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Ryan Weathers allows three home runs, Yankees' rally comes up short in 6-4 loss to Athletics

The Yankees' offense was quiet on Saturday night after scoring 34 runs this past week, losing to the Athletics, 6-4.

New York made it interesting in the ninth inning, drawing three straight bases-loaded walks to cut into the lead, but Jazz Chisholm Jr. grounded out to end the game.

Here are the takeaways...

-- Ryan Weathers had an up and down outing, allowing five runs on six hits (three home runs) with 10 strikeouts and three walks over 6.2 IP and 107 pitches.

He opened with a tough first inning, letting up a huge two-run home run to Shea Langeliers that gave the Athletics an early 2-0 lead. Weathers bounced back with a five-pitch, 1-2-3 second inning and kept it going through the fifth inning, allowing just one hit with six strikeouts in that span. However, his hot streak came to an end with one out in the sixth inning, allowing a solo home run to Tyler Soderstrom as the A's went up 3-1.

Weathers got two quick outs in the seventh inning, and despite his pitch count crossing 100, Aaron Boone kept him in to face slugger Nick Kurtz after a walk. The decision backfired as Kurtz launched a two-run homer to center field, making it a 5-1 game and ending the left-hander's night.

-- New York got a run back in the fourth inning thanks to two mistakes by the Athletics. CF Henry Bolte misplayed Chisholm's single, allowing Cody Bellinger to advance from first to third base. Chisholm then stole second base to avoid the inning-ending double play, but Langeliers' throw got by second baseman Alika Williams into the outfield -- making it easy for Bellinger to score and cut the lead to 2-1.

-- Aaron Judge nearly tied the game in the top of the fifth inning, but his deep drive was just short as right fielder Colby Thomas made the catch up against the wall.

The Yanks had another scoring chance in the seventh inning after Ryan McMahon led off with a single. Although, José Caballero and Anthony Volpe both couldn't get the job done, and after Trent Grisham walked, Ben Rice struck out swinging for the third out.

-- Jake Bird struggled in eighth inning by hitting the leadoff man Brent Rooker, allowing a double to Soderstrom, and letting up an RBI-single to Zack Gelof as the A's took a 6-1 lead.

-- Amed Rosario did not play and will be out again Sunday after he was placed on the paternity list prior to the game.

Game MVP: Nick Kurtz

The reigning AL Rookie of the Year went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. 

Honorable mention goes to RHP J.T. Ginn, who allowed just one unearned run on four hits over 6.0 IP with four strikeouts and three walks.

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees wrap up their three-game series in Sacramento on Sunday. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m.

Will Warren (6-1, 3.55 ERA) will take the mound for New York, while the Athletics are yet to announce a starting pitcher.

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Tanner Scott allows first runs of May, Dodgers lose to Phillies

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 30: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott (66) reacts after giving up the go ahead home run during the MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 30, 2026 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Roki Sasaki continued to impress, pitching into the sixth inning, and the Dodgers had a late lead. But Tanner Scott allowed his first runs on over a month in a decisive eighth inning in a stunning 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

Scott had a rough go of it in his first year in Los Angeles, but this season has looked much more like the dominant reliever the Dodgers signed to a four-year contract. Entering Saturday he struck out a third of his batters with a 1.14 ERA, 2.18 xERA in 23 2/3 innings, and hadn’t allowed a run since April 24, thirteen appearances ago.

Staked to a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning, Scott allowed a pair of singles for one run, snapping his scoreless skid, then Edmundo Sosa hit a two-run home run just over the left field wall to turn the game around.

After leading the majors with 10 blown saves last season, this was Scott’s first blown save of 2026. Before the three runs in the eighth inning on Saturday, all Dodgers actual relief pitchers (Miguel Rojas excluded) allowed two runs in their previous 50 2/3 innings.

Encouraging beginning

Sasaki has found some success of late in throwing his harder split-fingered pitch, which plays better off his fastball. That’s kept him in games longer, and helped him string together confidence-building starts.

“Over the last handful of weeks, he’s just more comfortable,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “For me, the quality of [the fastball], the command of it has gotten a lot better. He hasn’t hit 100, but it’s still commanded a lot better than it was early on. 97 commanded is a lot better than 100 out of the hitting zone.”

Sasaki did hit triple digits on Saturday, twice (100.4 and 100.1 mph), plus three more at 99.8 mph and 99.7 mph. It’s the first time he’s thrown 100 mph this year, something he did regularly in Japan and did three times last season. But more importantly, he was effective, matching his MLB high with 18 swinging strikes — eight on the fastball, seven on the slider, and three on the slider.

Alec Bohm hit a 98.9-mph fastball at the top edge of the strike zone over the center field wall for the first run of the game, in the second inning. But Sasaki didn’t allow much else, and retired his next 13 batters in a row before Kyle Schwarber — who struck out in his first two at-bats — reached on an infield dribbler in the sixth inning. A more traditional single, by Trea Turner to right field, ended Sasaki’s night at seven strikeouts through 5 1/3 innings, up 2-1 but with the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base.

Alex Vesia walked Bryce Harper to load the bases, but struck out Edmundo Sosa and got Bohm to ground out to strand the inherited runners, escaping his second jam in as many nights.

Sasaki ended his promising May with a 3.18 ERA in five starts, with 28 strikeouts against only six walks in 28 1/3 innings.

Alex Call, making his second start in a row in left field after Teoscar Hernández strained his left hamstring, was instrumental in the Dodgers’ first two runs. He singled home Will Smith in the second inning, then doubled to center in the fourth on a ball that got past a diving Justin Crawford, and took third on an error by Adolis Garcia attempting to help out in right. Santiago Espinal’s sacrifice fly gave the Dodgers their first lead of the night.

Andy Pages doubled in the seventh inning, and scored on a two-out single by Mookie Betts. Pages nearly got thrown out at home, but was ruled safe. That distinction proved important, because replays were inconclusive whether catcher JT Realmuto tagged his foot or whether Pages even touched home plate at all. Not enough to overturn the Phillies challenge meant the call stood, and the Dodgers got their insurance.

They just needed a little more cushion in this one, and the win streak is snapped at six games.

Saturday particulars

Home runs: Alec Bohm (6), Edmundo Sosa (3)

WP — Orion Kerkering (3-0): 1 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 strikeouts

LP — Tanner Scott (1-2): 1 IP, 3 hits, 3 runs

Sv — Johan Duran (12): 1 IP, zeroes

Up next

The homestand concludes on Sunday (1:10 p.m., SportsNet LA), with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound against Phillies rookie right-hander Andrew Painter.

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30-29: Chart

May 30, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Dominic Canzone (8) reacts towards the dugout after hitting a double against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Mariners 5, Diamondbacks 1

Back-to-back series wins: Bryan Woo, +.24 WPA

Letting the shutout get away in the 9th: Josh Naylor, Randy Arozarena, Cole Young, and Mitch Garver, -.02 WPA

Game Thread Comment of the Day:

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Victor Wembanyama lets emotions flow during Spurs’ celebration after reaching his first NBA Finals

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after winning Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Image 2 shows San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder
Victor Wembanyama was emotional after the Spurs defeated the Thunder in Game 7 on May 30.

Victor Wembanyama didn’t say anything after Game 5, ducking out of Paycom Center before speaking with reporters.

He didn’t say much after the Spurs’ Game 6 victory, either, during an on-court interview with NBC.

But after Game 7, after Wembanyama powered the Spurs past top-seeded Oklahoma City in a thrilling finish to the Western Conference finals and into an NBA Finals showdown against the Knicks, his emotions on the court said it all.

Wembanyama was visibly emotional while embracing his San Antonio teammates following their 111-103 victory over the Thunder on Saturday in Oklahoma City, at one point placing his head in his hands and yelling in celebration as he made his way around the court immediately after the final buzzer sounded.

“Winning the Larry O’Brien [trophy], it’s a childhood dream, and having a real shot at it, having a chance, tangible chance at winning it, realizing a dream, you know — it’s a chance,” Wembanyama told reporters during his postgame press conference. “It’s a lifetime chance. You never know when it’s gonna happen again. The day we win it, speaking for myself, it’s gonna be an amazing day of realization of the dream. It’s hard to put into words. It’s almost like the meaning of my life.”

Victor Wembanyama reacts after the Spurs’ 111-103 Game 7 win over the Thunder on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City. NBAE via Getty Images

It’s fitting that Wembanyama — one of the new faces of the league as a superstar in his third year — will lead the Spurs back to their first Finals appearance since 2014, which also marked their last title.

The 7-foot-4 center finished third in MVP voting and became the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner during the regular season, finishing with averages of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and an NBA-best 3.1 blocks per game.

Victor Wembanyama was emotional after the Spurs’ Game 7 win. Imagn Images

That success has continued during his first trip to the postseason, too, as Wembanyama had averaged 23.3, 11.0, 2.8 and 3.7 per game in the playoffs before adding another 22 points and seven rebounds in Game 7.

And now, San Antonio sits four wins from its fifth title this century, with Game 1 set for Wednesday against the Knicks — who defeated the Spurs in the NBA Cup final back in December at a neutral site in Las Vegas.

Victor Wembanyama celebrates with his Spurs teammates after their Game 7 win. AP Photo

“I want to win so bad,” Wembanyama said during his postgame press conference. “It’s like my life depends on it.”

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Watch Victor Wembanyama's emotional reaction to Spurs making NBA Finals

Wemby phone home!

Victor Wembanyama is headed to his first NBA Finals after the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday, May 30. The Alien had 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the outing.

The 22-year-old was visibly emotional as the clock ran out on the road game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. He tucked his face into his jersey and pumped his fists before giving hugs to teammates De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie.

Wembanyama, who won the Defensive Player of the Year in the regular season, was named the Western Conference finals Most Valuable Player. His emotions continued throughout the night.

GAME 7 TAKEAWAYS: Wembanyama, Spurs top Thunder to reach NBA Finals

ESPN reporter Anthony Slater captured two full minutes of Wembanyama celebrating.

"Winning the Larry O’Brien is a childhood dream,” he choked out words to reporters after the game. “And having a real shot at it, having tangible chance at winning it, realizing a dream, it’s a lifetime chance. You never know when it’s going to happen again. But the day we win it, speaking for myself, it’s going to be an amazing day of the realization of a dream. It’s hard to put into words. It’s almost like the meaning of my life.”

But the center made sure to acknowledge that he isn't reaching the NBA Finals on his own.

"It's an unreal chance. My life is amazing and being with these guys, living these things with these guys that I love so, so, so much, it's amazing," he continued. "I want to have this feeling plenty, plenty more times in my life."

The win came the same day as Wembanyama's favorite soccer team, Paris Saint-Germain, won back-to-back Champions League titles with a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal.

Frances Tiafoe, who won his third-round match at Roland Garros just an hour before the Game 7 tipoff, sent well wishes to the center from his home country.

Wembanyama has had a dominant playoff run, including swatting a record 12 blocks in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals and becoming the youngest player to notch 40+ points and 20+ rebounds in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

There is so much hype around Wemby that even Wendy's considered changing their name and menu to honor the rising star.

The Spurs will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. Game 1 tips off on Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio.

Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama was emotional after Spurs beat Thunder in Game 7

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Rockies 8, Giants 3: Ryan Feltner’s stellar return secures a series win for Colorado

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 30: Brett Sullivan #26 of the Colorado Rockies congratulates Ryan Feltner #18 after a scoreless sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on May 30, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The only way to build a streak is one game at a time.

After a five-game losing streak, the Colorado Rockies mounted a ninth-inning comeback win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night to get back in the win column. The Rockies came out swinging on Saturday to make it two.

In a refreshing manner, the Rox made things fairly relaxing. They took control of the game right off the bat and never looked back.

Welcome back, Ryan Feltner!

You’re never quite sure what you’re going to get when a pitcher comes back from an injury. Ryan Feltner progressed nicely after landing on the 15-day injured list and rehabbing in Albuquerque, but there are always some nerves along with the leap back to the majors.

Things couldn’t have gone any better for Feltner in the top of the first. He came out firing, showing off his velocity and putting together an extremely efficient 1-2-3 inning, escaping on just seven pitches.

Feltner continued his hot start with a great day all around. Aside from Ezequiel Tovar snagging a grounder up the middle to save a hit in the bottom of the first, he didn’t need much help.

Feltner did a great job getting ahead of batters. He was aggressive targeting the zone, getting a first-pitch strike on 11 of 15 batters faced through the fifth. He didn’t find himself in many jams, working through half of his innings on 10 or fewer pitches.

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You couldn’t have asked for more in Feltner’s return to the Rockies. He bounced back impeccably, notching a Quality Start and finishing the day with 6.0 shutout innings pitched, giving up just four hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

After the game, manager Warren Schaeffer commented on his efficiency: “(His) fastball command was exceptional, slider was good, got double play balls when he needed them early. I just thought he controlled the game very well. He was in attack mode. When he does that, he’s pretty dang good.”

Thanks, Rally Rabbit!

Conversely, things were a struggle for Adrian Houser to start the game. The Giants’ starter was put to work early, giving up crucial hits and walks in the first. He struggled to find the zone, as his two-seam fastball had the velocity but could not hit the mark. He needed nearly 40 pitches to get out of the first.

The Rockies offense was still feeling the effects of the loose bunny that ran the warning track and jumpstarted the bats on Friday night:

The Rally Rabbit made an early appearance to keep things rolling Saturday night, lurking in the grass before the game started. Whether you attribute things to the bunny or to the offense finding their groove, the Rockies struck early.

Colorado took advantage of Houser’s struggles. After Jake McCarthy and Hunter Goodman both walked, Willi Castro brought McCarthy home with a line drive to center field. Tovar singled to join his friends on the basepaths to load things up.

Sterlin Thompson put together a great at bat and was hit by a pitch (on what would’ve been ball four anyway), as Goodman came home. Edouard Julien was unable to do more damage, striking out with the bases loaded. But the Rockies took a 2-0 lead into the second.

Later in the bottom of the fourth, McCarthy followed up a Julien single with a two-run dinger at the expense of Houser to increase the lead to 4-0. Not long after that, Houser was yanked with two outs, replaced by Sam Hentges. Houser finished his day with just 3.2 innings pitched, surrendering eight hits, four earned runs including a home run, and two walks with four strikeouts.

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Piling on some insurance

The Rockies offense continued a steady assault through the middle innings, getting runners on base and increasing the lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Hentges got the first two outs but couldn’t stop Colorado from breaking through. Julien drew a walk and was moved to second base by a Brett Sullivan single. McCarthy grabbed another RBI with a single to left, bringing the lead to 5-0.

Later, in the bottom of the seventh, Kyle Karros joined the fun and blasted a solo shot into the bullpen over the right center fence — his first against a team other than the Los Angeles Dodgers.

View Link

McCarthy’s thirst for RBI wasn’t quenched, so he knocked another single to left to bring Tyler Freeman home and put the Rockies up by a touchdown with a successful PAT. Schaeffer noted that, “Jake’s taken the opportunity and run with it… he’s taken full advantage of his playing time.” TJ Rumfield would return McCarthy’s favor, with another single to get McCarthy across the plate. The Rockies left the seventh up 8-0.

Staving off a comeback

Alas, it wouldn’t be a shutout. After a clean seventh from Brennan Bernardino, Blas Castaño entered in the top of the eighth, going on to give up a two-run home run to Drew Gilbert. He surrendered a triple to Jung Hoo Lee in the ninth, followed by an RBI single to Matt Chapman to make the game 8-3.

Luckily the Rockies had plenty of cushion. With seven shutout innings from the pitching staff and 14 hits from the offense, Colorado gave the fans little to worry about as nearly everything went right across the board.

Up Next

With the series win in hand, the Rockies will try to sweep the Giants on Sunday afternoon.

Robbie Ray gets his 12th start of the season, going 3-6 so far with a 4.60 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 58.2 innings pitched. For the Rockies, Tanner Gordon is set to get another start. Gordon has a 0-0 record with a 5.85 ERA in eight games and one start this season. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. MDT.

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Braves News: The MVP version of Ronald Acuña Jr. has arrived, 40-19, more

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 30: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 30, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This season is going astonishingly well in Atlanta. They are the first team to 40 wins despite missing half of their projected rotation, having missed time from Ronald Acuna and Drake Baldwin, Ha-Seong Kim only playing 12 games and being astonishingly bad, and Austin Riley struggling. Now Schwellenbach, Waldrep, and Smith-Shawver are progressing back towards health, Ronald Acuna is healthy and in full form, Drake Baldwin should hopefully be back soon, they have the depth to bench Kim for real MLB shortstop options, and Austin Riley is (maybe? hopefully?) showing some life. This could be a SCARY team in October if health doesn’t betray them, but we’ve still got ~100 games to go for the regular season. Let’s enjoy what a journey it’s been so far, what a journey we’ve got to come, and hope for something special come October.

Braves News

Ronald Acuna led the way as the Braves homered their way to a 5-2 win, with strong pitching from the bullpen behind a solid Martin Perez.

MLB News

Breakout star Munetaka Murikami will miss a month or two with a grade 2 hamstring strain.

Former Braves Jarred Kelenic elected free agency after being DFA’d by the White Sox.

The A’s placed veteran Luis Severino on the 15-day IL with a shoulder strain.

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Carter Bryant heading to NBA Finals as rookie with Spurs

arizona-wildcats-in-the-nba-carter-bryant-nba-finals-san-antonio-spurs
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 28: Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 28, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Another former Arizona Wildcat is heading to the NBA Finals. The San Antonio Spurs beat defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in game seven of the Western Conference Finals, which means Carter Bryant will be heading to the finals in his rookie season.

He becomes the third Arizona alumni to reach the finals in his rookie season since Luke Walton did it with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004. The other player was Richard Jefferson with the New Jersey Nets in 2002.

This is now the 12th consecutive season that an Arizona Wildcat will participate in the NBA FInals. Last season, it was T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin with the Indiana Pacers to make the finals, but unfortunately they could not get the job done. 

Aaron Gordon and Zeke Nnaji were the last Arizona Wildcats to win the NBA Finals when they won with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

Bryant was drafted by the Spurs in last year’s NBA Draft with the 14th overall pick. His rookie season has given him a bit of everything.

Earlier this season, he participated in the NBA dunk contest and was beaten in the championship by another former Wildcat in Keshad Johnson. Fast forward and Bryant will now be playing on the NBA’s biggest stage.

The conference finals did bring a lot of struggle but in typical Arizona fashion he responded. From being chewed out by his coach to having some of the loudest plays, Bryant has taken big steps in his basketball development.

He only played three minutes in game seven but in those three minutes he was able to score a bucket on an NBA all-star and not make any mistakes. 

Bryant also had an authoritative dunk in game six to help force a seventh game.

It’s one thing for your coach to stick by you, but when you have one of the best players in the world continuously supporting you, the work ethic can never fade. Victor Wembanyama, along with the rest of the Spurs, have never lost faith in Bryant.

The New York Knicks were the team from the eastern conference awaiting their NBA Finals opponent. This is a team that not only San Antonio has struggled against, but Bryant has seen major struggles.

In the two regular season games between New York and San Antonio, Bryant played a total of 11 minutes and did not score. It will certainly be interesting to see how much he will be played in his first finals appearance. The first opportunity he could have will be next Wednesday in game one.

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Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals schedule revealed

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New York Knicks are playing the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals after their opponent pulled out a gutsy Game 7 win on the road to get back to the Finals for the first time in 12 years.

For the Knicks, it’s a rematch of their last Finals appearance in 1999, when they lost in five games to Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and the Twin Tower Spurs. This time around, they won’t face two towers in the paint, but they are facing off against one of the most unique big men in league history in Victor Wembanyama.

Here’s a look at the schedule for the series between the Knicks and Spurs:

  • Game 1: Wednesday June 3, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
  • Game 2: Friday June 5, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
  • Game 3: Monday June 8, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
  • Game 4: Wednesday June 10, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
  • Game 5: Saturday June 13, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX (if necessary)
  • Game 6: Tuesday June 16, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)– Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (if necessary)
  • Game 7: Friday June 19, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX(if necessary)

Posting & Toasting community, what are you most looking forward to in the series between the Knicks and Spurs? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Roundtable: Talking ourselves into things with the NBA Draft

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: Rolando Blackman represents the Dallas Mavericks during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

On Monday I asked the staff this simple question (then forgot to run the post for a week): what is something regarding the NBA Draft that you’ve talked yourself into?

Tyler: I’ve talked myself into believing that the Mavericks will be making at least one draft night trade in round one. At pick nine, it could be that they see value in moving back and drafting a guy they didn’t feel was worth it at ninth. It could be wanting to acquire an extra first-round pick (think OKC or Charlotte). Or, it could be trading pick 30 for cap relief, or even attaching a player to pick 30 to move up in the order. I don’t know which will be the case, but I’m convinced at least one will happen.

Sudarshan: Maybe not since the Lottery, but I’ve talked myself into being somewhat accepting of the Masai Ujiri hiring.

Regarding the draft itself? We’re going to get a polarising prospect which will inspire many a heated debate about fit & future.

Bryan: I’ve talked myself into Brayden Burries being the best guard option available after the top 4 (Brown, Wagler, Acuff, Flemings) are off the board. There is still a solid chance that Aday Mara goes 8th to Atlanta and one of the lead guards falls to us, but if not, we could do much worse than Burries at 9.

Joe: Something I’m convincing myself of more and more is that Dallas is going to have more options at 9 then a lot of people originally let on. When the season ended on April 12th, the entire fanbase was online complaining and pouting that winning 26 games in a season wasnt good enough because they wouldnt be able to have a good chance at a top 4 pick and that they would have less options to draft an all world prospect. I think as we get closer and closer, we see the consensus uncertainty and near guaranteed chaos that is almost surely going to happen throughout the top 10 picks of this upcoming nba draft. I think that between the different taste in the teams favorite prospects and depth of upper echelon talent, there are going to be teams who make some interesting and consensually bizzare decisions. I think a team like the Nets, the Kings, or the hawks, can reach or take someone that pushes one of the Mavs guys to them at 9

Brent: Bracing for changes this summer. Maybe on or before draft night. No one outside of #32 is untouchable and we have a new brain trust in place who will shake things up in ways we will not see coming. Expect the unexpected. So much ink is being spilled right now on what might happen and I feel like we are about to get a curveball or two that will reshape the face of this roster.

Michael: I’ve talked myself into actually remembering that I have no idea what will happen. Early on, I took to believing the Mavs would target a guard, then got on the hope train that we’d still get a good one despite falling a spot in the draft order. Now I’ve all but eliminated most of those thoughts in exchange for hopeful optimism and expecting the unexpected.

I trust Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz enough to do the right thing, but the “right thing” is now colored against a much different background. It seems evident that a massive roster overhaul is at least plausible, so with that, I no longer have any expectation we’re going for a guard. In fact, I expect something unexpected that will begin to make sense as the offseason really begins to play out. If anyone on the current roster could be moved, anyone in the draft could reasonably fill a need. Therefore, I’m expecting the front office to make intelligent moves, but no longer predicting what those moves might be.

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Claude Lemieux's family to donate his brain to CTE research

Claude Lemieux's family is donating his brain to CTE research, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Johnston, posting on X on Saturday, May 30, reported the family will donate the brain of the four-time Stanley Cup champion to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center "for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury."

Johnston reported Lemieux's family made the decision with a desire to improve the lives of others.

"'The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes and to future generations of families seeking answers. No conclusion should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis,'" Johnston's post, which includes a statement from the family, reads.

Lemieux died on Thursday, May 28 at the age of 60 just days after he carried the ceremonial torch into the Canadiens' Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. His cause of death has not been confirmed at the time of publication.

USA TODAY Sports contacted the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office but has been notified that the information it has for Lemieux is "exempt from public records."

The Palm County Medical Examiner's Office told USA TODAY Sports in response to an open records request that "all public records you have requested for Claude Lemieux are exempt from public records as specified under SB 474 - FS 406.135. (2) (c)."

The Florida statute cited by the Palm County Medical Examiner’s Office was enacted in 2024 and exempts photos, videos, audio recordings and autopsy reports related to suicide victims from general public records requests.

There have been several studies on the possible connection with suicide and CTE. A 2021 study conducted by a group of scientists from Switzerland, Italy and other countries surveyed the effects of CTE on boxers, hockey players and football players.

"Progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms resulting from CTE could lead to suicidal ideation (SI) and eventually suicidal behaviour (SB), especially the more severe forms of SB such as medical serious suicide attempt (SA) and completed suicide," the study said. "For example, CTE was confirmed in post-mortem examinations of over 100 former National Football League players and it was hypothesized that suicide in four of them could have resulted from CTE-induced behavioural changes, but it is difficult to make a direct connection in these cases."

- Contributing: Mike Brehm and Mark Giannotto

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claude Lemieux's family to donate brain to CTE research

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NCAA baseball tournament: Grant Ross smashes a ‘Jose Canseco’ home run

Just a few days ago, baseball fans celebrated the 33rd anniversary of one of MLB’s most bizarre moments. The day that Jose Canseco tried to catch a fly ball, only to see it ricochet off his head and over the wall for a home run.

Thankfully, Saturday night’s game between Milwaukee and UCF in NCAA baseball regional action gave you an updated version.

Grant Ross for Milwaukee came to the plate in the bottom of the fifth with two outs and the bases empty. Ross lofted a fly ball to straight-away center field, where UCF outfielder DeAmez Ross tried to make the catch at the wall.

Instead, the ball deflected off his glove, and then his head, before carooming over the wall for a home run:

Here is a longer clip, that includes a few replays of the moment at the wall:

The home run staked the upstart Panthers to a 10-1 lead, just one day after the Horizon League champions knocked off Auburn, the fourth-overall seed in the NCAA baseball tournament.

While UCF has closed the gap — the score is currently 10-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning at the time of publication — this play might live on in Milwaukee lore, no matter how the game ends.

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NBA Finals Odds: Knicks Open as +170 Underdog vs Spurs

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The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals.

After rolling through the Eastern Conference behind Jalen Brunson’s playoff brilliance, the Knicks now face the San Antonio Spurs after Wemby & Co. eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

Despite New York’s dominant postseason run, NBA Finals odds immediately opened the Knicks as series underdogs, saying everything about how highly the betting market views OKC.

Before Game 1 tips off, here’s a full breakdown of the opening Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals odds, Finals MVP markets, and the best early betting angles.

Knicks vs. Thunder NBA Finals odds

MarketKnicks KnicksSpurs Spurs
Series price+170-205
Game 1 spread

+5.0
-110

-5.0
-110

Game 1 moneyline+170-205
Game 1 total

Over 217
-110

Under 217
-110

Odds as of 5-30 via bet365. 

The New York Knicks may have entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, but New York hasn’t looked like an underdog for weeks.

After sweeping both the 76ers and Cavaliers in back-to-back series, the Knicks punched their ticket to the NBA Finals behind Jalen Brunson’s playoff brilliance and one of the most physical defensive identities left in the postseason.

Still, sportsbooks opened San Antonio as the favorite entering the series.

The betting market clearly respects the Spurs' depth and versatility, but the Knicks have already proven throughout this playoff run that they’re more than capable of controlling games with defense, rebounding, and clutch shot-making.

NBA Finals MVP Odds

PlayerOdds
Spurs Victor Wembanyama-175
Knicks Jalen Brunson+210
Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns+2000
Spurs Stephon Castle+6000
Knicks OG Anunoby+7500
Spurs De'Aaron Fox+10000
Knicks OG Anunoby+12500

Odds as of 5-30 via bet365. 

Jalen Brunson opened as the clear betting favorite on the Knicks side after carrying New York through the Eastern Conference playoffs, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby also remain intriguing long-shot options entering the NBA Finals.

Still, the market continues to lean heavily toward Oklahoma City.

Victor Wembanyama opened as the overall Finals MVP favorite at -175, reflecting both the Spurs' status as series favorites and his dominant postseason run. Meanwhile, players like Stephon Castle continue to draw respect because of San Antonio’s depth and defensive versatility.

If the Knicks are going to pull off the upset, though, it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Brunson winning the award.

Knicks vs. Spurs series prediction

The Knicks bring physicality, depth, and defensive toughness, but this series ultimately comes down to a question they may not be able to answer: how do you consistently contain Victor Wembanyama over seven games or less?

San Antonio’s ceiling is simply higher. Wemby’s two-way dominance warps matchups on both ends, and if the Spurs get even steady secondary production, they’ll be difficult to slow.

The Knicks can grind games into the mud and steal a couple with their rebounding and half-court execution, but they lack the singular superstar force to tilt a tightly contested series.

Expect a competitive, physical Finals with multiple close finishes, but San Antonio’s star power and defensive versatility give them the edge late.

Prediction: Spurs to win NBA Finals (-205)

Early Knicks vs Spurs Game 1 prediction

We saw New York look a little sluggish in this same scenario for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, coming off an extended rest while their opponent just finished a seven-game series.

The Knicks trailed by as much as 22 points in the fourth quarter, but rallied back as Cleveland utterly collapsed.

The Spurs will not implode like that.

I don't think San Antonio will be up by 20+ points either, but if New York has to shake off rust in the Finals opener, the Spurs are too talented to not take advantage.

Prediction: Spurs -5 (-110)

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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NBA Finals predictions: Will Knicks or Spurs win according to our experts?

The NBA Finals matchup is official as the San Antonio Spurs will take on the New York Knicks for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Victor Wembanyama continues Wemby-mania with Stephon Castle and rookie sensation Dylan Harper as he marches into his first NBA Finals with the Spurs. The center has already had an outstanding postseason with the most blocks in a game, and, at 22, he was the youngest player to have a 40-point, 20-rebound in playoff history.

After bulldozing through the conference semifinals and finals, this is the Knicks' first time making it to the championship round since 1999. Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges will seek to bring the Big Apple back to glory with Ben Stiller, Spike Lee and Timothée Chalamet cheering them on every step of the way.

The NBA Finals tip off on Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio.

Here are USA TODAY Sports' expert picks:

NBA Finals predictions

  • Nick Brinkerhoff: Knicks over Spurs in 6
  • Bryan Kalbrosky: Knicks over Spurs in 6
  • Victoria Hernandez: Knicks over Spurs in 7
  • Mark Giannotto: Knicks over Spurs in 6
  • Lorenzo Reyes: Spurs over Knicks in 7
  • Marcus Smith: Knicks over Spurs in 7

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA Finals predictions: Knicks vs. Spurs

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2026 NBA Finals schedule: Full schedule as the Spurs earn date against Knicks

The stage is set for the 2026 NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs in what is sure to be a thrilling best-of-seven series for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Victor Wembanyama was emotional after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of a heated Western Conference finals. This will be the San Antonio center's first Finals appearance after a historic playoffs run where he broke several records, including most blocks in a game and, at 22 years of age, the youngest player to notch 40+ points and 20+ rebounds in a competition.

The Knicks punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks' dominance was marked by an average margin of victory of 23.7 points.

Now the attention shifts to the NBA Finals, which tip off on Wednesday, June 3. Below is the complete schedule for this year’s championship series.

More: New York Knicks NBA Finals ticket prices reach unprecedented levels

2026 NBA Finals schedule

The NBA Finals will be broadcast exclusively on ABC with all games starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

*- if necessary

  • Game 1: Wednesday, June 3 | New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
  • Game 2: Friday, June 5 | New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
  • Game 3: Monday, June 8 | San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
  • Game 4: Wednesday, June 10 | San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
  • Game 5*: Saturday, June 13 | New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
  • Game 6*: Tuesday, June 16 | San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
  • Game 7*: Friday, June 19 | New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA Finals schedule is set: Knicks vs Spurs, dates, times, TV