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Nets 2025 NBA Mock Draft Roundup: What will Brooklyn do with four first-round picks?

The Nets own four first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, including the No. 8 overall pick after falling in the lottery.

It's the first time the Nets have had a lottery pick since the 2010 NBA Draft when they selected Derrick Favors at No. 3 overall.

After a 26-54 season, how will GM Sean Marks use the draft capital he's acquired to rebuild Brooklyn's roster?

Here's what the draft experts have the Nets doing on June 25...

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, ESPN

No. 8: SG/SF Kon Knueppel, Duke

Height without shoes: 6-foot-5

Weight: 219 pounds

Age: 19

Count the Nets among the many disappointed lottery teams, dropping two spots from No. 6 to No. 8 after San Antonio and Dallas jumped.

Brooklyn has veteran players, including Cameron Johnson, four first-round picks in this draft and future assets to dangle if it wants to move higher in the lottery. Teams expect the Nets, who are also operating in the interest of present and future cap space, to consolidate some of what they have.

Knueppel's reliable offensive play and high-level shooting would be a nice building block for the Nets, with his skill set augmenting most lineups no matter how they choose to build long term. League insiders see additional scoring and playmaking upside from the consistent wing.

There's also an interesting case for selecting and developing a young ball handler such as Egor Demin or Kasparas Jakucionis, or going with the offensive upside of Derik Queen, if the Nets stay at this spot. -- Woo

No. 19 (via Bucks): C Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Height without shoes: 6-foot-9 1/4

Weight: 262 pounds

Age: 19

With the second of their four first-round picks, the Nets could go in many directions, likely taking swings on talent while considering the importance of acquiring size in a league that has swayed back toward seriously valuing big men.

Sorber isn't expected to conduct on-court activity during the predraft process as he recovers from foot surgery in February. Still, his strong feel for the game, defensive versatility, length, physicality and skill level as a pick-and-roll finisher are attractive qualities at 19 years old that should draw plenty of attention in this portion of the draft.

In Chicago, his wingspan was measured at 7-6, allowing him to play much bigger than his height (6-10½ in shoes). -- Givony

No. 26 (via Knicks): PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB/Michigan

Height without shoes: 6-foot-8 1/2

Weight: 234 pounds

Age: 22

Rival teams expect the Nets to explore moving one or both of these picks in the 20s, as they manage their roster and salary cap situation to best position themselves moving forward.

Lendeborg faced one of the highest-profile, stay-or-go decisions among prospects at the combine, measuring quite well and turning in a solid, if not spectacular, showing in scrimmages, with Michigan coach Dusty May and members of his staff in Chicago to support him. NBA teams are aware Lendeborg has a multimillion-dollar NIL package to attend Michigan next season, and it wasn't clear by the end of the week as to whether he had done enough to secure the type of guarantee that might keep him in the draft.

He was highly productive last season at UAB and will step into a huge role with the Wolverines as the ostensible replacement for Danny Wolf, giving him an opportunity to improve his draft stock if he withdraws now. -- Woo

No. 27 (via Rockets): PF Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's

Height without shoes: 6-foot-8 1/4

Weight: 232 pounds

Age: 20

The Nets might not be the team selecting here, which would make these picks in the late 20s interesting swing spots.

Fleming didn't participate in 5-on-5 scrimmages at the combine, but had impressive measurements. His excellent size and how effectively he scored this season for Saint Joseph's give him some attractive role-player qualities.

As a late-blooming player who is still lacking in ball skills and overall awareness at times, Fleming is more of a developmental addition than a true plug-and-play option in the late first round. -- Woo

Mar 15, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Saint Joseph's Hawks forward Rasheer Fleming (13) shoots the ball over George Mason forward Shawn Simmons II (10) in the first half at Capital One Arena.
Mar 15, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Saint Joseph's Hawks forward Rasheer Fleming (13) shoots the ball over George Mason forward Shawn Simmons II (10) in the first half at Capital One Arena. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report

No. 8: PF Noa Essengue, France

Height: 6-foot-9

Weight: 194 pounds

Age: 18

Big scoring outputs are becoming more common for Noa Essengue in the German BBL.

The easy baskets off rim runs, cuts and offensive rebounds have been consistent all season. But he's looking more comfortable converting off self-created drives and knocking down rhythm threes.

His improving on-ball skill and rising offensive production are becoming notable draft storylines, considering he's the draft's second-youngest prospect who also offers exciting defensive tools and movement.

No. 19 (via Bucks): PG/SG Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Height without shoes: 6-foot 1/2

Weight: 178 pounds

Age: 19

Jase Richardson's 6'0.5" barefoot measurements could scare a few teams, particularly since his skill set is better suited for the 2-guard position. However, his shooting, touch, finishing and decision-making may all be sharp enough for Richardson to get by and still thrive while undersized.

No. 26 (via Knicks): PG Nolan Traore, France

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 174 pounds

Age: 19

Nolan Traore is in the midst of one of his best stretches of the season. He's going to enter the draft with the field's highest assist percentage regardless, but now he's confidently stepping into three-point makes and creating for himself with visible decisiveness.

Shooting struggles and inefficiency caused by athletic limitations had scared scouts off. But the bar was awfully high entering the season. And now the 18-year-old has looked highly effective generating offense as a starting point guard in Pro A.

No. 27 (via Rockets): SG/SF Drake Powell, North Carolina

Height without shoes: 6-foot-5 1/4

Weight: 200 pounds

Age: 19

Teams figure to put extra stock into Drake Powell's NBA combine performance and workouts after he spent the year spotting up 49.2 percent of North Carolina's possessions and taking just 5.7 shots per game.

Despite the lack of production, there could still be first-round interest based on his outstanding physical profile, defensive projection and 37.9 percent three-point shooting.

Mar 14, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Spectrum Center.
Mar 14, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Spectrum Center. / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo! Sports

No. 8: PF Noa Essengue, France

Height: 6-foot-9

Weight: 194 pounds

Age: 18

Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package and highly versatile defense. Though he’s a raw Frenchman, he’s starting to string together his best run of the season. Over the last two months, he’s making 80% of his free throws. Though his success isn’t translating beyond the arc (29% over this same stretch), it’s at least encouraging his shooting is continuing to progress. Because it’s his one big flaw. Otherwise, the 6-foot-9 forward has clear upside across the board, and that’s why he’s rising up draft boards. Brooklyn has a clean slate of a future, so it’d only make sense to take a big swing.

No. 19 (via Bucks): PG/SG Egor Demin, BYU

Height without shoes: 6-foot-9 1/4

Weight: 199 pounds

Age: 19

Demin has one of the widest ranges in this draft class with people around the league seeing him as an option from anywhere in the mid-lottery to the late teens. The Nets would certainly be happy to take a swing on his rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes. Even though he struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, he did perform well at the draft combine and is said to be excelling in pre-draft workouts with his tweaked shooting mechanics.

No. 26 (via Knicks): C Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Height without shoes: 6-foot-9 1/4

Weight: 262 pounds

Age: 19

Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill-set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes and gritty drop-coverage instincts. But to be more than a role player, he needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense. Sorber may not make it this far on draft night, but he’d end up giving the Nets a center for the long term.

No. 27 (via Rockets): PG/SG Ben Saraf, Israel

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 201 pounds

Age: 19

The Nets have five top-36 picks. Are they really going to keep all of these? I doubt it. But regardless of what Brooklyn does, drafting one or multiple guards could make some sense since this roster is a clean slate. Saraf is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up.
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Canadiens: Could There Be A Big Trade In The Works With Minnesota?

It’s well-documented that Kent Hughes would like to address the Montreal Canadiens’ problems down the middle this Summer. With Ivan Demidov now in North America and Patrik Laine unable to produce at even-strength last season, the Habs need a real top-six center who will have the skills to get the best out of the two talented wingers. The Minnesota Wild could help.

The Wild has tried to shop Marco Rossi in the past, and he’s now a restricted free agent in need of a new contract. The 23-year-old center has consistently improved during his ELC and scored 60 points in 82 games this past season, representing a 20-point improvement over his previous season.

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Yet, as The Athletic’s Chris Johnston points out in his NHL offseason trade board, Rossi only got 11 minutes of ice time per game in the playoffs and pivoted the fourth line as the Wild fell in six games against the Vegas Golden Knights.

There hasn’t been a leadership change in Minnesota, unlike with the New York Islanders, meaning the people who were looking to move Rossi are still in charge and would therefore likely be amenable to discussing a sign-and-trade deal.

Rossi’s downside is his size; at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he’s not very imposing, and that might be why the Wild are hesitant to commit, according to Johnston. The Canadiens have shown in the past that they do not necessarily put a premium on size; they didn’t hesitate to draft Lane Hutson, who is roughly the same size.

Unlike when Hughes traded for Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, who had both only scored 26 points in their previous year with the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche, respectively, Rossi is not coming off a down year. The price tag would likely be relatively high.

The Wild doesn’t have a first-round pick at the upcoming draft and only have a total of four picks while the Canadiens have two first-rounders and a total of 12 picks, meaning this could be a good starting point for any discussion. If Johnston’s NHL trade board article is to be believed, Montreal could entertain moving one of its two first-round selections.

The article also reports the Habs are willing to move Logan Mailloux, and the Wild have got a few aging defensemen on the right side of their blueline, with Jared Spurgeon being 35 and Zach Bogosian being 34. They also have David Jiricek in their system. Still, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ sixth overall selection at the 2022 draft has failed to impress since being acquired for Daemon Hunt and a truckload of draft picks, including Minnesota’s first-rounder this year.

If the Wild is after size, could Kirby Dach somehow pique their interest? He wouldn’t be the central piece of the deal, but could be an interesting throw-in if the Wild can see some potential there.

As the draft nears, we will undoubtedly see increased speculation about who could end up where, especially since Kent Hughes has been active in his three draft weekends so far. He couldn’t pull a trade for a roster player at the last draft, but he did trade three picks to the Los Angeles Kings to move up and grab Michael Hage with the 21st overall pick.

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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NHL Playoff Predictions: Can The Oilers Beat The Panthers In The Final And Bring The Cup North Of The Border?

The 2025 Stanley Cup final is now set, and that means it’s time for one last playoff prediction. In the third round, we went 0-2 with our picks, but overall this post-season, we’ve gone 8-6. Could be better, could be worse.

With that out of the way, here’s this writer’s educated guess on the showdown between the NHL’s two best teams:

Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers

Season series: 2-0 Florida

Why Florida will win: The Panthers haven’t always looked like the defending champions, particularly against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who extended their second-round series to the full seven games. But against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1, and against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final, Florida looked like world-beaters, winning both those series in five games. And they did it with overwhelming offense, as they scored five or more goals in all four of their wins against the ‘Canes.

Meanwhile, against the Bolts, Florida scored six goals in two of their wins and another four goals in one of their other two victories. No defence corps has been able to contain the Panthers’ waves of pushes into the offensive zone, and Florida has spread out the scoring, with 10 Panthers players generating at least 11 points, and eight players posting at least four goals.

When you have that type of depth, it’s no wonder you can poke holes in your opponent’s back end. And given that Edmonton isn’t renowned for their stifling defense, it’s safe to say that Florida will get plenty of opportunities to continue that trend.

Goaltending is going to be a key in this Cup final series, and the edge in net has to be given to Panthers star Sergei Bobrovsky, if only because he’s got the pedigree that comes with making big saves in high-stakes situations. Unless Bobrovsky’s counterpart, Stuart Skinner, can stifle Florida’s point producers, the Panthers are going to be a handful for Edmonton. And we could well see Year 2 of a modern-day dynasty in Florida. 

Why Edmonton will win: Like the Panthers, the Oilers have bent without breaking in this post-season, losing two games to the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round before steamrolling two very good teams in the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars in the second and third round respectively, with both of those series wins coming in just five games. 

The Oilers have the top two players remaining in the current post-season in superstar centers Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, but Edmonton’s supporting cast has also been excellent, as nine Oilers players have at least four goals, and their top seven players have combined to post an astounding 118 points. The Oilers won’t have one of those players available in the final, with star right winger Zach Hyman out for the season. But with McDavid and Draisaitl combining for 51 points, they don’t need their secondary scorers to carry the bulk of the load.

Dmitry Kulikov and Leon Draisaitl (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

Skinner has gotten better as the playoffs have unfolded, allowing one goal or less in three of Edmonton’s five games against the Stars. We’re still not sure about the Oilers’ defense corps compared to the Panthers’ group of blueliners, but now that rugged veteran D-man Mattias Ekholm is back in the lineup, Edmonton is going to put up a seriously fierce battle against Florida’s high-octane offense. And that could well mean this year’s Cup final will have a very different result from last year’s.

Prediction: Oilers in six games

We’ve got to own it – we haven’t been high on the Oilers for the bulk of the playoffs, but we’ve seen enough now, and Edmonton deserves its due. When you have arguably the two best players on planet Earth in Draisaitl and McDavid, and you’re getting clutch contributions from forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor Brown and Corey Perry, plus blueliner Evan Bouchard, you’re going to be about as close to unbeatable as it gets.

That doesn’t mean we see the Panthers getting demolished. But Florida hasn’t had to come up against an opponent with as much depth, drive and desire as the Oilers have this spring. Do we see the Panthers winning at least a couple games? Absolutely. But given how Edmonton disposed of the Stars – our pre-season pick to win it all – the Oilers should have enough left in the tank to outlast Florida and bring the Cup to Canada for the first time since 1993. 

It feels like Edmonton is a team of destiny, and like most all-time greats, McDavid and Draisaitl have learned from past defeats and appear fully ready, willing and able to win the first championship of what could be many. The Panthers are going to be a worthy opponent for them, but the Oilers have the juice and jam to carve out their names on sport’s toughest trophy to win.

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3 Red Wings Prospects Ready For The Big Leagues

Amadeus Lombardi (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Ready or not, here I come.

This phrase used in hide-and-seek accurately reflects the status of a few Detroit Red Wings prospects.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Steve Yzerman has spent years accumulating blue-chip prospects – now, it’s time to cash in.

The team needs to push its young players to take on more responsibility. Look for these three youngsters to force their way onto the NHL roster. Not because the Red Wings have to put them there, but because they will push the issue and force the organization to keep them in the NHL.

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Axel Sandin Pellikka

The 20-year-old Axel Sandin Pellikka is ready for the big leagues. He displayed tremendous ability during the 2024-25 season. As a right-handed defender, he’s also a hot commodity.

In 46 SHL games, he recorded 29 points while averaging north of 20 minutes a game. That’s impressive for any defender in the SHL, let alone one as young as Sandin-Pellikka.

There are only two defenders signed to NHL deals next season who are right-handed: Moritz Seider and Justin Holl. With Jeff Petry’s contract expiring, there is a place for him to come in and seize an opportunity.

Amadeus Lombardi

Armed with one of the greatest names in the history of hockey and a penchant for clutch goals, Amadeus Lombardi is primed and ready to be launched on the Red Wings' opening night roster.

Despite missing a decent chunk of the 2024-25 season, Lombardi still managed to collect 40 points in 44 games. He’s a big-time player, scoring four game-winning goals for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.

Sebastian Cossa

This may seem controversial, but Sebastian Cossa is absolutely ready to be in the NHL. This prospect might seem the least likely, but hear me out.

For starters, his AHL record this past season was impeccable. In 41 games, he recorded a 21-15-5 record, a 2.45 goals against average (GAA), a .911 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout.

Secondly, there is a good likelihood that Petr Mrazek will end up demoted to the AHL or placed on injured reserve. Alex Lyon has not been extended (we’ll see if that happens at all), so that leaves Cam Talbot as the remaining goalie ready for regular duty.

If that’s the case, a tandem of Talbot and Cossa would make sense. Talbot is an impeccable professional who could mentor Cossa on what it takes to play in the NHL. Talbot has gone through a lot during his NHL career and all of those experiences would be a great influence on the young netminder.

2025-26 Prediction

Each of these prospects offers something that isn’t already on the Red Wings roster. If I had to put my money where my mouth is, I’d say that Sandin-Pellikka and Lombardi make the Red Wings out of camp, while Cossa starts the year in the AHL until Mrazek gets hurt, and then he gets called up.

The future is bright for the Red Wings, and the future is now.

Ready or not, here they come.

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*Please vote in the poll to let us know who you think will make the Red Wings next season. If there is a prospect that you think has a chance, but isn't listed above, leave a comment with their name. Let us know what you think!

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Harper ‘really bruised' but will try to swing; Phillies rotation options

Harper ‘really bruised' but will try to swing; Phillies rotation options originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Bryce Harper will try to swing a bat in the Phillies’ indoor cages Saturday afternoon for the first time since being hit on the right elbow by a 95 mph Spencer Strider fastball on Tuesday.

He’ll also try to throw. Harper took grounders on the field before Friday’s series opener against the Brewers but was limited to underhand flips to first base.

“It’s really bruised today, the bruising has started to come,” manager Rob Thomson said Saturday. “The swelling is down a little bit.”

Thomson reiterated that he still doesn’t think Harper will need time on the injured list. Saturday was the fourth straight game Harper has missed and it is unclear if he’ll be able to return to the lineup on Sunday. An IL stint can be backdated by a maximum of three days.

Still, Thomson said he doesn’t think the Phils will have to make a decision one way or another by Sunday. If Harper still isn’t ready then but the potential exists that he could play in Toronto Tuesday through Thursday, the Phillies could just play a man short on their bench for another game or two. It’s not ideal but neither would be IL-ing Harper and having him miss time on the back end unnecessarily.

Kyle Schwarber fielded grounders at first base on Friday. That wasn’t a coincidence.

“Every once in a while he does,” Thomson said. “He’s ramping it up a little bit because of the Harper situation, we don’t really know where we’re at with that.”

Schwarber last played first base in the 2021 postseason with the Red Sox, though he did spend 24 innings there this spring to better prepare him in case of a Harper injury.

No rotation news yet

Thomson had nothing to divulge about the Phillies’ rotation on Saturday but said an update would come Sunday.

Taijuan Walker allowed four runs in four innings in a loss Friday as right-hander Mick Abel continued his strong run at Triple A. Abel has a 1.08 ERA over his last seven starts, six at Triple A and one in the majors.

Optioned to Lehigh Valley on May 19, Abel is eligible to be called back up to the majors in time for his next start, if the Phillies so choose. The next time Walker’s rotation spot comes up is Thursday in Toronto but the Phillies could also push that start back to Saturday in Pittsburgh because of an off-day Monday.

Aaron Nola (right ankle sprain) is the other element in this equation. Nola will throw 45-to-50 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday. If it goes well, he could face hitters in live batting practice later in the week, potentially Friday. The step after that would be a rehab assignment, which might last only a start or two. Two more weeks seems realistic for Nola.

Walker will be shifted back to the bullpen for the duration of the season once Nola is ready to return. If the Phillies go with Abel the next turn through, they’d only be speeding up that transition by 1-2 starts.

There’s no guarantee Walker will work out as a reliever but the Phillies’ bullpen would welcome the boost. In two relief appearances this season, Walker has allowed two earned runs and five baserunners in six innings with nine strikeouts.

“My goal is to help any way I can,” Walker said Friday night. “I’m pretty confident in my stuff.

“If I have one inning to blow it out, whatever it is, I feel like my stuff would play up just a little bit more. Knowing that I’ve got one inning, just let it eat.”

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Mets vs. Rockies: How to watch on SNY on May 31, 2025

The Mets continue a three-game series with the Rockies on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. on SNY.

Here's what to know about the game and how to watch...

Mets Notes

  • Kodai Senga looks to continue his bounce-back season (5-3, 1.46 ERA) as he's allowed one or less runs in four of his last five starts
  • Francisco Lindorslugged two homers in Friday's win to give him 11 HRs on the year -- tied for the team lead with Pete Alonso
  • Brett Baty had a pinch-hit single on Friday night as he's now slashing .365/.462/.545 with eight hits over his last seven games
ROCKIES
METS

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What channel is SNY?

Check your TV or streaming provider's website or channel finder to find your local listings.

How can I stream the game?

The new way to stream SNY games is via the MLB App or MLB.tv. Streaming on the SNY App has been discontinued.

In order to stream games in SNY’s regional territory, you will need to have SNY as part of your TV package (cable or streaming), or you can now purchase an in-market SNY subscription package. Both ways will allow fans to watch the Mets on their computer, tablet or mobile phone. 

How can I watch the game on my computer via MLB? 

To get started on your computer, click here and then follow these steps: 

  • Log in using your provider credentials. If you are unsure of your provider credentials, please contact your provider. 
  • Link your provider credentials with a new or existing MLB.com account. 
  • Log in using your MLB.com credentials to watch Mets games on SNY. 

How can I watch the game on the MLB App? 

MLB App access is included for FREE with SNY. To access SNY on your favorite supported Apple or Android mobile device, please follow the steps below.  

  • Open “MLB” and tap on “Subscriber Login” for Apple Devices or “Sign in with MLB.com” for Android Devices. 
  • Type in your MLB.com credentials and tap “Log In.”  
  • To access live or on-demand content, tap on the "Watch" tab from the bottom navigation bar. Select the "Games" sub-tab to see a listing of available games. You can scroll to previous dates using the left and right arrows. Tap on a game to select from the game feeds available.  

For more information on how to stream Mets games on SNY, please click here. 

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ICYMI in Mets Land: Bats come alive vs. Rockies; injury updates

Here's what happened in Mets Land on Friday, in case you missed it...

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French Open day seven: Draper, Sinner and Gauff storm through – as it happened

The middle Saturday saw the world No 1 in awesome form, as was the British No 1 in beating the teenage Brazilian

Make that 3-0. Sinner wants to get this one done, and perhaps get himself settled before the Champions League final later. He lands three break points for 4-0. And takes the second one.

Sinner, rangy and usually implacable, is already 2-0 up on Lehecka, who has never previously taken a set off him. This is awesome stuff, and already.

Continue reading...
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Melbourne City defeat Melbourne Victory in A-League Men grand final – as it happened

Here come the two sides along the AAMI Park race. Victory all in navy blue, City in sky blue shirts and white shorts. The past ten minutes or so have contained an elaborate son et lumière, culminating in club legends Leigh Broxham and Jamie Maclaren placing the A-League championship toilet seat onto a plinth.

Tonight’s team of officials is led by A-League referee of the year Adam Kersey. George Lakrindis and Emma Kockek will run the lines, Shaun Evans will bear the brunt of both coaches’ anger as the fourth official, with Lara Lee operating VAR.

Continue reading...
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Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan’s Two-Point Performance Helps Send Knights To Second Straight Memorial Cup Final, Earn Rematch Against Tigers

Sep 25, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan (53) skates during warm up before a game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The London Knights are headed back to the Memorial Cup Final for the second consecutive season.

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan delivered a two-point performance Friday night, helping the London Knights punch their ticket to the 2025 Memorial Cup Final with a 5-2 win over the Moncton Wildcats in the semi-final.

The 20-year-old recorded a primary assist on London’s second goal, patiently holding the puck in the slot before finding captain Denver Barkey to give the Knights a 2-1 lead. 

At 18:11 of the third period, Cowan added an empty-netter to seal the victory. It marked his second goal and sixth point of the tournament, giving him the outright scoring lead heading into Sunday’s final. The ‘Cowboy’ also tied for a game-high seven shots on goal in the win.

The victory sets up a rematch against the Medicine Hat Tigers, who handed London a 3-1 loss in their final round-robin game on Tuesday. That defeat remains the only contest where Cowan was held off the scoresheet in the tournament.

Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Held Off Scoresheet As Knights Fall To Tigers, Miss Bye To Memorial Cup FinalMaple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Held Off Scoresheet As Knights Fall To Tigers, Miss Bye To Memorial Cup FinalThe London Knights will have to take the long road to the 2025 Memorial Cup championship. 

For the Knights, Sunday represents more than just a shot at revenge, it’s a chance at redemption.

Last year, London came up short in the Memorial Cup final, falling 4-3 to the Saginaw Spirit. The club had 13 returning players from that group back this season, with the goal of reaching the top this time around.

That drive has been on full display as the Knights steamrolled through the OHL Playoffs with a 16-1 record, never losing to the same opponent twice. Cowan, the first-round pick (28th overall) by the Maple Leafs in 2023, has been at the center of it all, registering an OHL-high 39 points (13G, 26A) in 17 postseason games this year.

London will need him at his best as they sit just one win away from finishing what they started in 2024, but taking down Medicine Hat won’t be easy.

The WHL champions are undefeated in the tournament and earned a berth in the final thanks to a flawless round-robin. However, it’s often said it’s hard to beat the same team twice, especially on a stage like this. 

And the Knights have carried the weight of unfinished business all year. Now, they’ve got one more game to prove it.

Puck drop for the final is set to take place at 7:00 p.m. EST on Sunday in Rimouski.

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Hernández: 'I have no words for it.' Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani inspires awe and confidence

Dodger Shohei Ohtani watches his second solo homer leave Dodger Stadium during a win over the Yankees on Friday, May 30
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run leave Dodger Stadium on Friday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

They don’t know what their rotation will look like in October, and they don’t know how worn down their bullpen will look like.

What the Dodgers know is this: They have Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani will give them a chance in October regardless of what their roster looks like, just as he did on Friday night in an 8-5 victory over the New York Yankees.

How can a player who takes four or five at-bats on most nights have such an oversized influence on games? How can a player who bats once only two or three innings bring opponents to their knees? How can a three-time MVP be a better offensive player than he was in his historic 50-homer, 50-steal season last year?

“I have no words for it,” outfielder Michael Conforto said.

When Aaron Judge homered in the top of the first, Ohtani answered with a homer of his own in the bottom half of the inning.

When the Dodgers were down by three runs, Ohtani led off the sixth inning with another homer, this one making Yankees starter Max Fried strike the Kershaw Pose, back to the plate, hands on knees, head down. The blast one ignited a four-run surge by the Dodgers that produced their first lead of the night.

This was on a night in which Mookie Betts was sidelined with a broken toe, Evan Phillips was ruled out for the remainder of the season because of an upcoming elbow reconstruction, and the Dodgers had no choice but to start the unreliable Tony Gonsolin because three pitchers of their opening-day rotation were on the injured list.

Shohei Ohtani hits a homer as Yankees pitcher Max Fried puts his hands on his knees and catcher Austin Wells watches
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, watches his solo home run leave Dodger Stadium as New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried, center, reacts and catcher Austin Wells watches during the sixth inning Friday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

Playing with a diminished roster, manager Dave Roberts did what he could before the game to downplay the significance of the World Series rematch against the Yankees, but Ohtani recognized the contest for what it was.

This was a statement game, and Ohtani made a statement.

“We try to win each and every game, of course, but I think it’s a special atmosphere [against the Yankees,]” Ohtani said in Japanese. “I think it was huge to have taken the [first game] of the series.”

The homers were Ohtani’s 14th and 15th of May, which tied a single-month franchise record previously shared by only Pedro Guerrero and Duke Snider. The homers were Ohtani’s 21st and 22nd of the season, meaning Ohtani is on pace for a career-high 63 bombs.

The value of Ohtani’s homers extend beyond the numbers, however.

They inspire awe.

Read more:Shohei Ohtani homers twice and Dodgers pull off another comeback against Yankees

“You don’t want to miss any of his at-bats,” Conforto said. “You want to be in the dugout. You want to see it in person. That’s kind of what it is being his teammate. You want to be there.”

They inspire confidence.

“Every time he comes up to the plate, we’re expecting something awesome to happen,” Gonsolin said. “And he doesn’t let us down a lot of the time. Really cool to have someone like that on our team.”

They inspire a contagious form of courage.

“He would probably say it’s like any other game, but I do think when you see the reigning MVP [Judge] on the other side going out there and performing, that brings out even more of a competitor in Shohei,” Roberts said.

They inspire victories — the Dodgers are 14-6 when Ohtani homers.

Read more:Mookie Betts dealing with fractured toe, won't start against Yankees this weekend

“We always seem to play really well when Shohei’s playing well,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “I heard the chants for MVP and he’s really well on his way to doing that again.”

This is what the Dodgers will need in October, especially in a season in which little has gone according to plan. At this point, they can’t count on Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow to both be healthy for the remainder of the year. They can’t expect their bullpen to be as spectacular as it was last year. But they can rely on Ohtani to make up for their shortcomings.

He will soon be able to affect the game from the mound, as the Dodgers expect him to return to pitching after the All-Star break. Rather than revel in the victory Friday night, Ohtani said in an on-field postgame interview with Apple TV that he was already looking ahead to his next day’s assignment.

“Live bullpen is scheduled for tomorrow,” Ohtani said. “The game is over now and I’d like to get my body in order for the live BP.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Letters to Sports: The good, the bad and the ugly with 'Around the Horn'

ESPN's "Around the Horn" is ending after a 23-year run that featured sportwriters from across the nation sharing their thoughts. The format sounded simple, but it is what made it a success. Real-life sportswriters, who many no longer read, expounding real-life opinions became a novelty. As for L.A. Times' writer Bill Plaschke, thank you for always having Los Angeles' back, as spoken by local WNBA legend Diana Taurasi.

Wayne Muramatsu
Cerritos

Bill Plaschke is proud of his time on "Around the Horn?" Twenty-three years of a smug, smarmy host, and a bunch of sportswriters desperate for sound bites and attention.

Another reason why ESPN and so-called sports commentary is currently unwatchable. He should apologize for reaching so low.

James L. Pearle
Corona del Mar

Great article by Bill Plaschke regarding "Around the Horn." However, contrary to his claim that he "always stunk," because there were four panelists on each show, Plaschke’s winning percentage of 24.3% is just about what one would expect. Even Woody Paige — the Cy Young of ATH — had a lower winning percentage. Bill, thanks for so eloquently representing the City of Angels.

Ken Feldman
Tarzana

Taylor-made treasure?

It's been said that one man's leftovers are another man's steak dinner. And that's all you need to know about the difference between the Dodgers organization and the Angels. Two days after the Dodgers released a washed-up Chris Taylor, he was starting in center field for the Angels. Nothing else needs to be said.

Bob Kargenian
Yorba Linda

Heavenly duo

As Bill Shaikin writes, Angels announcers Wayne Randazzo and Mark Gubicza are great. As a long-suffering Angels fan, its a pleasure to at least be able to listen to them. Randazzo is particularly excellent. He doesn’t overdo the chatter like most do, is bright, witty, knowledgeable and subtly tells truths about the woeful team he covers. He is the best since Dick Enberg, who was one of the greatest ever.

Alvin S. Michaelson
Marina Del Rey

Need more relief

Tanner Scott, a $72-million pitcher, has blown a third of his save opportunities this year. Eric Gagne, where are you?

Mike Schaller
Temple City

I got excited about the Dodgers adding another former All-Star, Alexis Díaz, to their ravaged pitching staff, even more so upon learning he began this season on the IL. Seems like a perfect fit.

Steve Ross
Carmel

Escape to Detroit

I think I know why Jack Flaherty left the Dodgers for Detroit in free agency: He didn't want to go on the IL.

Rhys Thomas
Valley Glen

Resist temptation

The new flood of name, image and likeness money (NIL) is indeed sending high school sports into a “black hole” of misplaced priorities, as Eric Sondheimer’s column pointed out. The L.A. Times should do its part to resist this trend by ceasing coverage of sports at that vulnerable level.

Patrick Frank
Venice

Battle of the exes

Former Lakers Alex Caruso, Julius Randle and Josh Hart all had deep runs in the 2025 playoffs. Next season, while the Lakers are on vacation, are we going to see Austin Reaves in the playoffs wearing another team’s uniform because the Lakers traded him while coddling an aged star?

I sure hope not.

Paul D. Ventura
Mission Viejo

Still streaking

The defending champion L.A. Galaxy have started the MLS season with a 16-game winless streak?

Bill Plaschke must have picked them to repeat as champions.

John Schiermeier
Valencia

The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used.

Email: sports@latimes.com

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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NBA player Williamson accused of rape in civil lawsuit

Zion Williamson looks up during a game
Zion Williamson has been accused of two counts of rape from 2020 [Getty Images]

New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson has been accused of rape in a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.

The court filings state that Williamson, 24, is accused of two rapes, both in Beverly Hills in 2020.

The accuser is seeking damages for assault, sexual battery, domestic violence, burglary, stalking and false imprisonment.

The lawsuit describes the alleged abuse as "sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature".

Williamson - the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft - does not face criminal charges.

Williamson's attorneys released a statement describing the allegations as "categorically false and reckless", and said the NBA star's legal team would seek "significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit".

"This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance," legal firm Barrasso-Usdin-Kupperman-Freeman & Sarver told US media.

The firm claim that Williamson previously reported the claimant to law enforcement over alleged extortion attempts.

Speaking to US media the woman's lawyer, Sam Taylor II, who is with the Lanier Law Firm in Los Angeles, said: "This is a very serious case as reflected in the allegations in the complaint, which are pretty detailed."

The New Orleans Pelicans have been approached for comment.