaches criticized the lack of calls in what was a very physical game. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said Minnesota would “take justice into our own hands” if the refs didn’t clean things up, while Warriors coach Steve Kerr called the physicality allowed by officials “crazy.”

That was the case after Game 1. In Game 3, which featured Draymond Green fouling out with four minutes and 38 seconds remaining, Kerr challenged the Warriors veteran’s controversial fourth foul of the night to no avail. The day after Golden State’s eventual 102-97 loss, Kerr told reporters he had no problem with the officiating.

“I thought the [Green foul] we challenged was a charge,” Kerr said via Zoom on Sunday. “… We thought it was a charge, but those are always subjective calls, and you just live with them. I didn’t like [Green’s] sixth one, but it doesn’t matter. The calls are what they are. Sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don’t. So, I haven’t given [Green’s fouls] a second thought today.

“As I said, I thought the officials did a really good job [Saturday]. And we just have to play a little better.”

Dunleavy knows firsthand how difficult it can be for players like Green to adjust to how referees officiate certain plays. He comes from an era of basketball that was physical itself, and Mullin joked that Dunleavy’s father, former NBA guard and 1999 Coach of the Year Mike Dunleavy Sr., played during a time where physicality was taken to a “whole other level.”

“Put it like this,” Dunleavy said of his father’s playing days with a laugh, “Draymond Green would have zero technical fouls in their era.”

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Former Canucks Goaltender Roberto Luongo Named To NHL Quarter-Century Team

Feb 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save during the pre game warm up against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

On Sunday, the NHL announced the six goaltenders who were voted by fans to the Quarter-Century Team. Among the six was former Vancouver Canucks goaltender and Hockey Hall of Fame member Roberto Luongo. The other five who were voted to the list are Martin Brodeur, Marc-Andre Fleury, Henrik Lundqvist, Carey Price, and Patrick Roy.

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Vancouver Canucks At The 2025 IIHF World Championship: May 10

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Luongo arrived in Vancouver via trade back in 2006. Over his eight-year career with the organization, he recorded 252 wins and 38 shutouts, which are both franchise records. Luongo is also the only goaltender to serve as captain for the Canucks and, along with Cory Schneider, picked up the franchises only William M. Jennings Trophy.

During his time in Vancouver, Luongo was able to produce memories that Canucks fans will never forget. He led the team to Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and helped capture Gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Luongo also finished top five in Vezina voting three times during his Canucks career and was the runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2007.

On December 14, 2023, the organization elected to induct Luongo into the Ring of Honour. This decision is still debated among the fan base, as many believe Vancouver should have retired his jersey. Regardless, Luongo's legacy with the Canucks is now on full display as his name and face are etched into the walls at Rogers Arena. 

Based on his career stats, it is hard to argue that Luongo isn't a top 10 goaltender of all time. He sits fourth in wins with 489 and ninth in shutouts with 77. Luongo also finally has his name on the Stanley Cup, as he is a Special Advisor to the General Manager for the Florida Panthers.

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2025 NBA Playoffs notes: Karl-Anthony Towns injures hand, Curry's return, Porzingis' illness

The 2025 NBA Playoffs have brought the drama, this has been a wildly entertaining postseason. That said, injuries are playing a massive role in the second round. What follows are some notes from around the league and with some key injuries.

Karl-Anthony Towns injures hand

In the second quarter against Boston on Saturday, Karl-Anthony Towns and Luke Kornett were battling for a rebound around the basket, which Towns got and threw the outlet. Then Towns instantly grabbed his left hand in pain and appeared to say, “I broke it.” Towns could be seen wincing at other points in the second half, clearly bothered by whatever happened.

After the game, Towns and coach Tom Thibodeau played it down.

“It is what it is," Towns said. "I just want to do whatever I can to be out there. It is what it is. I’m gonna keep finding ways to play, so I ain’t tripping.”

Towns finished with 21 points on 5-of-18 shooting, and pulled down 15 rebounds. New York will need him in a critical Game 4. The Knicks had dramatic comeback wins in the first two games of the series, but in Game 3 the Celtics' 3-pointers fell and they seemed to get their identity and rhythm back. New York needs the Game 4 win or this series is tied and the momentum is going the other way, and it will need a big game from Towns to get that win.

It would also help if the Knicks could not fall behind by 20 points in Game 4.

Stephen Curry return

Unsurprisingly, the Golden State Warriors' offense has fallen apart in the last two games without Stephen Curry. The Warriors failed to score 100 points in either Game 2 or 3, and their offensive rating in both games would have been the worst in the NBA over the course of the regular season.

When can Curry return? Expect Game 6. Curry will be re-evaluated on the day of Game 5, but most likely, the earliest he will return is the following game, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. That lines up with what was reported here and by injury experts in the wake of Curry's Grade 1 hamstring strain, that it would be more like 10 days before he got back on the court.

The only question: Will that be too late? Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his team's defense will be the key to his team winning games without Curry, and Golden State did a good job of mucking up Game 3, but they still need to score enough to win and without Curry that is an issue (despite the best efforts of Jimmy Butler III and Buddy Hield).

Kristaps Porzingis health

Through three games in this series, Kristaps Porzingis is averaging just a little more than 15 minutes a night, scoring 4.3 points a game while shooting 25% overall (and 33.3% on 3-pointers). He had to leave Game 1 early because of the illness impacting him, and it's not just this round, Porzingis struggled in the first round as well.

Porzingis' illness is believed to be a flare-up of a condition he battled back in March that caused him to miss a few games. Doctors couldn't exactly determine what it Porzingis had or what was going on. ESPN’s Shams Charania had more details on their broadcast.

"It’s led to him having energy zaps and stamina ebbs and flows over the last couple of months... and he’s tried a lot of different things to try to mitigate the side effects. I’m told he’s been receiving IVs, immune boosters. He’s even changed up his sleep patterns to try to get more rest. He’s essentially waking up every day, hoping and praying that he feels better."

If the Celtics are going to repeat as champions, they will need him to find his health and form again. Boston won a ring last year with Porzingis out for several games in the NBA Finals, that will not happen this year.

Tatum said he was not trying to prove anything

The Boston Celtics have taken a lot of criticism for their poor shooting and blown leads in the first two games of the series against the resiliant Knicks, and a lot of that fell on the shoulders of their best player, Jayson Tatum.

Things felt different in Game 3, when Tatum finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and was a plus-23 in a game where the Celtics cruised to a win. That led some to speculate Tatum heard the criticism and responded, but after the game Tatum said that wasn't the case. He gave a thoughtful answer about accepting that there will be criticism when you are in the position he is in.

"I wasn't trying to prove anything today to anybody. It was an important game. It was important for us to respond as a team and just wanted to come out here and win. And that's all that was really on my mind."