Join us and discuss game 2 in Flushing in the comments below!
Game Date/Time: Saturday, June 13, 4:10 p.m. EDT
Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLBTV
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan
The New York Knicks are one step away from basketball immortality and winning the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973.
It’s been a long time coming for the Knicks and their fandom, especially considering the fact that most of them have never seen a team this close to the championship.
There was the seven-game series back in 1994 where they fell just short against the Houston Rockets, and in 1999 when they took the eighth seed and ran with it all the way to the Finals, losing to the San Antonio Spurs. However, this year just feels different.
The team’s comeback in Game 4 against the Spurs gave “team of destiny” vibes, and it will almost certainly be the shining moment should the Knicks finish the job and win the series.
However, history remembers the champions far more than the runner-ups. As of now, the Knicks do not have the championship secured; they need one more win to clinch. Champions are remembered forever, especially in New York City for a franchise that hasn’t seen it in over half of a century.
A win will lift the legacies of players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, both of whom have carried the Knicks to victory three times in the first four games. Brunson may even secure a Hall of Fame berth should he lead the Knicks to a title this season.
The Knicks have tasted glory at times throughout the last 50+ years, especially the past three with deep playoff runs. But now, they are on the doorstep of greatness. They just need to take one more step to feel that glory.
One thing is clear: The Phoenix Suns are searching for more help around Devin Booker. Whether that comes from internal development or acquiring talent, team owner Mat Ishbia has made it abundantly clear that the mission is to build another contender around the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
Since the departure of Chris Paul back in 2023, Booker has taken on both point guard and shooting responsibilities, which is why it’s no surprise to see the amount of discourse there’s been about adding a full-time point guard next to him in the starting lineup to get him back to playing the position he did when he was All-NBA First Team during the 2021-2022 campaign.
One player who could perfectly complement Booker in the backcourt is Jrue Holiday.
The two have played alongside each other for Team USA in 2021 and 2024 in the Olympics, and matched up against each other often when the Milwaukee Bucks and Suns played in the Finals back in 2021. Holiday is a two-time champion, multi-time All-Star, six-time defense and has just averaged his most points and assists per game since 2022 for the Portland Trail Blazers.
An elite defender and ball handler, Holiday has experience setting up some of the NBA’s top scorers. He was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s point guard during some of the Greek Freak’s best seasons and recently helped first-time All-Star Deni Avdija average a career high in points per game. Playing alongside other playmakers, he is comfortable taking a backseat on offense if it’s for the betterment of the team. Multiple times throughout his career, he’s moved over to play shooting guard if it’s for the betterment of the team. When he was with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, he took a backseat and played the two guard spot so Rajon Rondo could run the offense, and he did the same from 2023-2025 when he played for the Boston Celtics so Derrick White could play point.
When it comes to his ability to make big plays when it matters most? Well, the NBA’s YouTube Channel has a great highlight reel of some of his most clutch defensive plays, but I think one play speaks out about his ability to perform when he’s needed most, more than others, especially to Suns fans…
Holiday’s ability to play his best in the big moments, combined with his malleability, makes him an ideal fit next to Booker. While he just turned 36, we’ve continued to see guards play at high levels late into their 30s. Just look at what Chris Paul did in Phoenix.
For any deal to happen, Phoenix would likely have to trade Jalen Green, which seems unlikely. Additionally, Damian Lillard is set to return next season after missing the year with a torn Achilles, and Scoot Henderson showed some promise during Portland’s playoff run. The Suns likely don’t have the draft capital to give the Blazers to make adding Green worth it. If the Blazers were to trade Holiday, it appears they’d do it for a player that wasn’t a guard to free up more space in the backcourt, or to a team that could give them more lucrative draft capital.
No one should expect Holiday to be a Sun next season, but the idea of pairing Booker alongside an elite defender who plays his best during the biggest moments is tantalizing.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested in Harris County, Texas, early Saturday morning. He was charged with a misdemeanor for unlawfully carrying weapons. This was first reported by TMZ.
According to Harris County’s records, Harden was arrested for “intentionally and knowingly” carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle owned by Harden and in “plain view.” The arrest occurred at 3:41 A.M. on Saturday, June 26. He was booked at 4:57 A.M. that same day.
Harden has been charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful carrying weapons. He has been released on bail, but needs to submit to the following requirements at this time:
Harden is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 22nd.
This issue is likely to be resolved relatively quickly. Harden was only charged with a misdemeanor, which is not a serious charge.
The Cavs released the following statement on Saturday afternoon:
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information. We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment.”
The Cavs traded for Harden at the beginning of February. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season, but is expected to decline that option and seek a longer-term contract with the Cavs in the upcoming off-season.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested for misdemeanor gun possession early Saturday morning in Harris County, Texas.
He was “intentionally and knowingly” carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle that he owned. The handgun was in plain view and not carried in a holster. He was arrested at 3:41 AM on Saturday and was booked at 4:57 AM. He was released on bail and is scheduled for court later this month.
The Cavs released the following statement about Harden’s arrest on Saturday afternoon:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information. We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment.
The Cavs acquired Harden at the trade deadline last February. He played in 26 regular-season games and 18 playoff games. He averaged 23.6 points and eight assists on .434/.375/.884 shooting splits in 70 games combined with the Los Angeles Clippers and Cavs last regular season.
Harden has a player option for the 2026-27 season that is worth $42.3 million. At this time, he’s expected to decline that option and sign for a longer deal with Cleveland. After the season, Harden said he “100%” wants to be back with the Cavs.
Happy Saturday.
Vladimir Guerrero is getting the day off. Apparently he’s been dealing with a tight back.
They are saying that Shane Bieber is going to do one more rehab start and then should be ready to join the team. Yimi Garcia will pitch for Buffalo today and likely do one more rehab appearance before he comes up. Addison Barger should get into rehab games next week and shouldn’t need many. And Daulton Varsho is hoping for the minimum stay on the IL.
I don’t know, I think this Bison’s jersey is a crime against humanity.
Today’s lineup. Okamoto hits third. No Kirk, day game after night game. And Charles McAdoo plays first.
Go Jay Go
The Yankees’ return to their House of Horrors from yesteryear went about how you’d expect: the Blue Jays offense hammered Ryan Weathers early and often, Alejandro Kirk provided multiple big hits in his return from the IL, and Trent Grisham left the game with a hamstring injury. Even a rather unimpressive night from Trey Yesavage was not enough to turn the tide.
Thankfully, the Yankees have Cam Schlittler. While the burgeoning young ace finally had a stinker two starts ago, he rallied admirably against the Red Sox, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing just a single run on four hits. Granted, Boston’s offense could never be confused for a strong unit, but Schlittler’s AL-leading 1.87 ERA continues to speak for itself. Cam faced the Jays in New York’s first matchup against Toronto this year and drew the short end of a 2-1 loss, surrendering that pair of runs across six quality innings while booking seven strikeouts.
Kevin Gausman is by now a deeply familiar foe to the Yankees. The 35-year-old veteran will be facing New York for the 40th time in his career this afternoon—his numbers in the first 39 are roughly equivalent to his career numbers. Gausman has hit some rough waters lately, allowing four earned runs in each of his last two appearances against the Braves and Orioles. He’ll hope that some home cooking against a team that seems to inexplicably wilt in said home ballpark will serve him well.
Trent Grisham will be absent from the lineup as he hits the IL following his removal from yesterday’s game with a hamstring strain, and Jasson Domínguez will take his place on the roster after getting activated from the IL this morning. Domínguez gets right back in the lineup starting in right field today and batting second behind Ben Rice, with Cody Bellinger remaining in left and Spencer Jones slotting in as today’s center fielder. José Caballero and J.C. Escarra both make their second straight starts at shortstop and catcher, respectively, and Paul Goldschmidt goes back to DH with Rice in the field.
How to watch
Location: Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON
First pitch: 3:07 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Sportsnet, SN1, TVA Sports
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | SN590 THE FAN (TOR)
Streaming: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)
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‘This kid is a hell of a player' — Flyers could draft 45-goal, 104-point winger originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
For the first time in a while, the Flyers are coming off a playoff run.
That, of course, makes life a little different for the club’s amateur scouting staff leading up to the 2026 NHL draft. Barring a trade, the Flyers will pick at 21st overall. It’s their lowest first-round spot since 2020.
But that was when the Flyers drafted a foundation piece, grabbing Tyson Foerster at 23rd overall.
So the Flyers know the draft is still critical to what they want to do, even when they’re lower in the order.
“We’ve said it for a long time, we wanted to build a team that was going to be here for a long time; not just to go for it for a year or two,” general manager Danny Briere said last month. “That’s still the same approach on my end.”
The Flyers have only five picks in this draft, which will be held June 26-27. The first round is Friday at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 are Saturday starting at 11 a.m. ET.
“I’ll tell you how I feel about drafts and I’ll be totally blunt with you,” TSN director of scouting Craig Button said last Tuesday in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I think it’s f—ing bulls–t when I hear about, ‘Oh, this draft isn’t as good.’ Here are the numbers. Approximately 45 players from any draft will play 350 games or more in the NHL. It might be 47 one year, 42 another year. That’s the number — you get 45 players that’ll play 350 games or more with varying degrees of success.
“And I know this about the draft. The teams that get good players from the draft say it was a good draft. The teams that don’t get good players from the draft say it wasn’t a good draft. So when people start telling me about a draft ahead of time, I call bulls–t.”
Last summer, the Flyers made nine selections, with six coming over the first two rounds. Porter Martone was their headliner at sixth overall. Now the Flyers will try to hit on a pick in the 20s.
“What you’re trying to do is find a player that you feel has the potential to be an NHL player,” Button said. “That might be a third-line center, that might be a second-line scoring winger. Hey, listen, maybe you get David Pastrnak, who’s a superstar (drafted 25th overall in 2014).
“But the focus has to be on, ‘OK, what type of player do we like, what type of player do we think the guy can be?’ And then get after it and understand what the development path is, and then try to help that player be the best he can be. Put a stake in the ground and celebrate who you’re drafting.”
Before the draft arrives, we’re breaking down first-round targets for the Flyers.
Next up:
Liam Ruck
Position: Winger
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 174
Shoots: Right
Team: Medicine Hat
Scouting report
Ruck is adept at finding his spots and finishing. He can flat-out score and he’s effective in all situations.
“This kid is a hell of a player,” Button, a former NHL GM and scout, said. “This kid knows how to play the game everywhere — offensively, defensively, he’s a great competitor, he’s smart, he knows how to make things happen. I just watch him, he’s a hockey player.”
The 18-year-old led all draft-eligible players with 45 goals in 68 games this season for Medicine Hat. He put up 104 points, second in the WHL to only his twin brother Markus Ruck, who had 108.
“I love Liam. I like Markus, too,” Button said. “It’s very interesting when you think about the two of them and how they play. Markus is the playmaking center and Liam is more bent toward goal scoring, but a great playmaker.”
Liam Ruck is the 10th-ranked player on Button’s May 20 draft list. He scored 16 power play goals, three shorthanded and 10 game-winners. He recorded six games of four or more points. In the playoffs, he added eight goals and four assists over 14 games.
The Ruck brothers are not explosive skaters. They’re a bit undersized and on the thinner side. But those things are not total deal-breakers for teenage players.
“I hear this all the time and I get asked this question: ‘What about their skating?'” Button said. “Well, No. 1, I don’t need them to go on the speed-skating oval, put a stopwatch on them. They’re not in a speed-skating competition. And if [Liam] was a little bit better of a skater, we’d be talking about him at the top of the draft. … He’s a damn good hockey player. And his brother’s a damn good hockey player.”
NHL Central Scouting has Liam Ruck at No. 20 among North American skaters and EliteProspects.com has him at No. 24 overall. But Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis has him slotted at No. 16.
Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, the Hall of Fame twin brothers, were forever teammates and often on the same line. Button wasn’t concerned about the Ruck brothers eventually having to find success on separate teams.
“I’ve had this question from a number of people: ‘Well, how are they going to play apart?'” Button said. “I’ve seen them play apart. With the Sedins, I never saw them play apart, ever — not with the national team, not with their junior clubs. I never saw the Sedins play apart. So it’s a legitimate question, how will they play apart? I’ve seen the Rucks play apart and I’ve seen them play really well apart.”
Fit with Flyers
Ruck would give the Flyers a hard decision if he’s still on the board at No. 21.
It’s fair to debate how his game will translate against men at the pro level because of the size and skating factors. But the shooting ability, versatility and hockey IQ are all there.
The Flyers’ future on the right wing would have some serious promise with Martone, Ruck and Matvei Michkov.
More targets
• Could Lawrence’s early jump to college have him fall to Flyers in draft?
• Will Flyers eye 6-foot-4 forward with ‘goal-scoring hands’ at No. 21?
• Palmieri ‘type of player’ may be available for Flyers at No. 21 in draft
• Russian center with pro build has interesting case for Flyers at No. 21
• Lin has ‘Brandon Montour profile,’ but will he be there for Flyers at No. 21?
• D-man with ‘unbelievable maturity to his game’ could be option for Flyers at No. 21
• ‘Second-line center all day long’ should intrigue Flyers in draft
Perception around and within the Anaheim Ducks organization is far different from what it was a year ago today. The Ducks were a month removed from hiring Joel Quenneville as their next head coach, two months from taking a 21-point jump in the standings from the year prior, and had declared a mandate to qualify for the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
In his first roster move of the offseason, general manager Pat Verbeek made a trade with a familiar dance partner, the New York Rangers, and acquired forward Chris Kreider (35) along with a 2025 fourth-round pick (Elijah Neuenschwander) in exchange for prospect Carey Terrance (21) and a third-round pick (Artyom Gonchar).
Anaheim Ducks Rumor Roundup: 6/13/26
How the Anaheim Ducks can Become a Destination for Star Players
Kreider had two years remaining on his contract, which carried an AAV of $6.5 million. If one were to evaluate this trade from a certain point of view, it could be seen as the Ducks parting with a third-tier prospect and moving down 15 spots in the draft to sign Chris Kreider to a two-year contract, which would have been decent value given the NHL’s increasing salary cap landscape and the projected cap space the Ducks had to work with.
Coming off an injury-riddled season in 2024-25, where he produced just 30 points (22-8=30) in 68 games, Kreider waived his 15-team NTC to facilitate the trade to the Ducks.
The Ducks selected Terrance in the second round (59th overall in 2023) three years ago, and though his defensive upside remains, his potential ceiling is likely that of a fourth-line forward. He was just under a point-per-game player in the two years following his draft year in the OHL, playing for the Erie Otters, but struggled to produce in his first professional season, scoring 17 points (8-9=17) in 68 games.
Gonchar and Neuenschander are still too raw and nearly removed from their draft to evaluate completely, but both are long shots to have long NHL careers at this point in time.
Kreider started his Ducks tenure white hot, scoring ten goals in his first 13 games of the season and 21 points (13-8=21) in his first 25. He made an immediate impact on Anaheim’s top line, where he’d remain for the majority of the season and playoffs, alongside Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry. During that stretch, he was especially beneficial below the dots in the offensive zone and at the net front, offering the Ducks a strength in an area they’ve lacked in recent memory.
As the months progressed through the season, his potency dissipated somewhat, and he finished the season with 50 points (22-28=50) in 75 games while playing a top-six role for the duration of the campaign.
The Ducks qualified for the playoffs for the first time in eight years and advanced to the second round for the first time in nine, with Kreider playing a part in that success. He finished the playoffs with seven points (2-5=7) in 12 games; five in the first round vs the Edmonton Oilers and two in the second vs the Vegas Golden Knights.
Kreider brought with him, from the blaring media light of the New York Rangers, a humor and lightheartedness that was blended with a veteran professionalism. He commanded respect, but was willing to be playful with teammates and the media.
He will enter his 35-year-old season in 2026-27, and with any player in their mid-thirties, his impact will be determined by his ability to fend off Father Time as best he can. The hope is that the younger roster pieces on Anaheim’s depth chart will be able to slot into roles higher in the lineup with more consistency, taking some of that burden off of Kreider’s plate.
The Ducks made the second round in the 2026 Playoffs and will be expecting to return to or eclipse that level in 2026-27. Throughout his 15-year NHL career, Kreider’s been more than willing to get to the hard areas of the ice and is 42 games from reaching the 1000-game milestone. He’s played 135 playoff games in 11 years on top of that total.
If Kreider can notch another 40-50 points in 2026-27, from a lower-profile spot in the lineup and turn in a more productive postseason, the trade to acquire him in 2025 will prove to be an undeniable win for Anaheim. A lot of evaluation regarding this trade will be determined in year two of Kreider’s presence in Anaheim, when expectations have risen, and the team is projected to threaten the $104 million salary cap ceiling for the first time in a long time.
The Anaheim Ducks’ 2025-26 Starting XI
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Offseason Preview: Anaheim Ducks Trade Partners/Targets, Pacific Division
(The below is Brandon’s post. It was somehow incorrectly posted as weeks ago, so I’m copying it here)
First Pitch: 1:10 pm CDT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM / Audacy
After years of going “well, that looks fun,” and keeping up with the PC scene on the outside looking in, I finally broke down and bought my first-ever desktop computer this week, which has come with two immediate benefits. One, the already-significant purchase meant that I felt justified in adding a peripheral into the mix, which means you’re reading this from the comfort of my new Keychron keyboard. The other is that Balatro runs a little bit faster.
I bring this to your attention because I’m assuming that the newfound comfort with which I am, shall we say, strokin’ keys, has no doubt translated onto your screens and is making for a significantly more enjoyable readership experience. Basically, you ARE welcome, and you didn’t have to say all that.
Tonight, the Twins continue their interleague series with the St. Louis Cardinals, one of baseball’s reddest, birdest teams. (You can tell from the logo. And the name!) Despite sort of rebuilding, and asserting their intention to deal away rental pieces next month, the second-place Redbirds are the owners of a 37-29 record which puts them four back of the Brewers and atop the National League Wild Card standings by a full game over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
It’s Connor Prielipp, and it’s also Matthew Liberatore. How is that possible? I guess we’re gonna find out. I didn’t think there could be two pitchers in the same game. I’ll have to read up on that.
GO TWINS GO!
Some prospects announce themselves with gaudy point totals. Linus Funck spent his first season in North America proving he could become the kind of defenseman coaches trust.
That's exactly what the Colorado Avalanche were hoping to see when they selected the Swedish blueliner in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Funck was never viewed as an instant-impact prospect. He arrived with NHL size, strong defensive instincts and a mature hockey IQ, but the expectation was always that his development would take time. His first season with the OHL's London Knights did nothing to change that outlook.
The 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman appeared in 65 regular season games, recording four goals and 18 assists for 22 points. Those are encouraging numbers for a defenseman still learning the North American game, especially one whose value extends far beyond the scoresheet.
Funck isn't asked to drive offense. His job is to close gaps quickly, separate opponents from the puck, disrupt passing lanes and make the smart first pass that turns defense into transition. Those details rarely generate headlines, but they're often what determine whether a prospect eventually earns NHL minutes.
Like most European players making the jump overseas, there was an adjustment period. Funck flashed confidence early, looking comfortable with the puck and contributing offensively while adapting to a faster, more physical style of play. As the season progressed and opponents became more familiar with him, the production leveled off, but his overall game never did.
Night after night, he continued to play the same composed, dependable style that earned him regular minutes on one of the OHL's premier teams. For a young defenseman leaving home and adapting to a new country and playing surface, it was impressive on the surface.
The next phase of his development is easy to point out.
At 6-foot-3 and roughly 190 pounds, Funck has the height NHL teams covet, but there's still room to add strength. More muscle should make him even more effective in board battles, net-front coverage and the physical battles that define professional hockey.
The Avalanche have already seen how a dedicated offseason can accelerate a prospect's development. Seventh-round pick Christian Humphreys spent part of last summer working with renowned strength and conditioning coach Lorne Goldberg before arriving at training camp noticeably stronger and more explosive. He carried that momentum into a standout season with the Kitchener Rangers, helping lead the club to its first Memorial Cup championship in more than two decades.
Funck could benefit from a similar approach. Whether it's with Goldberg or another elite strength coach, adding functional strength while maintaining his mobility could unlock another level in his game.
That's where the offensive upside becomes intriguing. With greater confidence and a stronger frame, Funck should feel more comfortable joining the rush, holding pucks under pressure and trusting his instincts in transition without sacrificing the defensive reliability that already defines his game.
For an Avalanche organization that doesn't boast much prospect depth, this is a promising development.
Funck didn't need a breakout season to validate his potential. He needed experience, consistency and proof that his defensive foundation could translate to North American hockey.
He accomplished all three, giving Colorado another reason to believe its patient approach may eventually pay off.
James Harden has been released from jail in Houston after being arrested in the city on a misdemeanor gun charge.
Harden was arrested for allegedly carrying an unconcealed weapon in his car, according to Harris County records viewed by the Houston Chronicle.
Harden was driving a car with a group of other cars when one of them — not Harden's — was pulled over by Houston police at 3:40 a.m. Harden pulled up behind the police and the other vehicle, and while interacting with police, one officer noticed Harden had a gun in the cupholder of his car, according to the police report. Harden allegedly confirmed the gun was his, which led to his arrest and booking.
Harden is due to appear in court on June 22. He was released from jail on a bond.
While it is legal to openly carry handguns in Texas without a permit, those weapons must be in a shoulder or belt holster at all times.
Harden, a 17-year NBA veteran, played eight seasons — his peak seasons statistically — in Houston and has close ties to the city. He spends much of his offseason there every year.
Harden was traded from the LA Clippers to Cleveland in the middle of this past season and is expected to sign an extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. Between the Clippers and Cavs last season, he averaged 23.6 points and 8 assists per game and shot 37.5% from 3-point range. He is a future Hall of Famer, the 2018 MVP, an 11-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA, and a three-time league scoring champion.
5,242 days.
That’s how long it’s been since a major 4 pro sports New York team played for a championship, when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots on February 5, 2012, winning Super Bowl XLVI.
Since then, the Yankees, Mets, and Rangers have all advanced to their respective championship series, but all won just a single game.
11,679 days.
That’s how many days it’s been since the New York Knicks woke up with a chance to win a championship. That was June 22, 1994. Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. They had two cracks at it, losing Game 6 after John Starks had a pull-up 3 to win it and losing Game 7 by six in Houston.
19,392 days.
That’s how long it’s been since the Knicks were champions of the world. Game 5 of the 1973 NBA Finals. A 102-93 win in Los Angeles against the Lakers. At that time, the Knicks had won two of the last four titles, played in three of the last four Finals, and six of the 27 in league history. It would be unfathomable, at this point, to imagine that this historic franchise would go another 53 years without tasting victory champagne.
But we all know that’s what happened. Despite the promise and grit of the 1990s, tonight will be just the third time in the last 53 years that the Knicks are one win away from a title, and unlike in 1994, they aren’t staring down the barrel of only road games remaining.
Even if the Spurs show some life and force a Game 6 back in New York, it’ll be the first time since Game 7 back in 1970 that the Knicks will have a chance to clinch a championship at home. As things stand, the Knicks are -500 to win the series on FanDuel, but +172 to close it out tonight as 5.5-point underdogs.
It’s almost too close. For a franchise that has constantly waited for the other shoe to drop, it’s a surreal feeling.
Is it really happening? It’s too good to be true. Everything that’s happened in this playoff run has been a degree of impossible to improbable that makes you shed the feeling of existential dread and really makes you believe this is something different.
The history doesn’t matter to this current group. Even if the Spurs put a scare into them by winning Game 5 and maybe even Game 6, the ghosts of past disappointments seem not to affect them.
You’re close enough that, for the first time, you can start to visualize what a championship would be.
The immediate euphoria. The trophy presentation. The visual of the team we’ve spent now 101 games watching throughout the longest playoff run in over 30 years, lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The celebration in the streets of New York. The parade down the Canyon of Heroes. The feeling that, for the first time ever, all the energy you’ve put into supporting this team is finally paying off.
Maybe you can’t visualize it yet. Maybe the pain of the past has you not able to accept what appears to be inevitable until the final buzzer sounds. But that’s what this run has been about.
It’s been about erasing the generational trauma that five decades of Knicks fans have suffered from. The times of never being good enough, never being able to visualize what it would feel like to celebrate the ultimate euphoria that team after team had experienced.
“When will it be my turn?”
Our turn could be coming as soon as later tonight. It’s so hard not to get ahead of yourself, knowing that the Spurs are far from dead and buried, but the simple fact is this.
You only need to be the better team for another 48 minutes.
The Texas Rangers have purchased the contract of pitcher Joe Ross from AAA Round Rock, the team announced today. To make room for Ross on the active roster, the Rangers optioned Luis Curvelo to AAA Round Rock. To make room for Ross on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated pitcher Michel Otanez for assignment.
The Rangers are in a lengthy stretch of games, and after Luis Curvelo’s one inning, three run outing last night, the Rangers apparently decided that he needed to be replaced by a fresh arm. Thus, we have the addition of veteran righthander Joe Ross.
Ross, 33, is the brother of Tyson Ross, who you may remember pitched for the Rangers in their 2017 season. Ross started the season in the majors with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and ended up pitching for their AAA team for a while. He was released in mid-May and signed with the Rangers, who sent him to Round Rock. After allowing three runs in his first outing of 1.2 IP for Round Rock and a run in his second outing, Ross has had five straight scoreless appearances, totaling 8.2 IP, with six strikeouts against no walks.
Curvelo getting sent down was not surprising, though I thought he might be sent down to make room for Alejandro Osuna, if Corey Seager and/or Evan Carter were too banged up to go today, but not so much so that an injured list move was necessary. Osuna left yesterday’s Round Rock game in the fifth inning, presumably due to Carter having to leave the Rangers game yesterday after hurting his oblique.
As for Otanez, he was claimed on waivers over the winter, and managed to outlast several other 40 man roster members, but the axe finally swung for him. He’s not pitched well at Round Rock, with 37 Ks against 25 walks in 26.1 IP over 25 games, and a 6.15 ERA. The Rangers will now have to trade, waive or release him.
The Dodgers finished off their road trip with one more game against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Rate Field, perhaps during time for brunch back in California.
Emmet Sheehan starts the series finale for the Dodgers, with right-hander Erick Fedde on the mound for Chicago.