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No rain, all shine, as Tigers homer their way to victory

Jun 11, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) receives congratulations from third baseman Colt Keith (33) after he hit a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Don’t call it a comeback, but the Tigers bounced back for an 11-0 victory over the Twins on Thursday afternoon.

After a rough loss on Wednesday, the Tigers were happy for two things: no immediate rain in the forecast, and a chance to redeem themselves on the Thursday afternoon rubber match. They still had a chance to come away with another series win. To get there, they had Keider Montero on the mound, up against the wildly named Zebby Matthews. Zebby. I really need to dig into the lore there.

Montero got things started well for the Tigers, getting the Twins out 1-2-3. In the bottom of the inning, Kevin McGonigle continued to perform well with a leadoff double. A flyout from Gleyber Torres pushed McGonigle to third, and then a sac fly from Riley Greene brought him home, putting the Tigers on the board in the first. Dillon Dingler got on with a single, but they weren’t able to bring the second run in.

Royce Lewis was the first baserunner for the Twins with a two-out single in the second, but he was quickly sent packing as the final out of the inning ended the threat. The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the bottom half, and hopefully, they remember how important insurance runs are given their recent history, and try to score a few.

It was another two-out single for the Twins in the third as Trevor Larnach got on, but the next at-bat was an out to turn things over. The Tigers, unfortunately, went three-up, three-down in the bottom of the inning.

Josh Bell got a one-out single in the fourth, then with two outs, a wild pitch from Montero allowed Bell to advance to second. Even with a runner in scoring position, though, the Twins weren’t able to make anything happen. With one out in the home half, Dillon Dingler doubled, and with two outs, a Colt Keith single brought him home.

Keith then stole second, and obviously Spencer Torkelson got my memo about adding runs, because he knocked a home run into left. Zach McKinstry walked, but the Tigers didn’t have any more runs in them for the inning. They were up 4-0 at the end of four.

Victor Caratini walked to start the fifth, but Montero got the next three out in order. The Tigers weren’t done adding to their lead. In the home half with one out, Gleyber Torres homered to right.

Montero continued to have a dialled in game, going through the Twins in order in the top of the sixth. In the home half, Kerry Carpenter got a leadoff single, then Keith followed that up with a home run. He got the silent treatment in the dugout after breaking that season long dry spell. Seriously, it seems almost impossible to not homer until June 11. McKinstry got a one out single, but no additional runs scored. The Tigers were up 7-0.

Royce Lewis got a one-out single in the top of the seventh and that was the end of the day for Montero, who was replaced by Tyler Holton. Montero’s final line was 6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K on 96 pitches. Once again he attacked the zone relentlessly and was very efficient, with the fourseam, knuckle curve, and changeup doing the heavy lifting.

Caratini then singled off of Holton, but two outs followed getting the Tigers out of the jam. Zebby’s day was done, being replaced by Cody Laweryson. With one out, Riley Greene joined the home run party as well.

Dingler singled. Carpenter singled. Unfortunately Keith then batted into a force out to get Carpenter out. And a final out ended the inning.

The Twins went 1-2-3 in the top of the eighth. In the home half, catcher Alex Jackson came in to pitch and he was no Jake Rogers, giving up a home run to McKinstry. I think almost everyone has one at this point except maybe Rogers, who walked.

With one out, Wenceel Perez came in to pinch hit for Torres, and the first thing he did was hit a two-run homer while hitting right-handed against the right-handed pitching catcher. Say that three times, fast. Why not! Homers for the bench, too!

With a fairly safe lead here, the Tiges probably could have turned things over to Jake Rogers, but they let Beau Brieske come in for the ninth to try and get some stress free work in on his command. Brieske got the side out in order to bring home the game and series win. Love to see it!

Final: Tigers 11, Twins 0

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Avalanche’s End-of-Season Media Availability: What Sakic & Kronke Had To Say

The Colorado Avalanche just finished their end-of-season media availability with General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic and KSE Vice Chairman Josh Kronke. They spoke for just over 20 minutes with the media and answered questions about this past season and what's coming next. Here is what they had to say.

Coaching Staff Is Here To Stay

Opening the press conference, the first question he asked was about Jared Bednar and the coaching staff. He confirmed that Bednar and the entire staff will remain with the team, as they are under contract, so that no changes will be made.

Sakic says Bednar "shouldn't be worried" about being in the last year of his deal. Though he follows up, saying there isn't an extension and that getting to one isn't a priority right now. 

Sakic follows up on the comment about Bednar and his importance to the team:

"He has the confidence of the players, it's clear from players and staff that he's the right guy, they love playing for him. He's not just the coach; he's the voice of the organization, players really like him, and I'm going with the players.”  

The other major talking point raised near the end of the conference was the addition of Dave Hakstol and his role with the power play. It was a topic of conversation throughout the season, given how limited the production was, especially considering the amount of talent on both units and the failure to make any changes to the deployment to see if that could help spark a fire and increase its production.

Avalanche Swept Because They Couldn’t Handle The Truth Of Their Own GameAvalanche Swept Because They Couldn’t Handle The Truth Of Their Own GameThe Avalanche didn’t just lose to the Golden Knights — they were stripped of every flaw they had been hiding all season.

Sakic made it clear that he shares everyone else's frustration with the power play, but they made a change at the end of last season, and he feels it improved when the team re-acquired Kadri. He also emphasized that the team appreciates Dave Hakstol’s work.

The good news is that Sakic did comment on the lack of production. While many might have wanted Hakstol gone and a change implemented, the only way is up from last season. At the same time, it's not great that the team finished with a power-play percentage of 17.1% on the season, the sixth-lowest in the NHL.

I agree with Sakic that, with the addition of Kadri, the power play did look better after the trade deadline and in the playoffs, but it's not an excuse that it should have taken that long to improve.

How The Roster Is Going To Look Moving Forward

Sakic touched on the season overall and noted that, while many might see it as a disappointment, the team played well and set records across the board, yet still failed to win a Stanley Cup. Though he talked about how it was “overall an incredibly fun year,” and while he and the team are disappointed in how it ended, there shouldn't be any panic about making massive changes, and he says this roster has a “2-to-3-year window”.

Though he knows that this team is going to do everything to get better, as he reiterates, “We're going to look at all options to get better.”

With key free agents like Brett Kulak and Jack Drury, keeping these players will be important to the team, but exploring trades will be necessary given how tight they are on cap space.

Avalanche Could Leverage Minnesota Wild Deal to Lock Up Jack DruryAvalanche Could Leverage Minnesota Wild Deal to Lock Up Jack DruryCould the Colorado Avalanche look at what the Minnesota Wild gave to Michael McCarron and use that as an offer to pending restricted free agent Jack Drury?

Both Sakic and Kroenke have made it clear that judging an incredible season by the last week is an extreme approach. While everyone is expecting this team to win a Stanley Cup, he credited the Vegas Golden Knights for playing really well against the Avalanche. He didn’t want to bring up any excuses, but he did reiterate how the injuries to Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon drastically altered Colorado's chances at beating Vegas.

The biggest point about the roster was Cale Makar and his eligibility for a contract extension this summer. Sakic confidently talked about how important Makar is to the team and that “Cale is going to finish his career here.” He hopes to have an extension signed this summer and has already begun discussions with his agent.

Cale Makar Extension Not If, But How Long As McDavid-Style Deal Could Be In PlayCale Makar Extension Not If, But How Long As McDavid-Style Deal Could Be In PlayCale Makar’s next contract in Colorado is no longer a matter of if it gets done, but how long the Avalanche will lock in their franchise cornerstone—and whether a McDavid-style short-term deal becomes the blueprint for preserving their Stanley Cup window.

Heading into next season, Sakic expected everyone to be at training camp at “100%”. This is welcoming, though, without concern, as they didn't list any specific injuries the team was dealing with, especially those involving Makar and MacKinnon and how banged up they were.

While this might not have been what many wanted or expected to hear this afternoon, it's a clear, concise point from Sakic and Kronke that the team will continue to operate as it did last season. No major or drastic changes, but they do expect greatness from one another and know that the fans and media do too. It will be interesting to see what moves they pull in this free agency to make this team any better than it was last season.

Colorado’s Bednar Debate Looks Small Compared To What’s Brewing In EdmontonColorado’s Bednar Debate Looks Small Compared To What’s Brewing In EdmontonAs Colorado Avalanche fans continue debating Jared Bednar's future, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly considering a coaching candidate whose controversial past has the NHL Players' Association calling for another investigation.
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Wranglers Lose 30-Goal Scorer Martin Frk to KHL, Report Says

After two seasons with the Calgary Wranglers, Czechia native Martin Frk appears headed to the KHL, with online reports indicating that the former 30-goal scorer has agreed to terms with the Shanghai Dragons.

Initially drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (49th overall) in 2012, Frk has skated in 124 NHL games, but has forged a stellar career in the AHL, with 224 goals and 437 points in 536 games. 

Since returning to North America after spending the 2023-24 season in the Swiss NL, Frk has been with the Wranglers, serving as an alternate captain last season. In 143 games with Calgary, he tallied 57 goals and 120 points with 132 penalty minutes. 

Now 32, Frk has won a QMJHL championship, a Memorial Cup, a Calder Cup, and is a one-time AHL Second Team All-Star. 

He made his NHL debut on Oct. 18, 2016, as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, before rejoining the Red Wings in 2017, and playing his last NHL game on Mar. 19, 2022, as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. 

In the AHL, Frk is a six-time 20-goal scorer, reaching a career high of 40 with the Ontario Reign in 2021-22. He was recently a member of the Wranglers, signed by Craig Conroy to a one-year, $775k deal. 

Last year, the Wranglers missed the Calder Cup playoffs, finishing last in the AHL's Pacific Division with a 23-34-10-5 record. Meanwhile, the Dragons finished ninth in the KHL's Western Conference with a 16-35-5-12 record and did not produce a 30-goal scorer.

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The Washington Nationals signing of Foster Griffin was one of the best moves of the offseason

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Foster Griffin #22 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning at Oracle Park on June 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Due to the bullpen collapse it will be mostly forgotten, but Foster Griffin had yet another rock solid start yesterday. He has been such an outstanding addition to the rotation, and signing him out of Japan has proven to be an outstanding deal for Paul Toboni. On the season, Griffin now has a 3.46 ERA in 78 innings.

While Mark understandably got ahead of himself assuming Griffin had an 8-2 record when the Nats got up by 8 runs, he has had a stellar season at 7-2. The Nats could not have asked for anymore when they signed Griffin on a 1-year $5.5 million deal this offseason. 

Griffin was a first round pick by the Royals all the way back in 2014. However, the lefty struggled to meet first round expectations. He steadily climbed the ladder, but never truly stood out. In 2020 and 2022, Griffin had a couple cups of coffee in the big leagues, but was never able to stick. That is when he made the career changing decision to play in Japan.

He signed with the Yomiuri Giants, the most famous team in Japan. Griffin completely evolved as a pitcher while he was overseas. He had three outstanding seasons in Tokyo, posting a 2.57 ERA in 315.2 innings. Griffin also added a sinker, a sweeper and a splitter while he was in Japan. That gave him a 7 pitch mix that dominated in Japan, and after 2025, he wanted to see if it could dominate in the MLB.

Due to his lack of big velocity or flashy stuff, Griffin’s market was not overly lucrative. While teams lined up to give KBO star Cody Ponce multi-year deals, Griffin did not generate that kind of interest. Teams were willing to give him a flier though, and he ended up signing with the Nats, who gave him a spot in the rotation.

While analysts in the US did not give much thought to Griffin, those who follow the NPB closely felt the Nats got a steal. Yakyu Cosmo, who is a popular English language NPB outlet, said that Griffin’s deep mix and strong command made him bullish about MLB success. He also said that Griffin reminded him of Seth Lugo.

Griffin’s results and stuff have been very Seth Lugo like this season. He has a 3.46 ERA, and is slightly overperforming his underlying numbers. That is more or less what Lugo has done the past three seasons in Kansas City. Both use insanely deep arsenals to keep hitters off balance and deceive their way to success.

Having a deep pitch mix is en vogue these days, and Griffin is at the forefront of this revolution. Lance Brozdowski, an analyst I really enjoy, has been talking about starting pitchers increasing their mixes for years now. Griffin is one of those guys, and is able to have success despite none of his 7 pitches being elite.

Griffin’s craftiness makes him very fun to watch. He is able to mix and match at will and understands how his pitches play off of each other. Griffin does a great job tunneling all his pitches to give hitters as little time as possible to make a decision. Batters have to decide whether they are seeing a 4-seamer, a sinker, a cutter, a curve, a sweeper, a changeup or a splitter so quickly. A lot of those pitches look very similar out of the hand as well and then end up in completely different places.

This dilemma Griffin puts hitters into is a big reason why he has actually put up fairly strong strikeout totals. Griffin has 74 strikeouts in 78 innings, which is quite solid. You would not usually expect a guy who averaged 91.3 MPH on their fastball to have 8.54 K/9. However, that is exactly what Griffin is doing and it is because of how crafty he is.

There are some regression red flags here though. Griffin’s FIP sits at 4.75 and his xERA is 4.30. However, Griffin’s xFIP of 3.79 paints a more generous picture. A big reason as to why these numbers are high is because of how many home runs Griffin allows. He has given up 15 long balls on the season, and is allowing 1.73 HR/9. That has been the one Achilles heel in his game.

With Griffin’s mediocre stuff, he has to command the ball well. When he misses over the heart of the plate and the hitter guesses the right pitch, it tends to go far. I would expect Griffin to post an ERA around 4.00 from here on out, but even that would be overperforming pre-season expectations.

Paul Toboni only signed Griffin to a one-year deal, so he will have to make a decision on the lefty at the trade deadline. Griffin is likely to be a sought after rental in a market filled with pitching needy teams. However, if the Nats stay around .500 and in the Wild Card mix, it could create a bit of a dilemma.

If the Nats wanted to, they could offer Griffin a 3-year extension to try and keep him around. I tend to think that Griffin is likely to be moved at the deadline. If that is the case, it would be a bummer because I have really enjoyed watching him pitch. I would be very open to a Griffin reunion in the offseason as well. 

Not every move Paul Toboni has made has worked out, but this one has been a complete win. Griffin has been a steady presence at the top of the Nats rotation and should provide value moving forward whether that is with the Nationals or in a trade.

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Swept In Miami: Dbacks 0, Marlins 2

Jun 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Tommy Troy (9) reacts after striking out against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Dbacks were swept on Thursday for the second straight series against the Marlins dating back to last season and are now back at .500 on the season. They were shut out for the second straight day for the first time since July of last season. Not great notes.

Merrill Kelly did his job today going 6 strong innings allowing only 2 ER’s as he rebounded nicely from his previous start. Kelly did a great job today moving the ball around, changing speeds, and making big pitches when he needed to. He had some nice quick innings, and was able to limit the traffic on the bases. A very Merrill Kelly-esque start.

The offense simply could not get anything going today against the Marlins pitching as they were held to just 3 hits. I had the sense the offense may be in trouble today when the pregame was talking about how good of a splitter Marlins starter Phillips has as that really seems to be a pitch that causes this offense trouble. The Dbacks had some chances today with runners on base, unfortunately they couldn’t come through with the big hit going 0-7 with RISP and 2-30 on the series with RISP. Honestly there is really nothing to report here on the offense that is positive so I’m not really going to try.

You have to be leaving this series feeling like this was really a missed opportunity for this team. Especially given how well things were rolling just a couple of weeks ago when they were 7 games over .500. The Dbacks had an opportunity in this series against a young team with 2 pretty under-the-radar starting pitchers going for the Marlins. Especially after they battled well in the first game aginast Meyer and that felt like a game they could’ve won. Unfortunately it was the other 2 starters that really stymied the Dbacks offense as they failed to score the final 2 games of the series allowing the Marlins to complete the sweep.

The Dbacks will head to Cincinnati this afternoon as they desperately need to get this offense back on track. At lease the ballpark there has been good for offensive production in the past, and the team will get a couple of guys with ERA’s in the 4’s and 5’s, but no matter where they are or who they are facing the at bats really need to improve. Especially with guys on base. Here’s to hoping things will get better tomorrow.

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The Kings See Potential in Newly Signed Martin Chromiak

LOS ANGELES – The Kings have signed forward Martin Chromiak to a one-year deal. It is a two-way contract with an AAV of $850,000.

At 23 years old, Chromiak recorded his best season with 28 goals and 28 assists in the AHL. He showed improvement each year with the Ontario Reign, which is why the Kings should consider calling him up to the NHL.

This next season, Chromiak could make his first ever appearance in the NHL. Although he was the leader for the Reign, there would likely be a different role in play for the Kings should he impress the team out of training camp.

The leading scorer from the Reign will not be required to dictate the Kings’ offense but is required not to harm it. Los Angeles was one of the best teams in limiting giveaways and could be an adjustment at the NHL level for Chromiak.

Last season, the Kings had 44.65% giveaways in the defensive zone and ranked the fourth fewest in the league. Chromiak blends in well since he is skilled at controlling the puck and setting up the offense.

While the Kings were elite at limiting turnovers, they also struggled with playmaking. Los Angeles were one of the worst playmaking teams as they ranked 29th in total assists last season.

However, Chromiak’s playmaking ability is considered his greatest strength as a player. Having a depth player that can make the right passes could drastically improve the offense and, with the potential departure of Andrei Kuzmenko, he could fill that void at a much cheaper price.

As many strengths Chromiak has as a player, his most useful asset will be his physicality. This is certainly fitting, with the foreshadowed up-tempo, physical system that lies ahead with head coach Peter Laviolette coming onboard.

From the three of the past four teams Laviolette has coached in his first year, the team was top 10 in percentage of hits given. The Flyers were 52.03% in 2010, the Capitals were 53.85% in 2021 and the Rangers 54.21% in 2024.

Since Coach Laviolette lives and breathes a physical system, Chromiak will have to match that physicality. He has a good size, being 6’0 and 190 pounds, but in a depth role potentially available, he must be willing to up the ante without being able to sacrifice too much of his offensive ability.

A call-up usually consists of having that extra body on the ice to provide fresh legs. Yet, Chromiak could be a long-term option to complement the system’s strengths and limit the weaknesses.

Chromiak blends in with the Kings’ strengths due to excellent puck control and ability to lay the body, often crafty with his skating angles. On the other hand, he also can provide a bit of a solution to Los Angeles’ playmaking depth.

A skilled young player seems to be a phrase that feels distasteful with the crop of youth that has come and gone in the wake of the Rob Blake era. It might not be as sour as it is sweet, as Chromiak could provide a renewed youth push for the Kings in 2027. When training camp gets underway in a few months, he’ll be ready to make more than just an impression, but a roster spot.

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Tigers 11, Twins 0: You didn’t really miss anything, trust me

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 11: Zebby Matthews #52 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after giving up a solo home run to Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Comerica Park on June 11, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Minnesota Twins were probably looking to end this stretch against American League Central opponents on a high note by taking the rubber match against the Detroit Tigers. However, the Tigers came out swinging early and often against Zebby Matthews, and… well… if you were planning to write home about this game, I wouldn’t.

Detroit started the scoring off right away in the first. Four pitches from Matthews to three batters and the score was 1-0 thanks to a Kevin McGonigle (no relation to Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter) almost-homer-but-ended-up-a-double, a Gleyber Torres fly-out to scoot McGonigle to third, and a sacrifice fly from Riley Green to bring him in. After sending the Tigers down in order the next two innings, the Kittens heated up again in the fourth: a Colt Keith (what an 1880s name) single brought in Dillon Dingler (surely he wasn’t teased about his name as a kid) and a Spencer Torkleson homer took the score to 4-0.

Thanks to the bullpen game last night, the Twins continued to ride Zebby for a couple more innings, whose velocity was down by a couple MPHs today. Torres hit a homer of his own to right field in the fifth while Keith hit his first bomb of the year – a two-run shot – in the sixth to knock the score up to 7-0.

The Twins offense notched a handful of hits here and there, but couldn’t piece anything together against Detroit starter Keider Montero, who made it into the seventh inning and was pulled in favor of Tyler Holton. Minnesota’s best chance to plate a run came here with runners on second and third with a couple outs and… well… they didn’t score, but Austin Martin struck out instead.

Cody Laweryson allowed a Greene homer in relief in the eighth while position-player-pitching Alex Jackson took the mound in the ninth to get knocked around and the final score was 11-0.

W: Keider Montero (3-4)
L: Zebby Matthews (2-4)

The Twins return home to take on the St Louis Cardinals (they’re good: 37-28) for a weekend interleague set, beginning with a 710p Central start tomorrow night. Joe Ryan gets the call for Minnesota while Kyle Leahy will go for the Louis of Saints. I like their alternate uniforms.

STUDS

  • I guess Royce Lewis? 2-3, K
  • Alex Jackson: Twinkie Town “Stud” Participation Ribbon for pitching

duds

  • Zebby Matthews: 6 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, BB, 4 K, 3 HR
  • the remainder of Twins that participated in today’s game, namely: Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton, Orlando Arcia, Kody Clemens, Josh Bell, Brooks Lee, Victor Caratini, Tristan Gray, Ryan Kreidler, Austin Martin, Cody Laweryson

COTG

falcontimmy was the only other TTer in the game thread today and kept the Twims honest, which I always appreciate.

Thank you for your time!

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Canadiens Should Bolster Blueline By Signing Golden Knights Defender

The Montreal Canadiens have a few roster needs to address this summer. One of them is the right side of their blueline, as they could use another right-shot top-four defenseman.

When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), Rasmus Andersson stands out as a prime potential option for the Canadiens to consider pursuing.

While there is certainly a good chance that Andersson ends up re-signing with the Vegas Golden Knights, the possibility of him testing free agency should not be ruled out. If he does, he would be one of the best players available, so it would make sense if he wanted to see what offers were out there. If Andersson does hit the market, the Canadiens would be wise to pursue him.  

If the Canadiens signed Andersson, he would be a nice addition to their second pairing. He would also give them another defenseman who works in all situations, which undoubtedly adds to his appeal. 

Andersson is coming off a strong regular-season, too, as he posted 17 goals, 47 points, and 149 blocks in 81 games split between the Calgary Flames and Golden Knights. He has also been solid for the Golden Knights this post-season, as he has six assists and a plus-4 rating in 20 games. With numbers like these, he would be a nice pickup for a Canadiens club that needs another high-impact blueliner.

Nevertheless, if Andersson hits the market, it will be interesting to see if the Habs end up being one of the teams that target him. He would be a strong pickup for a Canadiens club that is entering its Stanley Cup window. 

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Knicks fans target Victor Wembanyama with jeers, thrown egg after Game 4

Victor Wembanyama earlier this week condemned apparent attacks by Knicks fans on Spurs supporters.Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP

A brutal night for Victor Wembanyama continued even after he returned to his New York hotel on Wednesday, as he was pelted with boos from jeering Knicks fans and nearly struck by a flying egg.

A video shared online showed at least one egg tossed in the direction of the San Antonio Spurs superstar as he entered his hotel, flanked by security, after the team’s Game 4 loss to the Knicks.

It was not clear who threw the egg. The video showed taunting fans swarming the hotel, a few blocks south of Madison Square Garden.

Related: Wembanyama condemns apparent attacks on Spurs fans in New York during NBA finals

A few seconds after the egg cracks on a street sign, Wembanyama turns around and confronts a person standing near the hotel’s entrance, before continuing inside.

The Spurs did not immediately respond to a request seeking clarity on whether the object struck Wembanyama.

The confrontation followed a historic collapse by the Spurs, who now find themselves on the brink of elimination after blowing a 29-point lead to the Knicks. Wembanyama missed two key free throws in the game’s final minutes.

The Knicks’ victory prompted scenes of bedlam and jubilation across New York City, as ecstatic fans packed the streets, set off fireworks, scaled lamp-posts and at times clashed with police. According to the New York police department, 56 people were taken into custody for charges that ranged from assault to disorderly conduct.

“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the police department said in a statement.

An NYPD spokesperson said they had nothing on file about the egg incident.

Earlier this week, players from both teams condemned apparent attacks on Spurs fans by supporters of the Knicks. Video had circulated showing San Antonio fans having their jerseys ripped off in the streets of New York after the Spurs’ win in Game 3 on Monday.

“My thoughts of course [are] that we can’t forget it’s a game,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said about the incidents. “We’re just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but [with] the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”

Added Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns: “The game is built off of respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball at its purest state. It’s the NBA finals. There’s no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court.”

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Giants, Bryce Eldridge usher in new era, but it’s too late to save season

SAN FRANCISCO — In some fairytale far, far away, the Giants’ miraculous comeback Wednesday was the demarcation point of a turnaround on a larger scale.

The walk-off grand slam didn’t merely complete a comeback from a 9-1 deficit in the eighth inning, these heroics could be the first of many from their heralded rookie on an equally daunting uphill climb back to the postseason from where they stood when the day began.

The Giants’ Bryce Eldridge celebrates after hitting a walk-off grand slam Wednesday against the Nationals. AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

Hey, in the words of Matt Chapman, stranger things have happened.

“Whatever little reset button our position players hit when there was some frustration with what was going on on the mound was perfect,” manager Tony Vitello said. “I hope we can carry that over.”

In reality, fans should cherish Bryce Eldridge’s face-of-the-franchise moment — a raucous ending to one of the zaniest games at the corner of Third & King — because it is more likely to be an exclamation point in the middle of a paragraph than the beginning of a new chapter.

As the Eldridge era begins, the Giants sit 13 games below .500, eight out of a playoff spot. All-Star ballots are out; it’s not early anymore. Only one team in baseball history has risen from these ashes to make the playoffs: the 1914 Boston “Miracle” Braves.

Eldridge may be the franchise’s savior. But he’s not a miracle worker.

In many ways, the Giants have begun to show their true colors over the past month or so. Their lineup was never going to be as bad as its performance in April suggested. On the flip side, the relatively stress-free first month from their underinvested pitching staff was a predictable mirage.

Take, for example, their most recent win.

As Vitello said afterward, “It’s not easy to repeat as many runs as we put up in two innings,” and nobody should expect the Giants to pull off another caper like this one. (They had been 0-30 when trailing by any margin after just six innings.)

It would be easier to repeat when trailing by, say, only three runs, which is what the margin was when Robbie Ray left the game with two on and two outs in the sixth. The inherited runners became the 32nd and 33rd to score against the Giants’ bullpen this season, tied for sixth most in the majors, before the Nats proceeded to pile on five more.

The Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee and Eric Haase celebrate after the team’s walk-off grand slam Wednesday. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP

As underwhelming as the Giants’ offense has been to begin the season, their fate was probably sealed this offseason when the front office failed to address the bullpen after trading Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval and losing Randy Rodriguez to elbow surgery.

Since ending April with the second-best bullpen ERA in the majors, Vitello’s any-role-goes relief corps has posted a 5.35 mark that ranks third from the bottom.

That isn’t a playoff-caliber bullpen when starting from scratch, let alone when needing to close the gap the Giants face.

Still, inside the clubhouse, Giants players are adamant they are a better team than their record indicates, despite their minus-51 run differential. And that may be the case.

“I don’t think our record reflects the energy in this clubhouse and how we feel about each other and we feel about our season,” Chapman said after their 2-1 win Sunday night against the Cubs in Chicago. “We feel like there’s a lot of baseball left, and there’s a lot of good that can happen.”

Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers all have long track records and have begun to show signs of life. The lowest OPS of the bunch now, at least, starts with a seven.

Eldridge, officially, has given Vitello every reason to keep him in the lineup every day — and maybe even move him up, a possibility the manager agreed there’s “potential for.”

Eldridge and Giants teammates enjoy the game-winning grand slam Wednesday against the Nationals. AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

They could have a homegrown All-Star represent them in Philadelphia if Casey Schmitt keeps up his breakout campaign. Barry Bonds was the last Giant to reach 15 home runs as quickly.

Jung Hoo Lee and Luis Arraez are battling it out among the National League batting leaders, giving the Giants two of the top five. They are the first pair of Giants teammates with active hitting streaks of 11 games or longer since Angel Pagan and Pablo Sandoval in 2012.

As a team, believe it or not, the Giants became the first to 1,000 total bases in their win Wednesday. (The Dodgers passed them later that night.)

They had a league-low 13 home runs through their first 23 games of the season. The walk-off blast by Eldridge was their seventh grand slam in their past 23 games — their 36th homer.

So they may be capable of providing more exclamation points.

But, still, it’s unlikely this story ends in the postseason.

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How the ‘Skubal Scope’ could change pitching injuries — and Tigers ace's season

Tarik Skubal is back on the mound. His agent, Scott Boras, already has a name for what got him there so fast.

"The Skubal scope," Boras called it after Skubal became the first known MLB player to undergo a procedure using the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0.  The minimally invasive device is the size of a toothpick and it helped remove a loose body from the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s left elbow.

Skubal, who is scheduled to start Saturday, June 13, needed just 12 days to get back on the mound for a full bullpen and just 32 days from surgery to his rehab start on June 7. The new technology knocked weeks off a surgery and rehab that normally takes more than two to three months.

It marked the beginning of a new way to treat one of baseball’s most stubborn and frustrating pitching injuries.

"Any time you can get in and out without leaving much of a trace at all, it’s a huge benefit," said Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the orthopedic surgeon behind some of the biggest procedures in professional sports.

ElAttrache, the team doctor for the Los Angeles Dodgers and NFL's Los Angeles Rams, had been waiting for the right case to try the NanoNeedle. Skubal, dealing with a single loose body and having the motivation of being in his final year of a contract, was it.  

The right time, the right pitcher

The timing mattered as much as the technology. A pitcher who stops throwing in April or May doesn’t just pick up where he left off. He must reset back to spring training to ramp up. For Skubal, who is set to become one of the most coveted free agents on the market this offseason, every missed start carried extra weight.

"The nature of the procedure is one thing," ElAttrache said, "but the timing is the other."

Launched just last September, the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0 is made by Arthrex, a Florida-based medical device company. Traditional elbow surgery requires a scalpel to cut through the skin and tissue before a surgeon can even get inside the joint. The NanoNeedle punctures through like a needle, causing far less damage going in. Surgeons still need to pump fluid into the joint to inflate it so the camera can see what it’s working on. The NanoNeedle needs a fraction of what a traditional scope needs.

The less fluid pumped in, the less the joint swells, it lowers the pain and a pitcher is ready to throw quicker.

Ryan Keller, Arthrex’s senior product manager, said the NanoNeedle uses roughly one-seventh the fluid of traditional arthroscope. Keller said studies show patients who undergo the procedure rarely need so much as a Tylenol afterward.

Skubal wore a battery-powered patch called Jumpstart over the wound site, another Arthrex device. It sends a small electrical charge through the skin to kill bacteria and speed healing.

Before the procedure, Skubal had been pitching with a loose body that was starting to lock his elbow mid-delivery.

"You can imagine how disconcerting that is," ElAttrache said, “to have in the back of your mind, as a random warning that your elbow is going to lock in the middle of throwing 99 miles an hours."

A pitcher managing that can’t fully convince himself the problem is gone until he is throwing free and easy again. One the surgery was done and the swelling stayed down, he didn’t have to spend his first bullpen session wondering if he was going to feel it again.

He could just pitch

"You can’t get rid of the apprehension if your elbow is still sore," ElAttrache said. "He was able to get rid of that apprehension within his first bullpen throwing session."

Los Angeles Dodgers’ left-hander Blake Snell had the same procedure, but his case was more involved. ElAttrache said the recovery won’t match Skubal’s pace, but he expects it to cut Snell’s time off roughly in half.

He won’t be the last pitcher that benefits from it. Loose bodies keep coming. Already this season Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene and the Dodgers' Edwin Diaz have had them. It has become one of baseball’s most persistent and least glamorous injuries.

And until now, one of its most disruptive.

How the NanoNeedle will change sports injuries

The NanoNeedle won’t fix everything, but it can be used for other injuries.

ElAttrache said it won’t replace Tommy John surgery, but since it can go where other traditional tools can’t, it can help with shoulder injuries, meniscus tears and with spots that do not show up clearly on MRIs. A surgeon can now look directly at those areas with something the size of a needle and barely leave a mark.

And it’s advancing. The NanoNeedle Scope 3.0 is coming before the end of the year. Keller said it will have better image quality. Eventually he thinks it could replace traditional arthroscopy entirely.

Scenes from Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal's rehab start with the West Michigan Whitecaps on Sunday, June 7, at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park.

Bigger than just baseball

ElAttrache’s mentor was Frank Jobe, the surgeon who invented Tommy John surgery.

Arthrex is getting publicity because of Skubal and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who had surgery with the NanoNeedle before the 2024 Paris Olympics. But they also are also pushing into cardiovascular, obstetric and pediatric medicine.

So, a tool that will help save a pitcher’s contract year might end up changing how traumatic orthopedic surgery is for kids in the future.

ElAttrache has seen it before and it’s part of what drives him.

"The things you develop to help these famous athlete end up helping the masses," ElAttrache said. "Especially for kids. I see this as something that will be very useful to help kids."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the ‘Skubal Scope’? New procedure speeds Tarik Skubal’s return

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Sabres Top Prospect Konsta Helenius Named To AHL Top Prospects Team For Second Straight Season

 

Accolades are becoming old hat for Buffalo Sabres top prospect Konsta Helenius. The 20-year-old played nine games for the Sabres during the regular season, stepped in during the Stanley Cup Playoffs in impressive fashion, and scored the golden goal for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland last month. On Wednesday, the American Hockey League named Helenius to their 2025-26 Top Prospects Team.

The young center was named to the 2024-25 Top Prospects after making his Noreth American debut with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 65 games with the Rochester Americans. This season, he led the Amerks with 62 points (21 goals, 41 assists) in 63 games, tying for ninth in AHL scoring and setting a franchise record for scoring by a teenager. 

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Forwards Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (DET), Ilya Protas(WAS), defensemen Carter Yakemchuk (OTT) and Adam Engstrom (MON), and goaltender Sergei Murashov (PIT) were also selected.   

The Sabres were fortunate at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas two years ago after trading down three slots with the San Jose Sharks the day before the draft to garner an extra second-round pick. Helenius was thought of by many draft analysts as the most pro-ready forward next to top pick Macklin Celebrini after playing last season in the Finnish SM-Liiga, and for Finland at the Under-18’s, World Junior Championships and World Championships.

After two full years in the AHL, it is highly likely that Helenius will not be seeing any time in the minors going forward. With the likely departure of Alex Tuch and possibly Beck Malenstyn in free agency, GM Jarmo Kekalainen will look to internal options like Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Helenius in part to fill the void up front. It is also possible that the Sabres GM may be involved in what is expected to be a brisk trade market this summer, which might necessitate trading one or more of those prospects. 

It would have surprising however, to see the Sabres move Helenius, who seems very capable at a young age to make an impact in the NHL. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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The Spurs may have topped 28-3 as sports' most infamous collapse

Every once in a while, you see something you've never seen before. Something that makes the impossible, possible, regardless of what the odds say. On June 10, the New York Knicks gave fans another moment that will forever be a snapshot in time.

Erasing a 29-point lead in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Knicks' comeback story is one that will be told for years to come. You'll remember where you were, what the weather was like, what you ate for dinner and maybe the first call or text you made in the immediate aftermath of the OG Anunoby shot heard around the sports world.

Whether the comeback is the greatest in sports history is up for debate. At the very least, Game 4 of the NBA Finals went from being a game Knicks fans couldn't wait to turn off to being a game they can't relive enough.

Anatomy of a stunning comeback: How Knicks pulled off improbable win

Now on the doorstep of their first NBA title since 1973, the job isn't finished. In the meantime, let's put the comeback into context.

Here's a look at how the Knicks' comeback compares to the New England Patriots' famous 28-3 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51, by the numbers.

Knicks comeback compared to Patriots' 28-3, by the numbers

Largest lead

The Spurs held a 29-point lead with 9:40 to go in the third quarter, meaning they just had to survive for another 21 minutes and 40 seconds of game time. On the gridiron, the Falcons were up 28-3 with 8:31 to go in the third quarter. They held that lead until just over two minutes remaining in the quarter, when New England cut the deficit to 19.

Score at the start of the fourth quarter

There was a sense of impending doom for both the Falcons and Spurs entering the fourth quarter. Both sides had to know that no lead was safe against an opponent that had proven time and time again their ability to mount large comebacks.

Still, both teams held a double-digit lead entering the final quarter:

  • Falcons led 28-9
  • Spurs led 90-75

99%

That was the win probability for the Spurs and Falcons in the game, according to ESPN Analytics. San Antonio's win probability topped out at 99.6% when a De'Aaron Fox jumper put them up by 29. Despite the dwindling lead, the Spurs still had a 99.5% chance of winning with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.

As for the Falcons, they still had a 97.5% chance of winning with just 4:40 to go. It was down the peak of Atlanta's win probability, which was 99.7% before the Patriots' third quarter touchdown.

1

The number of points the Knicks won by in Game 4. It's also the number of leads the Patriots had in Super Bowl 51. That's right, New England's one and only lead of that contest was the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

Key moments in Knicks, Patriots comebacks

Comebacks of this magnitude aren't possible without a little big of luck and good fortune. Luckily for the Patriots and Knicks, their opponents were willing to provide plenty of opportunity.

Here are a few turning points:

Knicks-Spurs turning point

The Spurs' demise can be traced back to the 10:09 mark of the third quarter. Stephon Castle would pick up his fourth foul of the game, a charge drawn by Jalen Brunson, forcing the Spurs' rookie to take a seat. Head coach Mitch Johnson elected to sub in Keldon Johnson for Castle, leaving Fox as the primary ball handler on the court.

After a Karl-Anthony Towns turnover, Victor Wembanyama was whistled for what eventually became a flagrant foul. Wembanyama's confidence was clearly shaken after that, given the chance of a looming suspension if he picked up another.

Without Castle's calming presence on the floor and ability to get to the rim, the Spurs became reliant on Wembanyama to create. With him being rattled in the wake of the flagrant foul that the home crowd was desperate for, it allowed the fans back into the game to make an impact of their own.

San Antonio became the gambler that chases losses. Having already dug a hole, the Spurs fell in love with 3-point shooting, hoping to recapture that first half magic. They made just 3-of-17 looks from beyond the arc in the second half after sinking 14 of 26 in the first half.

Instead of relying on getting to the rim, the Spurs seemingly took their foot off the gas and allowed the Knicks to chip away – a move that might've cost them a championship.

Patriots-Falcons turning point

The Falcons, just like the Spurs, lacked the situational awareness that the moment required. Up 28-3 in the third quarter, Atlanta no longer needed to flex its muscle with a high-powered passing attack. Instead it should've become a game of possession and possessions, given that New England needed time and the ball in order to steal a victory.

The Falcons were more than happy enough to oblige. Atlanta possessed the ball three times in the fourth quarter going up 25. Dan Quinn's team failed to run more than 2:26 off the clock on all three.

However, the biggest turning point came with 9:44 left in the third quarter. Having just allowed a field goal to make the score 28-12, the Falcons had a chance to run precious time off the clock. A pair of runs from Tevin Coleman set up a third-and-1.

Conventional wisdom would suggest to run it again, taking 40 seconds off the clock at the very least. If Atlanta picked up the first down, it keeps the drive going and likely puts the game out of reach. Instead, Matt Ryan dropped back to pass and was sacked by Dont'a Hightower. Adding insult to injury, the quarterback fumbled and the Patriots recovered at the Atlanta 25-yard-line, giving them the short field they needed.

Just over two minutes later, the damage was done and it was a one-possession game with all the momentum on the New England sideline. After tying it up to send the Super Bowl to overtime, the Patriots got the opening kickoff and everyone in the world knew they were marching down the field for the game-winning touchdown.

Which comeback was more impressive?

The NBA might've switched the characters, swapping in Mitch Johnson, Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson for Dan Quinn, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady, but the stories are quite similar. Both the Falcons and Spurs played dominant in the first half at a level that was unsustainable.

A second half regression to the mean was inevitable, but both sides took their foot off the gas thinking they could coast to the finish. In some ways, the Falcons and Spurs looked like teams that thought the opponent was simply going to quit and give up – something that the Patriots and Knicks don't have in their DNA.

"It ain't over till it's over," as New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra would say.

If you're really trying to measure one comeback against the other, however, the Patriots are worthy of getting the edge. They had no margin for error in the Super Bowl, meaning there was no chance for revenge with a loss. They either win the Super Bowl or they don't – there was no tomorrow, just next season.

Even if the Knicks lost Game 4, they would be tied 2-2 in the series with at least two more games to play. Point is, the Knicks' comeback is just a chapter in this NBA Finals. It could be the chapter, but that means they would have to fend off a more impressive comeback by the Spurs if they overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

That is the fundamental difference between the two comebacks and that's without accounting for the clock component. New England had to limit Atlanta to short possessions, which isn't always possible if the opposition handles the clock properly.

Massive shifts happen more frequently in basketball, simply due to the nature of the back-and-forth action, creating scoring runs that quickly cut into large deficits. With free throws stopping the clock, the Knicks' comeback is one that could be replicated more often – something that was evidenced by their Game 1 effort against Cleveland one round ago.

Debate history if you want, but no one is taking anything away from two historic nights in sports. After all, there's plenty of room for both.

So move over, 28-3. 29-point lead would like to take a seat.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Comparing Knicks NBA Finals comeback to Patriots' 28-3 in Super Bowl

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Celtics ‘in on' Giannis, ‘open to trading anybody' but Tatum: Reports

Celtics ‘in on' Giannis, ‘open to trading anybody' but Tatum: Reports originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Giannis-to-Boston rumors are heating back up.

Prominent NBA insiders Kevin O’Connor (Yahoo Sports) and Bill Simmons (The Ringer) reignited the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discourse with eye-opening updates on the Celtics’ interest in the Milwaukee Bucks superstar. O’Connor said the C’s are willing to part ways with all but one of their players.

“I have heard Boston is shopping people around a lot right now, that Boston is making calls, Boston is open to trading anybody besides Jayson Tatum,” O’Connor said on The Kevin O’Connor Show. “And that doesn’t necessarily mean they land Giannis at the end of the day, but I do believe, based off of everything and all the conversations I’ve had, is that the Celtics are in on Giannis, and that they are making a push on him… This feels very, very real to me.”

Simmons, who had initially poured cold water on the Giannis-to-Boston rumors, changed his tune on Thursday.

“I thought Boston was out of this,” Simmons said on theBill Simmons Podcast. “I know Boston was out of this. I was wondering if they were playing possum or not. I think they were playing a little possum. I think they are in on Giannis.

“I’m not recanting what I said before. I don’t know the reasons for it. Maybe they felt like Miami’s offer is an offer they could beat. Maybe they want to drive the price of Miami’s offer up and don’t really have interest in him.”

Simmons added that Boston remains among Giannis’ preferred destinations.

Those updates coincided with an interesting X post by Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who would presumably be the centerpiece of a Giannis deal.

“The neighbor’s rice always smells better,” Brown wrote.

So, what should we make of the latest Giannis rumors? Kayla Burton, Phil Perry, and Marc Bertrand shared their reactions during Thursday’s Early Edition.

“I wouldn’t mind it as long as the guy is healthy,” Burton said. “He only played 36 games last season. … That’s my only concern when it comes to him. … He’s on the upside of 31 years old now, had some injuries. … I just don’t know the number of pieces that they have to trade away.”

Antetokounmpo was limited to 36 games due to multiple injuries, including a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee. The two-time NBA MVP remained elite when healthy, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting over 62 percent from the field.

“He’s still a great player, and when you look at some of the advanced numbers, he’s still one of the best offensive players in basketball when he’s on the court,” Perry said. “I think part of the reason he’s missed time is because he’s just been checked out in Milwaukee, so I don’t worry as much as some others do about his health.

“I just take away from the reporting from Kevin O’Connor, they’re willing to trade anybody, or they’re shopping anybody not named Jayson Tatum. OK, they’re willing to potentially move Jaylen Brown, and they’re in on Giannis. … I’m not sure there’s a package out there, whether it’s Miami or anywhere else that would beat the Celtics’ willingness to trade away a second-team All-NBA guy.”

Trading Brown would be a stunning development. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP has been key to Boston’s success since being selected third overall in the 2016 draft. He took his game to another level this past season with Tatum sidelined, averaging a career-high 28.6 points per game and finishing sixth in the MVP race.

But after blowing a 3-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s time for Brad Stevens and the C’s to reevaluate their situation.

“You’ve got to watch what is playing out right now with the teams that are dominating, whether you want to say it’s the Knicks or it’s the Spurs,” Bertrand said. “Which of those teams are you going to compete with with this current roster? The Knicks have already beaten you once. Are you going to compete against the Spurs with the way this roster is currently constructed?

“If the Celtics are all in on building a championship team, they might need it to look different than the way it looks now.”

If Antetokounmpo is moved, it’ll likely happen before the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23.

Watch the full Early Edition segment in the video player above.

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Lakers trade deadline target could be set for free agency

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 17: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on October 17, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers have a clear need for athleticism across the floor and, particularly, on the perimeter. It’s something that was apparent even at the trade deadline and could be seen in the players the team was targeting.

There were a ton of other players they were connected to, like Keon Ellis, that they couldn’t pick up at the deadline. In the end, Ellis was traded to the Cavaliers. However, his time in Cleveland wasn’t exactly a great experience. In the playoffs, he was ineffective and non-existent.

Ellis played beyond 10 minutes only once in the postseason, did not play multiple times and provided nothing offensively. He went 5-15 from the field, scoring just 19 points across eight games and had a plus-minus of -31.

Now that the season is over, the Cavaliers have some tough decisions to make. As a second-apron team, money is going to be tight. Ellis was already set for free agency and, after underperforming, it looks unlikely Cleveland is going to retain him.

In a recent article, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Ellis likely being the odd man out with the Cavs.

The most pressing piece of roster business in Cleveland, outside of the Cavaliers ironing out a future agreement with James Harden, will come down to its decisions on Dean Wade and Keon Ellis as they seek to move out of the second apron.

Sources say that team officials already concede behind the scenes that it will be extremely difficult to keep both players. My early read: The priority is likely going to be bringing back Wade, who started a career-high 38 games this season and has been one of Cleveland’s top point-of-attack defenders as a jumbo-sized swingman.

This could be exactly the kind of opportunity the Lakers could take advantage of. They have more cap space than most teams this offseason, and they can pick up quality players other teams can’t retain due to the apron restrictions.

And considering the down postseason Ellis had, there’s a chance for LA to buy low on Ellis as Fisher detailed later in his report.

Ellis’ market, meanwhile, has seemingly taken a bit of a hit since February, when league sources say half the league was expressing interest in acquiring him from Sacramento via trade. The Cavaliers always appeared to be a curious landing spot for Ellis compared to a team like the Lakers that had a clear need for perimeter defenders. It remains to be seen how Ellis fares in free agency now after largely falling out of Kenny Atkinson’s playoff rotation.

Ellis averaged a modest 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game this season. He actually was better statistically in many ways with Cleveland as he averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and shot 49.1% from the field. His greatest value lies in his defense. He is a solid perimeter defender who averaged 1.3 steals per game in Cleveland.

While things didn’t go according to plan for him in the playoffs with the Cavs, it’s hard to trust a franchise that traded for James Harden to push them over the top in the playoffs. If they do move on from Ellis this offseason, don’t be surprised if the Lakers are involved.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.