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Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee reveals secret behind historic hitting streak

CHICAGO — He was batting a paltry .265 less than a month ago.

Now, Jung Hoo Lee is keeping company with the likes of Willie Mays and Buster Posey.

The Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee is batting close to .600 since returning from the injured list. Getty Images

There hasn’t been a Giant since Posey to record more hits over a 14-game stretch than Lee’s 27 during his hitting streak. You have to go all the way back to Mays in 1958 to find the last Giant with as many knocks as the 22 belonging to Lee in nine games since returning from the injured list.

The secret behind all those successful swings? Not swinging at all.

“When I was on the IL, I didn’t just try to take time off the field,” Lee said through team interpreter Justin Han. “What I did was I went to the cage and just stood there.”

Lee missed only the minimum 10 days with a mild back strain, but he made the most of his time. Unable to swing, he stood in against the Trajekt pitching machine, which can replicate the characteristics of any offering from any pitcher in the major leagues.

Han, his interpreter, fed the machine.

“I didn’t take any swings, but just tried to feel out the pitches on the Trajekt, which helped out a lot,” Lee said. “I stood in there and [Han] just kind of randomly threw out pitches located everywhere. We would just communicate on whether it was a strike or a ball.”

Since returning from the IL, Lee is batting a remarkable 22-for-37 (.595).

His batting average is up to .324, tied with Luis Arraez among the top five qualified hitters in the majors, after he rapped two more base hits Saturday — with only three more from the rest of the Giants’ lineup in a 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Cubs.

In the words of manager Tony Vitello, it’s the product of “Jung Hoo being Jung Hoo.”

One of Jung Hoo Lee’s heroes is Ichiro. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“I know Ichiro is a hero of his,” Vitello said. “That style of hitting that I think we’re kind of familiar with from a lot of Asian players has got a little bit of rhythm, a little bit of movement going forward. But Ichiro was always going forward and in line with the pitcher. … I just think he’s a really good hitter. I boil it down to the mentality, but I do see him staying in line a lot better.”

Before coming to MLB, Lee led Korea’s highest level in batting three times — a career .340 hitter over seven seasons. His first two seasons in San Francisco, however, produced merely a .265 mark at the plate.

He’s not allowing himself to look too far ahead about a possible MLB batting title.

“I don’t really want to be happy about it right now. I just want to be consistent on where I’m hitting right now and see where I’m at at the end of the season.”

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Why The Maple Leafs Are Reportedly Interested in Former NHLer Joe Pavelski For Head Coaching Position

Could Joe Pavelski end up behing the bench for the Toronto Maple Leafs? According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, it’s a possibility.

In the latest edition of the ‘32 Thoughts’ podcast, Friedman disclosed that the Maple Leafs are interest in Pavelski, even though most of the candidates who have seemingly moved onto the next round of interviews have some NHL head coaching experience.

Pavelski has been coaching his son, Nate, with the Madison Capitols 15U hockey team with Friedman saying he was told Joe is being seen as a Martin St. Louis style coaching candidate. 

St. Louis was coaching his son’s peewee team before he was hired as coach as interim coach of the Montreal Canadiens in Feb of 2022. The interim tag was eventually removed. Given Montreal's sucess as of late under St. Louis, reaching the Eastern Conference final in 2026, it's clear to see why the Leafs may want to pursue this route.

The impact of bringing in someone like Pavelski is intriguing as he established himself as a player of authority and mentorship during his NHL career. In his playing days with the Dallas Stars, Pavelski invited 19-year-old Wyatt Johnson to live with him for two seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Logan Stankoven, who was with the Stars as the time, also joined Pavelski and Johnston for much of the 2023-24 season.

Former Stars head coach Pete DeBoer recalled Johnston in particular benefitting from “true leadership.” Johnston led the Stars in goals with 32 in the 2023-24 season.

In 18 seasons in the NHL, Pavelski had 476 goals and 592 assists in 1,332 games. He also played in 201 NHL playoff games, twice reaching a Stanley Cup final in 2016 with the San Jose Sharks and again with the Stars in 2020.

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Where to watch Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, June 7

The Seattle Mariners, first in the AL West with a 34-31 record, face the Detroit Tigers, who are fourth in the AL Central with a 26-39 record. Seattle is favored with a -119 moneyline compared to Detroit's -100. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Luis Castillo for Seattle, with a 5.53 ERA, and Jack Flaherty for Detroit, with a 5.31 ERA.

  • Date: Sunday, June 7

  • Time: 1:40 p.m. ET / 10:40 a.m. PT

  • Where: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI

  • TV Channels: Detroit SportsNet, Mariners.TV

  • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Seattle Mariners: 34-31 (No. 1 in AL West)

  • Detroit Tigers: 26-39 (No. 4 in AL Central)

  • Spread: Detroit Tigers +1.5

  • Moneyline: Detroit Tigers -100 (47.9%) / Seattle Mariners -119 (52.1%)

  • Over/Under: 8.5

Seattle Mariners: Luis Castillo (2-5, ERA: 5.53, K: 56, WHIP: 1.45)
Detroit Tigers: Jack Flaherty (1-7, ERA: 5.31, K: 70, WHIP: 1.60)

Weather: 77°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 41,083 | Roof: Open | Surface: Grass

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Giants vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

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The Chicago Cubs are short home favorites against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday Night Baseball, but my Giants vs Cubs predictions are taking the plus-money side.

Jameson Taillon’s barrel issues create a better offensive path for San Francisco, while Trevor McDonald’s ground-ball profile gives the Giants the cleaner starter fit.

Here are my MLB picks for Sunday, June 7. Be sure to also check out our Giants vs. Cubs props for SNB.

Who will win Giants vs Cubs today: Giants moneyline (+117)

I see this game as close to a coin flip, so getting plus money on the San Francisco Giants is enough, and I would play them to -105.

Jameson Taillon is a starter I want to attack.

His 5.24 xERA, 14.5% barrel rate, and .520 xSLG allowed point to a profile that has not turned the corner back to his career numbers.

That is dangerous against a San Francisco lineup with Bryce Eldridge, Rafael Devers, and Casey Schmitt. San Francisco's SP Trevor McDonald is young, but his 4.1% barrel rate allowed gives the Giants the cleaner arm.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Jameson Taillon’s 38.5% fly-ball rate is nearly four times Trevor McDonald’s 10.1% rate.

Giants vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Over 8 (-105)

There's not an enormous edge here, but I like the Over. I'd play this down to around -122 with my projected run total sitting at 8.3.

McDonald is the better starter, but his groundball reliance is not a perfect matchup against the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs own a below-average 40.4% ground-ball rate and above-average 28.1% fly-ball rate, so they are not an offense I want to automatically suppress with a contact-oriented arm.

The Cubs will do their part and score, but the Giants have a much more direct route to getting after the opposing pitcher.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 27-22, +4.54 units
  • Over/Under bets: 31-18, +16.07 units

Giants vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: Giants +105 | Cubs -130
  • Run line: Giants +1.5 | Cubs -1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8

Giants vs Cubs trend

The San Francisco Giants have hit the first five innings (F5) team total Over in 15 of their last 20 games (+9.65 Units / 38% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Giants vs. Cubs.

How to watch Giants vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateSunday, June 7, 2026
First pitch8:30 p.m. ET
TVPeacock
Giants starting pitcherTrevor McDonald
(2-3, 4.50 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherJameson Taillon
(2-5, 5.13 ERA)

Giants vs Cubs latest injuries

Giants vs Cubs weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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San Diego shows fight, snaps losing streak, forces rubber match

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Petco Park on June 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After last night’s win over the New York Mets, the San Diego Padres have forced just their second rubber match in the last two weeks. The win came against New York’s young pitcher Nolan McLean, with the Friars tying the game early after Griffin Canning gave up a run in the second inning.

Canning navigated trouble, pitching five innings and allowing just three hits to the Mets. McLean pitched an extra inning but allowed the same amount of hits and runs as Canning.

Austin Warren came on in relief in the seventh inning and got two easy outs by inducing a lineout from Xander Bogaerts and a flyout from Miguel Andujar. Sung-Mun Song singled on a full-count sweeper outside the zone. He barely beat out the play at first base to keep the inning alive.

Catcher Freddy Fermin came up and took the first pitch he saw, a 94.4 mph sinker, into the left field seats. It was a lead the Padres held onto, despite some trouble in the eighth. Jason Adam gave up back-to-back singles before inducing a double play after Song made an incredible catch at second base.

Mason Miller pitched with a lead in the ninth for the first time in over a week. It was a one-run game with no margin for error and the closer delivered, getting two easy outs before allowing a walk to A.J. Ewing. He struck out Mark Vientos to end the trouble.

Taking the mound

Sean Manaea (NYM) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)

Manaea is the likely starting pitcher for today, though the Mets have been using an opener for him lately. They’ve announced that Huascar Brazobán will start the game. The reliever pitched in Saturday’s contest and will likely pitch an inning before Manaea pitches in bulk relief.

New York’s starter has had a rough season, posting a 5.08 ERA. But, since the Mets have begun using an opener for Manaea, he’s pitched much better. In spite of his frustration about not being able to start pitching in the first inning, the situation has helped out Manaea thus far.

The burgeoning San Diego ace has had a rough go of things lately. Vásquez has been saddled with a 4.42 ERA in his last seven starts. Across the season he owns a 3.31 ERA through 65 and 1.3 innings pitched. His last start against the Philadelphia Phillies was much better, going five innings and allowing just two runs.

The Mets haven’t had an abundance of success against Vásquez in the past. New York’s lineup has gone a combined 4-for-22 against the right-hander with one homer and five RBI.

Batter up!

Fernando Tatis Jr. continued to flash his bat, going 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Friars. Despite Fermin’s homer being the difference maker, it was Song’s production that won the game for San Diego. He went 2-for-2 with a walk and scored two of the Friars’ three runs.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Jackson Merrill, CF
  3. Ty France, 1B
  4. Manny Machado, 3B
  5. Gavin Sheets, LF
  6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  7. Miguel Andujar, DH
  8. Sung-Mun Song, 2B
  9. Rodolfo Durán, C

France has effectively become the starting first baseman with Ramón Laureano now out for the season. That gives the Padres some ability to shake things up in the outfield. France at first base paid off well yesterday, with him making multiple plays in the cold corner that saved the game early.

Machado went 0-for-4 at the plate but it looked like he had a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the starter McLean. Instead, it was a 315-foot flyout to Juan Soto. Machado was visibly frustrated, slamming his bat against the ground. He’s shown some pop lately but still can’t seem to bat for average.

Relief corps

San Diego had the benefit of Canning going a solid five innings. He had only thrown 86 pitches through that time, but the Padres favored Adrian Morejon to face the lefty Soto for the third time. Bradgley Rodriguez gave up a run in the seventh to end the tie game, though he was credited with the win after the Friars scored in the bottom frame of the inning.

Adam and Miller pitched well, with Adam navigating the trouble he faced. The problem now is that San Diego will have none of their high-leverage relievers available. Their only options are Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta. That said, Matsui boasts a 0.53 ERA this season.

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Sabres Superstar Trade Target Is Off The Board

The Buffalo Sabres should be looking to bolster their roster this summer after a successful 2025-26 season. One of their biggest needs is a star center.

One player who the Sabres were connected to leading up to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline was St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas. With Thomas staying put past the deadline, some naturally wondered if the Sabres would kick tires on him again. 

Yet, based on a new report, the possibility of the Sabres landing Thomas this summer is very low.

According to Andy Strickland, the Blues are not shopping Thomas, and he is expected to be on their roster at training camp.

Hearing that Thomas is no longer an option for the Sabres is disappointing, as he would have had the potential to be an amazing addition to their top six. However, the Sabres will now need to explore their options elsewhere if they hope to bring in another center this summer. 

Thomas appeared in 64 games this season with the Blues, where he had 25 goals, 39 assists, 64 points, and a plus-22 rating. This is after he had 21 goals and 81 points in 70 games for the Blues during the 2024-25 campaign. With numbers like these, he would have been a major pickup for Buffalo. 

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Antonelli holds off Hamilton to win chaotic Monaco GP after red flag: F1 – as it happened

Kimi Antonelli won a chaotic Monaco GP which featured a red flag and multiple driver penalties

Some quotes from Max Verstappen, second on the grid in his Red Bull: “Try not to overthink it too much, that works best. We will try to do the best start we can. It is a long race, anything can happen. It is not always easy and I hope today, we can have a normal start.”

Lewis Hamilton has appeared fresh and full of his previous self.

The car has repeatedly demonstrated how good it is in the slower corners but has struggled with drag on straights and in using a smaller turbocharger than their rivals. It has proved costly on traditional circuits this season where, even when competitive at the off, the Ferrari has been unable to match the Mercedes’ formidable race pace, or that of the upgraded McLaren.

Ferrari’s pace through the twists – Hamilton was quickest in the slow speed corners at the last round in Canada – and that smaller turbo will be vital in Monaco. Energy management should not be an issue with ample recharging, while the smaller turbo will enable it to remain spooled up to be most effective in punching quicker out of the corners.

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Where to watch Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, June 7

The Boston Red Sox (27-35) take on the New York Yankees (37-26) on Sunday. Saturday’s game between the two teams was postponed. The scheduled starting pitchers are Ranger Suarez for Boston, with a 3.38 ERA, and Cam Schlittler for New York, with a 1.89 ERA. The Yankees are favored with the over/under set at eight runs.

  • Boston Red Sox: 27-35 (No. 5 in AL East)

  • New York Yankees: 37-26 (No. 2 in AL East)

  • Spread: New York Yankees -1.5

  • Moneyline: New York Yankees -167 (60.0%) / Boston Red Sox +140 (40.0%)

  • Over/Under: 8.0

Boston Red Sox: Ranger Suarez (2-3, ERA: 3.38, K: 57, WHIP: 1.16)
New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler (7-3, ERA: 1.89, K: 84, WHIP: 0.86)

Weather: 82°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 47,309 | Roof: Open | Surface: Grass

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Ex-Oiler Officially Announces Retirement After 1177 Games

Former Edmonton Oilers' forward Milan Lucic has officially announced his retirement after 17 NHL seasons and 1,177 games.

The former Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins wraps up his career with 586 regular-season points and 77 more in the playoffs, also playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.

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Lucic hadn’t played in the NHL since 2023-24 but attempted a comeback in 2025-26, including brief stints in the AHL and overseas. Last season, he had a PTO with the St. Louis Blues but was cut.  He played 26 EIHL games after joining the Fife Flyers in late December and recorded 5 goals, 7 assists, 18 PIMs and a +/- of -14.

His career effectively ended following a domestic incident in 2023, though charges were later dropped. Still, the latter part of his career, including his struggles both on and off the ice, will likely place a bit of a cloud over his career run. His repeated controversies in his personal life will have stained his legacy.

As for the positives, he retires as a physical, productive power forward, one of the best of his era. With the Oilers, he played 243 regular season games, scoring 39 goals. His best run came with the team in 2016-17, when he scored 23 goals during the season.

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Courtside chair Taylor Swift sat in for Cavs-Knicks game is up for auction

Courtside chair Taylor Swift sat in for Cavs-Knicks game is up for auction originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The courtside seats in Cleveland will soon have a blank space.

The chair Taylor Swift sat in during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks has been listed for auction.

According to the listing on The Realist, the opening bid was $100 and, after 38 bids as of Sunday, was listed at $6,000. The auction is set to end June 14, per the listing.

“As one of the most recognized and influential artists of her generation, the occupant of this chair has earned worldwide acclaim through a career defined by commercial success, critical recognition, and multiple Grammy Award victories,” the bidding description reads. “Her attendance reflects the cultural reach of the NBA Playoffs and the significance of the Eastern Conference Finals as one of the most visible events in sports.”

Swift attended the game on May 23 at Rocket Arena with her fiancée, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs star and an Ohio native. The chair Kelce sat in is also up for auction at, as of Sunday, $525 after 30 bids.

But it was a cruel summer for the Cavaliers, who lost the game the couple attended 121-108 en route to getting swept in the series – meaning those courtside seats won’t be needed any time soon.  

Taylor Swift and Travis Kielce attend the game between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 3 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)

The chair features a Cavaliers logo, arm rests and a cup holder. The listing says an authenticator was on site to witness Swift’s use of the chair during the game, and the item features a Gold OVD.

“This chair serves as a tangible artifact from a nationally celebrated postseason event,” the listing reads.” “Its connection to one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers adds a distinctive layer of provenance to an item tied directly to the atmosphere and excitement of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals, further reflecting the Cavaliers’ position at the intersection of sports and pop culture.”

Other seats used by celebrities in the series are also being auctioned. The chair that actor and Knicks fan Ben Stiller sat in during the Knicks’ Game 4 series clincher is listed, as of Sunday, at $385 after 17 bids. Timothée Chalamet’s seat for that game is listed for $106 after 16 bids — and bidders can make it a set by also adding the chair used by Chalamet’s girlfriend Kylie Jenner, which is up to $280 after 21 bids.

“Throughout the 2026 postseason, Chalamet emerged as one of the most visible celebrity supporters of New York basketball,” the listing reads. “Whether attending games at Madison Square Garden or traveling to road playoff matchups, his presence became closely associated with the team’s deepest playoff run in nearly three decades. Television broadcasts, social media coverage, and national headlines regularly featured Chalamet among the faces of a fan base experiencing a long-awaited return to championship contention.”

The Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Monday for the team’s first NBA Finals home game in 27 years. Holding a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs, the team is two wins away from its first championship since 1973. Tickets to the games are at record highs, with the lowest asking prices on the secondary market at five figures.

Celebrity row at the Garden will be full of A-listers. Regulars like Spike Lee, Stiller, Chalamet, Jenner and Tracy Morgan are expected to attend. President Donald Trump will be in the building. Maybe Swift, a New York resident, will even show up.

How much would those chairs sell for?

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Mitch Marner’s record-breaking hat trick was just the start of historic Stanley Cup Final Game 3

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Golden Knights wing Mitch Marner (93) scores on Hurricanes goalie Frederik Anderson during the second period in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 6, 2026, Image 2 shows Mitch Marner (93) celebrates scoring one of his three goals during the Golden Knights' double-overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 6, 2026

Mitch Marner’s natural hat trick in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final Saturday night was just one part of a historic box score.

The Golden Knights’ 5-4 win over the Hurricanes in double overtime in front of their home crowd in Vegas was an instant classic filled with record-setting action and events never before seen in a series with Lord Stanley on the line.

In the second period, Marner lit the game on fire shortly after Tomas Hertl gave Vegas a 1-0 lead on the power play.

The former Maple Leaf scored the fastest three goals by a single player in Cup Final history, requiring just six minutes and 10 seconds to beat a record previously held by Maurice “Rocket” Richard from 1957 (6:21).

Since he also assisted on Hertl’s goal, Marner became only the second player in NHL Finals history — joining Frank Foyston (1919) — to post four points in a single period.

The 29-year-old is also just the second player in history to record a natural hat trick in a single period at this point in the playoffs, joining Ted Lindsay (1955). After this latest performance, Marner leads the playoffs by a considerable margin with 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 19 games.

Golden Knights wing Mitch Marner (93) scores on Hurricanes goalie Frederik Anderson during the second period in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 6, 2026. AP Photo/John Locher

He is considered the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP.

“Well, I think a lot of guys made great plays to set me up,” Marner told reporters after Vegas took a 2-1 series lead Saturday night. “I think you need five guys on the ice to all be on the same page. And I thought our line did a really good job of that throughout the entire night.”

The hat trick and the 4-0 Vegas lead stood as the game’s only notables for a very short time.

Mitch Marner (93) celebrates scoring one of his three goals during the Golden Knights’ double-overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 6, 2026. AP Photo/John Locher

Carolina saw to that by setting a new record for the fastest three goals scored by a team in the final. Jordan Martinook, Taylor Hall and Jordan Staal each struck within 39 seconds to pull the Hurricanes within one goal less than eight minutes into the third period, smashing the previous record of 56 seconds set by the Canadiens in 1954.

The equalizer came off the stick of Andrei Svechnikov while on the power play later in the frame.

Saturday was ultimately the highest-scoring Game 3 in Stanley Cup Final history.

In addition to the nine goals, two Vegas scores were overturned in the second period. The play on Mark Stone’s goal was deemed offside and goaltender interference disallowed Jack Eichel’s goal.

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Jerry Stackhouse reveals best lesson Steve Kerr taught him as Warriors assistant

Jerry Stackhouse reveals best lesson Steve Kerr taught him as Warriors assistant originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jerry Stackhouse won’t be returning as a Warriors assistant for the 2026-27 NBA season, but he gained some valuable knowledge while coaching under Steve Kerr for the last two years.

On a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Stackhouse shared a key lesson from Kerr that he will take into the rest of his coaching career, specifically referencing when Golden State was without injured stars Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler this past season.

“With Steve, it was all about, you know, he wants those guys’ joy. His messaging was always on point,” Stackhouse explained. “I think with guys, from the standpoint of when we lost Steph and we were down, I think he still found a way to find positives in what was happening and using it as growth moments and growth opportunities. And I think for us, we saw our younger guys get better, probably guys that we weren’t counting on going into the season.

“And then when Jimmy went down and when Steph went down, then it was like, okay, this is this an opportunity for you guys to step up. I thought Gui Santos took a really big step for, like I said, a guy that wasn’t even really penciled in, but once he got his opportunity — I think he’s going to provide a lot of depth for the Warriors this year because of that. …

“I saw how how Steve, you know, he wants conversation. He wants to make sure that you understand — even the coaching staff — just constantly confirming with everybody to make sure that you know where you stand and and you know what we’re trying to get accomplished.”

The short-handed Warriors, missing their two best players for an extended stretch, limped through the back end of the regular season before their eventual loss in the NBA play-in tournament.

But as Stackhouse mentioned, there were still some positives that came out of that difficult period — specifically Santos’ emergence as a solid rotation piece. After the 2026 NBA All-Star break, the 23-year-old averaged 15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 31.3 minutes across 24 games (including 21 starts).

That experience could be invaluable for someone like Santos once the Warriors — hopefully — get healthy next season, as the team attempts to make one last deep playoff run.

And if Santos contributes significantly, like Stackhouse believes, Kerr certainly would deserve credit for helping develop the former No. 55 overall pick.

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NBA rescinds Knicks center Mitchell Robinson’s controversial technical foul from Game 2

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (l.) was called for a technical foul on this play with the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (r.) in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Fianls on June 5, 2026

Mitchell Robinson no longer has a technical foul from Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals on his ledger.

The NBA on Saturday rescinded the tech given to the Knicks center during the second quarter of their 105-104 win over the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday after the league reviewed the play.

Robinson and 7-foot-4 Spurs star Victor Wembanyama were fighting for position when Wembanyama pushed Robinson, who pushed him back, though the contact didn’t seem egregious.

Yet Robinson was called for a tech with 4:56 left in the first half and then was subbed out of the game for Karl-Anthony Towns.

It could have impacted the game as Wembanyama made the technical free throw the Spurs were awarded, but the Knicks escaped with the win and lead the series 2-0 entering Monday’s Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

It was Robinson who defended Wembanyama as the Frenchman attempted a game-winning jumper that missed.

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (l.) was called for a technical foul on this play with the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (r.) in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Fianls on June 5, 2026. ABC

“I know we needed stops and I had picked up a few fouls on him,” Robinson said. “I think, what, three, like early on? So in my mind, I was just like, defend without fouling. So that was kind of like how it went. Just great contest, and just kind of how it went.”

Robinson finished Game 2 with seven points, three rebounds, one block and one steal in 14 minutes. He was 3-for-6 from the free-throw line as the Spurs intentionally put him on the line a few times.

The eighth-year Knick fractured the fifth metacarpal in his right hand, reportedly at home, and had surgery ahead of the Finals. He’s been wearing a wrap around his right hand.

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Sabres Have Trade Options With Pending Free Agents Prior To July 1

The Buffalo Sabres have a number of scenarios involving their roster construction this summer, and with limited cap space available, it could force GM Jarmo Kekalainen to make some trades to clear salary or get something in return for winger Alex Tuch before he hits the open market on July 1. 

The 30-year-old winger, along with Tampa Bay defenseman Darren Raddysh, will be the most hotly pursued free agent target. With just $12.9 million in available cap space and the price disparity between what Tuch’s representatives are looking for and what the Sabres are reportedly willing to offer makes the odds of him returning to Buffalo a long shot, especially with the salary cap going to $104 million this summer.

One option open to the Sabres may be to shop Tuch’s rights before July 1 to a club that wants the option of exclusive negotiating rights, but that would undoubtedly only yield a mid-round draft pick in return. Another option that could yield a more significant return would be to follow the Mitch Marner model that the Toronto Maple Leafs were forced into last June with the Vegas Golden Knights. 

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Alex Tuch and his future with Buffalo

Marner had determined, according to various reports his intent on signing with the Golden Knights, going back to the start of his final year in Toronto, and blocked a trade to Carolina using his no-movement clause at the 2025 trade deadline. In late June, the Leafs negotiated an eight-year, $96 million extension with Marner and traded him to Vegas for center Nicolas Roy. Vegas needed to clear Roy’s $3 million cap hit to fit the winger’s $12 million AAV and the eight-year deal allowed the Golden Knights to lower the AAV to a more manageable number. 

With Tuch, the Sabres are the only club that can sign the 30-year-old to a longer term deal, and if he goes to market in July, the max he can receive is a six-year contract under the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement. A sign-and-trade might be worth something to the club Tuch is interested in signing with, since it would decrease his AAV and it would be beneficial to the Sabres, with them potentially getting a higher draft pick, player or prospect in the deal. 

Another situation that Kekalainen will have to deal with is RFA defenseman Michael Kesselring. The 26-year-old had an injury-riddled season with the Sabres, playing only 34 games, with two assists and 50 penalty minutes. The right-handed blueliner is only one year away from unrestricted free agency and after expecting to be a top-four defender with Buffalo, he is likely to be slotted on the bottom pairing.

With Kekalainen looking to extend Bowen Byram this summer, re-signing Kesselring to anything more than a one-year deal is unlikely, and with their being a dearth of righty blueliners in free agency this summer, the Sabres could potentially acquire a useful piece in return for someone who might not be in their future plans. 

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Washington Nationals remain in the Wild Card mix in a crowded National League

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 06: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Chase Field on June 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Nationals won 6-1. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With back to back convincing wins against the Diamondbacks, the Nationals are back above .500. They have also made up all the ground they lost in the Wild Card race, sitting just one game back of a playoff spot on June 7th. The fact that the Wild Card is even worth mentioning speaks to the craziness of this turnaround.

Since 2021, the Nats have never truly been in the hunt this deep in the season. Now, we are just one game behind the Padres, Pirates and Cubs in a crowded National League. I wish the Nats were in the American League because the playoff race in that league truly feels like a race to the bottom. Right now, the 31-33 Rangers hold a playoff spot. 

As a whole, the National League is the much stronger one this year. You can see that in the records. NL division leaders are 45-24 against the AL, while AL division leaders are only 31-29 against the NL. The Nats would only be one game back in the AL West right now, despite being 11 games out of their own division.

There are a lot of good teams in the National League, and the Nats have fared well against those opponents. The Padres and D-Backs are in the Wild Card hunt, and the Nats have now won series against both. They swept the Brewers earlier in the year and took a series off the Braves in Atlanta. This team has the firepower, but competing in this hard scrabble NL is tough.

If the Nats were in the AL, I would be more bullish on our postseason hopes. However, in this league, there are so many teams that are looking to win now. For me, a realistic goal is to stick close to .500. Staying in a playoff race is just a cherry on top.

I do think that being competitive is good for this team long term. Core players like Wood and Abrams have mostly just seen losing in DC. It is good for them to know what it is like to consistently win ballgames. There is a standard being set in DC, and the league is taking notice. Hopefully, this will make free agents want to play in DC moving forward.

A winning culture is sprouting, but the Nationals are also becoming a place where players can develop. These players are always looking to improve, and Washington, DC is full of success stories. Just look at Zack Littell, who was brutal to start the season after signing late. The Nats coaching staff and front office stuck with him, and after making adjustments, he is throwing the ball at a near elite level.

If you are a free agent hitter, you should also want to be coming to DC. Just about everyone on this team has gotten better. Curtis Mead has been a massive organizational win, finally living up to his prospect pedigree at 25 years old. Jacob Young has been turned into a power hitter, and Keibert Ruiz went from a lost cause to a solid starting catcher.

There are also young stars to build around here. James Wood has become one of the best players in the entire league this season. CJ Abrams also looks poised to become an All-Star starter. These are pillars of the franchise, and the next step will be building around those guys. 

The Nats are only one game back of a playoff spot in what was supposed to be a rebuild year. Really, I still think this is a rebuilding year. There are so many clear holes on the roster, yet this team is still succeeding. If they get into the playoffs this year, it would be a truly miraculous turnaround. However, I think this year is that season where the Nats finish around .500 and then build on it in the future.

For a long time, fans have wondered when the next version of that 2011 season would come. Despite going 80-81, that 2011 season was a very important one in Nats history. It was the year where fans felt like the rebuild was starting to push towards something. Playoff success and division titles felt like they were on the horizon.

In 2024 and 2025, Nats fans wondered if the next 2011 would come. However, both years, they fell short of that and remained deep in a rebuild. With a new regime coming in and trading MacKenzie Gore, the Nats felt further away from that than ever entering this season. However, on June 7th, the Nats appear ahead of schedule. 

The new 2011 is finally here, and this offseason would be a good time for Mark Lerner and Paul Toboni to push their chips to the middle of the table. Now would be the time for that Jayson Werth signing and Gio Gonzalez trade. Let’s see how the rest of the season plays out, and just go along for the ride. The Paul Toboni/Blake Butera ride has been fun so far, and I am trusting the process.