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Knicks take complete control of Eastern Conference Finals with wire-to-wire Game 3 win over Cavaliers

The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 121-108 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup on Saturday night. 

New York has won 10 playoff games in a row, holding a commanding 3-0 series advantage. 

Here are some takeaways...

- Taking the series on the road for the first time the Knicks got off to about as good a start they could've hoped for, opening up a quick 9-1 advantage and forcing the Cavs to call a timeout less than two minutes in. The home team was able to find their footing from there, but New York continued thriving, as well. 

- The Knicks' depth scoring stepped up early with Jalen Brunson struggling once again. Led by Karl-Anthony Towns (11) and Mikal Bridges (six) they had seven different players record a bucket as they shot a combined 72 percent from the field as a team to carry a double-digit advantage through the opening quarter. 

- New York finally cooled off as the Cavs tightened things up early in the second, and they quickly used a 7-0 run to cut the deficit down to two points. With Donovan Mitchell briefly forced to the locker room, an aggressive James Harden was able to find his rhythm offensively, putting energy right back into the building.

- The Knicks weathered the second quarter storm, never letting Cleveland jump in front, and they were able to reopen a six-point advantage heading into the break. Even with the brief tough stretch New York shot 57 percent from the field as a team in the opening half, while the Cavaliers made just 3-of-19 threes. 

- A sloppy Cleveland stretch midway through the third allowed the Knicks to open their largest lead of the game at the time (13), but they were once again unable to put the home team away for good, as the deficit was cut back down to nine points heading into the fourth quarter, 91-82. 

- A Hart three and Bridges lay-in sandwiched between a Cavs miss quickly pushed the lead up to 14 minutes into the fourth. Cleveland continued to fight but clutch buckets from the Knicks down the stretch helped them keep the commanding advantage and put this one to rest for good. 

- Landry Shamet was big closing down the stretch, hitting three of his four threes. Brunson led all scorers with 30 points, Bridges stayed hot with 22 on 11-of-15 shooting, Anunoby had 21 on 6-of-10 shooting, Towns finished with a line of 13-8-7, and Hart had 12-9-5. 

- New York shot a strong 56 percent from the field as a team and 39 percent from three.  

Game MVP: Mikal Bridges

Bridges continued his terrific stretch, playing outstanding ball on both ends of the floor. 

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks will look to close this one out and advance to their first NBA Finals since 1999 on Monday night. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. in Cleveland. 

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Knicks one win from NBA Finals after convincing Game 3 win over Cavaliers

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball while a Cleveland Cavaliers player lies on the court, Image 2 shows New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) holds the ball, while Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) defends during the Eastern Conference Final, Image 3 shows Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden dribbles the ball down court as New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson gives chase
The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers on Saturday to take a 3-0 series lead.

CLEVELAND — The Knicks are on the threshold now.

They can almost taste it. It’s within touching distance. The Eastern Conference trophy will be in the building Monday. The Knicks will be able to reach out and grasp it.

They have one foot in the Finals, the destination that was demanded of them this season. The destination that they fell just short of last year. The destination that has eluded them since 1999.

Jalen Brunson shoots a jumper during the Knicks’ 121-108 Game 3 win over the Cavaliers on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

The Knicks are one win away after breezing past the Cavaliers 121-108 on Saturday night at Rocket Arena to take an overpowering 3-0 series lead. They have a chance to record back-to-back dominant sweeps.

“We won all these games in a row as a team,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “We’ve had this winning streak as a team. We’ve found these ways to get these great wins, even down 22 in Game 1, we came back as a team. As long as we stay together, we stay unified, we feel, we always have felt, the sky is the limit for us.”

The Cavaliers’ motto is “Let Em Know.” It’s plastered all over the arena. It was written on a huge flag that made its way around the crowd pregame.

Well, they did let the Knicks know — that they had no ability to make this a series or even challenge them. Saturday was the Knicks’ fifth straight road playoff win by at least 10 points, tying the NBA record.

Saturday’s final score doesn’t indicate a complete blowout like the Knicks have delivered in so many of these now 10 straight wins — nine of which have been by double-digits. But it also never really felt all that close, either.

Jalen Brunson defends James Harden during the Knicks’ Game 3 win over the Cavaliers. Charles Wenzelberg

The Knicks never trailed. The Cavs tied the game twice, but there were zero lead changes. The Knicks kept the Cavs at arm’s length pretty much the entirety.

Given the way they’ve been playing since the middle of the first round, there was never really a sense the Knicks were under any sort of threat. When the Knicks scored the first five points of the fourth quarter to take a 14-point lead, the arena was noticeably deflated — besides the strong number of Knicks fans in attendance, at least. The Cavs began hanging their heads.

Three straight 3-pointers by Landry Shamet ensured that cushion was back to 14 points midway through the quarter. OG Anunoby’s 3-pointer extended the lead to 17 points with 5:30 left and it felt like that was the final dagger.

The scoring was incredibly balanced across the starting lineup. Towns, who had 11 points in the first quarter, set the tone early and finished with 13 points. Jalen Brunson, who was quiet early but scored 12 points in the third quarter, took over in the second half and finished with 30. Mikal Bridges, who had 22 points, and Anunoby, who added 21 points, were terrific throughout. Josh Hart added 12 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns looks to move the ball during the Knicks’ Game 3 win over the Cavaliers. Charles Wenzelberg

“When we play our style of basketball,” Hart said, “everybody eats.”

Bridges’ transformation has been remarkable. He went 11-for-15 from the field, but took just one 3-pointer. He has been attacking the rim more than he ever has since joining the Knicks. He was also active as a cutter and was the recipient of a few assists that set him up for wide-open layups.

The Knicks had a 17-4 advantage in fast-break points. Bridges was right at the heart of it.

“His feel is unbelievable,” coach Mike Brown said. “He’s just got a good feel. He’s doing that on his own, he’s picking and choosing when to go, just like he’s picking and choosing when to look for his shot. … I told him and OG: ‘Because I don’t call a ton of play-calls, you guys gotta find different ways to impose your will on the game.’ And they’re both doing a phenomenal job of imposing their will on the game.”

Towns’ facilitating prowess returned after a two-game hiatus. He took just nine shots — and only three in the second half — but recorded seven assists.

The Knicks defense wasn’t as stout as it had been. But it didn’t really need to be. For much of the second half, they were trading baskets with the Cavs. After building a lead, that was more than fine.

As a team, the Knicks shot 12-for-17 (70.6 percent) from the field in the first quarter. Bridges was 3-for-3 and Anunoby was 2-for-2. The only one who was off the mark? Brunson, who went 1-for-4 and missed all three treys he took.

Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson slap hands during the Knicks’ Game 3 win over the Cavaliers. Charles Wenzelberg
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Brunson predictably came alive, but he notably finished without a made 3-pointer. He took only one after the first quarter, torching the Cavs in the midrange.

He struggled with his 3-point shot all series, though it hasn’t yet mattered.

Right now, all that matters is just how close the Knicks are to the final destination.

“You don’t look ahead,” Brunson said. “You do what’s in front of you.”

A Finals berth is what is now in front of these Knicks.

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Jordan Walker Crushes Another Home Run, But Reds Beat Cardinals 7-6

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker (18) gestures after scoring in the second inning between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, May 23, 2026. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kyle Leahy was very sharp through the 4th inning in Cincinnati, but it was the 5th inning that came back to bite him as the Reds scored 5 runs in the 5th. The Cardinals offense would come to the rescue late, but the Reds would eventually outlast St. Louis in extra innings.

Let’s start with the good news. Jordan Walker continued his hot weekend with a 2nd inning walk that was followed by a single by Nolan Gorman where he went first to third and then scored on a sacrifice fly from Masyn Winn giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Jordan would also double in the top of the 4th inning, but did not score as Gorman, Winn and Torres were unable to bring him around. Jordan’s biggest swing was yet to come, though. Wait for it.

Kyle Leahy’s great start would become less great in the 5th inning. Higgins started the bottom of the 5th with a single to left. Friedl laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Higgins to second. Blake Dunn then singled, but Higgins was held at third base, but it wouldn’t matter as Elly De La Cruz would unload on a Leahy 4-seam fastball for a 3-run homer to deep left center making it 3-1 Reds. Cincinnati wasn’t done. Sal Stewart asked for a successful ABS challenge to draw a walk. Lowe then crushed a homer to center field upping the Reds lead to 5-1.

The comeback Cardinals would come alive in the top of the 6th inning as Ivan Herrera was hit by a pitch yet again. Alec Burleson then ripped a double to right as Herrera advanced to third. It was then that Jordan Walker absolutely punished a pitch by starter Chase Petty launching it 427 feet to left-center for a 3-run blast immediately getting the Cardinals back in the game shortening the Reds lead to only 5-4. Boom!

Kyle Leahy’s final stat line was 5 innings allowing 7 hits and 5 earned runs with 8 strikeouts and 2 walks. If not for that 5th inning, what might have been? Manager Oli Marmol brought in Justin Bruihl to pitch the bottom of the 6th inning to keep the Cardinals within striking distance. That didn’t go well. Bruihl allowed a leadoff double to Steer. He was advanced to third by a sacrifice bunt by Higgins. Then Myers hit a double to nearly the same place that Steer hit his which gave the Reds a run back increasing their lead to 6-4. That inspired Marmol to bring in Gordon Graceffo to shut down the Reds and keep the Cards within 2. He did the job allowing no more damage.

St. Louis came charging back in the top of the 7th inning as JJ Wetherholt drew a walk and then went to third on a successful hit-and-run by Ivan Herrera. Unfortunately, Jordan Walker would temporarily slip back to old Jordan Walker and chase a disappearing slider for the last out of the Cardinals 7th.

Ryan Fernandez was the Cardinals relief solution in the bottom of the 7th inning. He started his outing with strikeouts of Stewart, Lowe and McLain. After the Cardinals failed to mount any kind of forward-moving offense in the top of the 8th inning, Fernandez returned to handle the bottom of the 8th which he did with no difficulty, but Victor Scott II deserves a honorable mention assist as he made a great play on a ball hit by Myers that he caught right up against the wall.

The Cardinals would again threaten in the top of the 9th inning as Jose Fermin turned around a Tony Santillan 4-seam fastball into a 373 foot home run to left cutting the Reds lead down to just 1 at 6-5. Victor Scott II walked on a questionable 3-2 no-swing call which brought up JJ Wetherholt as the potential go-ahead run. JJ just missed his pitch flying out to right-center for the first out. Ivan Herrera then struck out on 3 straight pitches for the second out. That left Alec Burleson as the Cardinals final hope. He walked on four pitches bringing up Jordan Walker. He put on his hero hat yet again and squeezed a single in between third and short as Victor Scott II raced home for the tying run. Nolan Gorman hit a weak fly ball to left to end the Cardinals 9th, but at least they had a fighting chance.

JoJo Romero was brought in with the mission to keep Cincinnati in check in the bottom of the 9th inning and send the game to extras. He made a great play on a bunt attempt by Dunn in front of home for the first out. Elly De La Cruz was up next. He reached on a weak single to left field that Torres was unable to get to as all the outfielders were playing deep. JJ Bleday watched as Elly De La Cruz was unsuccessful in trying to steal second base despite a challenge by the Reds and then struck out to send the game to extras.

The Cardinals top of the 10th would not go as planned. Thomas Saggese came into the game as the designated runner at second base. Masyn Winn would move him to third base by grounding out to third with just one out. Bryan Torres hit a ground ball that was handled cleanly by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe who fired the ball home to nail Thomas Saggese who ran on contact. The Cardinals would lose their challenge on the play at home plate and would score no runs after Yohel Pozo popped out to first to end the inning.

JoJo Romero stayed in the game long enough to intentionally walk Stewart as JJ Bleday was on second as the designated runner to setup a force play. Riley O’Brien was brought in to try and keep the Reds from walking off the game in the bottom of the 10th. He would face Eugenio Suarez and strike him out for the first out. He then got McLain on a dribbler in front of the mound for the second out. That brought up Spencer Steer. Yohel Pozo saved the game twice on two balls that were in the dirt on the first base side. O’Brien struck him out on a 3-2 pitch to end the Red’s 10th inning.

The Cardinals designated runner in the top of the 11th inning was Yohel Pozo. First man up Victor Scott II struck out. JJ Wetherholt moved Pozo to third base by grounding out to first for the second out. Herrera nearly gave the Cardinals the lead, but was robbed by a sliding catch by Dunn to end the St. Louis 11th.

Riley O’Brien answered the bell and pitched the bottom of the 11th inning. Higgins laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt for the first out moving designated runner Steer to third base. Dane Myers was walked as the Cardinals shifted to a 5-man infield. Blake Dunn then hit a ball up the middle that Masyn Winn fielded, but instead of trying to turn a double play fired the ball home. Unfortunately, the ball short-hopped Pozo as Steer slid underneath the tag giving the Reds a tough 7-6 victory which was confirmed on a crew chief video review.

The St. Louis Cardinals will conclude their stay in the Cincinnati area over the weekend as they’ll send Matthew Liberatore to the mound to take on the Reds Sunday afternoon. Cincinnati will counter with Brady Singer (2-4, 6.26 ERA, 34 SO) who will start for the Reds. First pitch at Great America Ball Park is 12:40pm central time. Game broadcast will be on Cardinals.tv.

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Nikolaj Ehlers plays hero as Hurricanes beat Canadiens in OT to even Eastern Conference finals

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Nikolaj Ehlers (27) is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the Hurricanes' 3-2 win over the Canadiens in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals in Raleigh, N.C. , Image 2 shows Nikolaj Ehlers celebrates after scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the Hurricanes' Game 2 win over the Canadiens

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes knew they had to play more to their style to get back into the Eastern Conference Final series against Montreal.

They got that most of Saturday night for Game 2, along with a huge performance from offseason addition Nikolaj Ehlers.

Ehlers got loose up the center of the ice and popped the puck past Jakub Dobes at 3:29 of overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night to level the Eastern Conference Final at one game apiece.

Nikolaj Ehlers (27) is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the Hurricanes’ 3-2 win over the Canadiens in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals in Raleigh, N.C. Getty Images

Ehlers scored twice for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the first with a highlight-reel individual effort in the second period against two Montreal defenders.

And when the game went to OT, the guy the Hurricanes landed as a sought-after free agent carried them to the finish line.

“He’s a special talent,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said, “and it was on full display tonight.”

The winning sequence started with a retreating Jalen Chatfield bouncing the puck back into the neutral zone to Mark Jankowski. Jankowski had a quick redirection to Ehlers entering the zone at full speed for a clean look at Dobes for the sudden winner.

“We didn’t get a second breath,” said Dobes, who had 23 saves. “It was over pretty quick.”

As the puck hit the net, that sent a tense home crowd into a relieved but jubilant roar — along with a screaming Ehlers.

Nikolaj Ehlers celebrates after scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the Hurricanes’ Game 2 win over the Canadiens. Getty Images

“I can barely talk right now, but I was yelling pretty loudly after that OT winner,” Ehlers said.

“It was a great pass … and then just try to get some speed and get the puck off my stick as quick as possible and try to surprise the goalie,” Ehlers said. “Seeing that go in, seeing how the fans reacted was pretty cool.”

Eric Robinson also scored for Carolina, which improved to 4-0 in overtime in the playoffs — including 3-2 home wins in extra time during Game 2 in all three playoff series so far.

Carolina was facing massive pressure to regroup from Thursday’s 6-2 loss in the series opener that only magnified the team’s long-running troubles in the Eastern Final. Now the series is level as it shifts to Canada for Monday’s Game 3.

Josh Anderson scored twice for the Canadiens, the second coming at the 12:51 mark of the third period to ultimately force the overtime at 2-2.

The Canadiens won Game 1 by jumping on a Carolina team coming off an 11-day break after sweeping through the first two rounds — the longest wait to start a series in more than a century — for four goals in the opening 11 1/2 minutes. Montreal repeatedly got loose for clean breakouts and breakaways for high-danger chances against Frederik Andersen in that one.

But Carolina looked much closer to its earlier playoff form with is aggressive forecheck and defensive pressure, holding Montreal to 12 shots on goal and giving up far fewer of those quick transition chances the Canadiens kept burying in Game 1.

“It’s hard to go 200 feet and produce offense unless you execute a little bit through that pressure,” Montreal coach Martin St. Louis said. “I felt today we weren’t terrible, we just weren’t as good” as Thursday.

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Brewers score first again, but Dodgers score last & often

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 23: Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with Andy Pages #44 after hitting a three-run home run to tie the game in the fourth inning during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Aaron Gash/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Brewers had a big first inning for the second night in a row, but this time the Dodgers had an answer. Teoscar Hernández drove in six runs to turn things around in a 11-3 win for Los Angeles on Saturday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Roki Sasaki needed 35 pitches to get through the first inning, a frame that started with two doubles and was exacerbated by his own throwing error and a mistimed leap by Mookie Betts at shortstop on a single that scored the third run. After trailing 4-0 after an inning on Friday, the Dodgers were down 3-0 after one on Saturday.

Los Angeles had a runner on base in each of the first two innings, including a one-out triple by Kyle Tucker in the second, but he was stranded. One of the outs was a strikeout by Hernández.

More opportunities came, and Los Angeles finally cashed in during the fourth inning, first with consecutive doubles by Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages for one run. After a walk by Tucker, Hernández hit a towering ball down the left field line that hit off the foul pole for a three-run shot that gave the Dodgers their first lead of the series.

That’s the second home run this week for Hernández, and his third extra-base hit in four games.

After a double (off the yellow line in center field, just shy of a home run) and walk with two outs in the second inning, Sasaki escaped that frame and retired his final 10 batters face, getting through the next four innings on only 52 more pitches. He left with four strikeouts and a lead.

Two walks started the eighth for the Dodgers, who cashed them in with consecutive singles by Will Smith and Hernández, plus a squeeze bunt by Miguel Rojas for a three-run frame. Hernández added another two-run single in the ninth for a season-high six RBI.

After going three weeks without an extra-base hit, Hernández since May 11 is hitting .386/.440/.682 with seven extra-base hits in 12 games.

Going streaking

After Alex Vesia and Kyle Hurt protected a one-run lead in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively, a warmed-up Tanner Scott entered with a four-run lead in the eighth and struck out three to work around a single. Jonathan Hernández got the ninth inning with an eight-run lead and retired all three he faced to finish the win.

Dodgers relievers have not allowed a run since May 12, and the bullpen’s 36 consecutive scoreless innings is the longest in modern franchise history (since 1901). On Saturday they surpassed a 33-inning streak from April 17-28, 1998.

Notes

  • Eleven walks by Dodgers batters is a season high, two more than their previous best set last Saturday in Anaheim.
  • Six RBI for Hernández match his career high, also done on June 13, 2021 with Toronto, on August 26, 2023 with Seattle, and on June 8, 2024 for the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium.
  • Freeman’s double in the fourth inning was the 561st of his career, breaking his tie for 30th place all-time with Eddie Murray and Jeff Kent. Freeman, who has five extra-base hits in his last four games, is four doubles shy of Carlós Beltrán for 29th place.
  • Freeman also walked four times, one shy of his career high set on June 17, 2024. He had two other four-walk games with Atlanta, in the regular season in 2019 and in Game 6 of the 2021 National League Championship Series.
  • Shohei Ohtani singled twice and walked on Saturday, his ninth straight game reaching base at least twice, matching his own streak from April 3-12 as the longest by a Dodger this season. The last longer Dodgers streak was Freeman with a 10-game streak from April 20-30, 2024.

Saturday particulars

Home run: Teoscar Hernández (7)

WP — Roki Sasaki (3-3): 5 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 2 walks, 4 strikeouts

LP — Robert Gasser (0-1): 4 1/3 IP, 4 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, 4 strikeouts

Up next

The Dodgers and Brewers close things up on Sunday afternoon (11:10 a.m. PT, SportsNet LA), with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound against right-hander Brandon Sproat.

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Jonah Tong sticking with Mets after strong outing in return from minors

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Jonah Tong pitched three scoreless innings in the Mets' loss to the Marlins on May 22, 2026 in Miami

MIAMI — Jonah Tong’s strong work Friday has earned him a stay with the Mets.

The right-hander figures into the next rotation turn, either as a starter or in a bulk relief role, according to Mendoza, after he pitched three hitless, scoreless innings from the bullpen against the Marlins in his season debut.

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With Tong in the mix, Zach Thornton was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse — allowing the Mets to add another reliever. That spot went to Jonathan Pintaro, who was recalled Saturday.

“[Tong] is a big part of the team and the organization, so we’re going to continue to give him opportunities,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets lost to the Marlins, 4-1.

“What we saw [Friday] was very encouraging and that is what we expect from him.”

Thornton allowed four earned runs over 4 ¹/₃ innings Wednesday against the Nationals in his major league debut.

Jonah Tong pitched three scoreless innings in the Mets’ loss to the Marlins on May 22, 2026 in Miami. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jared Young is progressing in his rehab and could rejoin the Mets during the next homestand, according to Mendoza.

The utilityman has been sidelined for the past five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. MJ Melendez has filled the left-handed bat, outfield/DH role in Young’s absence.

A.J. Minter was rained out in his scheduled rehab appearance Saturday for Triple-A Syracuse.

The lefty reliever has been rescheduled to pitch Sunday, his potential final appearance before rejoining the Mets.

Kodai Senga will be with the Mets in New York this week to work out with teammates and under the coaching staff’s guidance.

Mendoza did not have the specifics on Senga’s next rehab start. The right-hander threw 63 pitches over 3 ¹/₃ innings for Single-A St. Lucie on Friday.

Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett, both of whom are rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in Port St. Lucie, were with the team Saturday at loanDepot park.

“It can be a lonely place when you are far away from your teammates and them going through what they are going through,” Mendoza said.

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Ehlers’ OT goal lifts Hurricanes past Canadiens in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Final

RALEIGH, N.C. — Nikolaj Ehlers got loose up the center of the ice and popped the puck past Jakub Dobes at 3:29 of overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night to level the Eastern Conference Final at one game apiece.

Ehlers scored twice for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the first with a highlight-reel individual effort in the second period against two Montreal defenders.

And when the game went to OT, the guy the Hurricanes landed as a sought-after free agent carried them to the finish line.

Eric Robinson also scored for Carolina, while Josh Anderson scored twice for Montreal.

The series shifts to Canada for Monday’s Game 3.

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Mets’ Sean Manaea finally seeing results after season-long struggles

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Sean Manaea delivers a pitch during the Mets' loss to the Marlins on May 22, 2026 in Miami

MIAMI — Sean Manaea is feeling as if much of his mojo has returned.

“I feel like I am going out there and attacking guys, not really falling behind on counts, not walking guys — that is the biggest thing,” the Mets left-hander said Saturday before the Mets’ 4-1 loss to the Marlins. “The velocity is up, and that is a plus. So I feel like I have a lot of quality weapons attacking guys.”

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A night earlier, Manaea had a third straight solid relief appearance, allowing one earned run on four hits over 3 ²/₃ innings in the Mets’ 2-1 loss.

Maybe the worst is behind him. After an ugly April and beginning to May, he’s pitched to a 3.12 ERA with eight strikeouts over his past three appearances, spanning 8 ²/₃ innings. Overall, he owns a 5.81 ERA in 11 appearances this season.

In his latest outing, Manaea averaged 91.2 mph with his sinker. For the season he was averaging only 89.6 with that pitch.

Manaea credited the work he’s been putting in with assistant pitching coach Dan McKinney for paying dividends.

“He’s had some ideas on drills and mechanics and stuff we have kind of been implementing,” Manaea said. “But I also think that having more reps, feeling good in my body physically and ultimately more [work] have put me in a good place.”

Manaea was squeezed from the rotation near the end of spring training, with the possibility he would be utilized as a sixth starter. But after struggling early, he was essentially relegated to mop up relief.

Sean Manaea delivers a pitch during the Mets’ loss to the Marlins on May 22, 2026 in Miami. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

His appearance in the second inning Friday, behind opener Tobias Myers, was among just a few higher-leverage opportunities this season.

“If it’s helping the team win, that is what I am here to do,” Manaea said. “It was a higher-leverage situation than being in a game down six [runs] or something.”

The Mets could use the continued contributions from Manaea, who isn’t even halfway through the three-year contract worth $75 million he signed before last season.

Manaea’s first year of the deal was a complete bust — he strained an oblique in spring training and didn’t rejoin the club until July. In 15 appearances, he pitched to a 5.64 ERA.

Manaea’s best work with the Mets was in 2024, when he pitched to a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts and emerged as the de facto staff ace.

“He’s in a really good place,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets’ loss on Saturday. “Beginning with that outing against the Yankees [on Sunday when he allowed two earned runs over four innings] it was a really good sign and then [Friday].

“I thought just the way he is moving with his mechanics and the way the ball is coming out, I feel with like getting swings and misses with the fastball, especially at the top [of the strike zone] and just attacking, competing in the strike zone. There’s a lot to like right now and it’s good to see him being that guy, because we’re going to need him.”

Manaea was asked where he still feels there is need for improvement.

“It’s just like nitpicking, but just keep attacking guys,” Manaea said. “Not getting two balls before a strike and stuff like that, but ultimately I feel like I am headed in the right direction and feel good with where we are at.”

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ESPN announcers bizarrely refuse to say Taylor Swift’s name during Knicks-Cavaliers game

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce watch Game 3 of the NBA basketball playoffs, Image 2 shows Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, and Mike Breen commentating a basketball game

ESPN just accidentally declared war against the Swifties.

Midway through the first quarter in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers on Saturday, the ESPN on ABC broadcast referred to Taylor Swift as “Travis Kelce’s fiancée,” which caused an uproar on social media.

As the broadcast showed Swift and Kelce sitting court side at Rocket Arena, ESPN commentators Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson refused to say the pop star’s name.

Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, and Mike Breen share a laugh during Game 3 between the Knicks and Cavaliers on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland. NBAE via Getty Images

“Travis Kelce and his fiancée here at the game,” Breen said as the cameras panned over to the couple.

“As Travis and his girlfriend are in the building, that’s always great to see,” Jefferson added.

Fans on social media lambasted Breen and Jefferson for the seemingly backhanded acknowledgement of Swift, considering her superstar status and global regocnition.

“Richard Jefferson not calling Taylor Swift by her name is corny lmfao,” on user commented on X.

“Are the #KnicksGame announcers not allowed to SAY Taylor Swift’s name? Wtf was that,” commented another.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce watch the first half of the Knicks-Cavaliers Game 3 matchup on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland. AP Photo/Tim Phillis

One user thought that the announcers’ refusal to say her name was intentional as they mentioned her three times.

“They’ve done it like 3x lmao definitely feels intentional. Not sure why ESPN would ever want that though,” the user said.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce talk with Ahmaad Crump, Cleveland’s arena host, during a timeout in the first half of the Knicks-Cavaliers Game 3 battle. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Swift and Kelce’s appearance comes as the two are set to get married in the coming weeks, with Page Six previously reporting the couple’s big day will be on July 3.

Kelce, an Ohio native, has been spotted at Cavaliers games before, with the team honoring him and his brother, Jason, with a bobblehead night during the 2023-24 NBA season.

The Cavaliers trailed the Knicks 60-54 at halftime during Saturday’s game, with OG Anunoby leading the Knicks with 13 points, and Kelce was shown on the Rocket Arena videoboard chugging a beer during the second half of the Knicks’ eventual 121-108 victory.

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Joe Boylan, Darvin Ham, and Patrick St. Andrews set to join Bucks coaching staff

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: New Orleans assistant coach Joe Boylan before the New Orleans Pelicans versus Los Angeles Lakers game on February 27, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Icon Sportswire) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

New Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins has narrowed his coaching staff, according to a report from Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic. In a trio of moves that align with the Bucks’ desire for a cultural reset, Jenkins will bring Joe Boylan to Milwaukee for the first time, while retaining the services of long-time Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, and reuniting Milwaukee with Patrick St. Andrews, who spent five seasons in the Cream City from 2018-2023.

Joe Boylan has a long history in the NBA, working in a variety of roles since the 2009-10 season, including stints with the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, and twice with the Memphis Grizzlies (including one where he was an assistant under Jenkins). Notably, Boylan has specialised in player development, working with players such as Jaden McDaniels, Brandon Ingram, and Naz Reid. His role in Milwaukee, then, will be particularly important as the Bucks look to develop their current crop of young players (think Ryan Rollins and Ousmane Dieng), along with their 10th overall pick in this year’s draft—and anyone else they acquire via trade or free agency. If his 2025 article with The Athletic, “I developed NBA players for a decade. This new training method can help anyone,” is anything to go by, Boylan focuses on a constraints-led approach, placing players in different environments that force them to discover solutions themselves rather than focusing on repetition of “ideal” technique.

In addition to hiring Boylan, the Bucks are also bringing back Darvin Ham. After interviewing for the New Orleans Pelicans’ head coach position, Ham will return to the Bucks where he has spent six seasons as an assistant coach—four prior to coaching the Los Angeles Lakers for two seasons and two since returning. Known for his work ethic and communication, Ham has a lengthy history with Jenkins, with the pair working together under Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta for five seasons. Just as importantly, Ham offers the Bucks a sense of stability, an essential quality following what has been a tumultuous period for Bucks basketball.

Also joining Milwaukee is Patrick St. Andrews, who worked under Jenkins with the Memphis Grizzlies between 2023-2025, but also has a long history with the Bucks, spending five seasons in Milwaukee under coach Mike Budenholzer, including the 2021 championship season. In addition to these, St. Andrews was also a long-time member of Budenholzer’s staff in Atlanta, working with the Hawks in various roles from 2014 to 2018. Most recently, however, St. Andrews spent the past season with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he was initially hired along with current interim head coach Tiago Splitter as part of Chauncey Billups’ staff before Billups was placed on leave after being arrested in a federal gambling investigation. According to Blazers insider Sean Highkin, “St. Andrews was one of Tiago Splitter’s most important assistants this year and was responsible for managing rotations and minutes restrictions when half the team was coming back from injury.”

Together, the additions of Boylan, Ham, and St. Andrews point to the Bucks’ commitment to reestablish their culture, leaning on the past to project them into the future. With a combined focus on player development, stability, and in-game management, the hires give Jenkins a versatile staff built on familiarity, signalling the type of foundation Milwaukee wants to build under its new head coach. And with the NBA Draft right around the corner—and free agency coming shortly after—the timing couldn’t be better.

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Chris Taylor changes mind about retirement, appears on minor league injured list

Chris Taylor has apparently mulled over his retirement decision and seemingly changed his mind.

The 35-year-old has been placed on the minor league's injured list, per MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. The transaction was not officially listed on MiLB's official website as of Saturday evening.

Taylor was listed as retired on the same website on Friday, May 22.

Taylor had been playing for the Los Angeles Angels' Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees. He fractured his left forearm after being hit by a pitch in the sixth inning of a minor league game on Wednesday, May 20.

He joined the Angels’ franchise after spending the majority of his career playing for the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent a decade with the Dodgers and won two World Series titles.

He helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship in over 30 years, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in a six-game series back in 2020. He won the second title of his career with the Dodgers, winning a five-game series against the New York Yankees in 2024.

He started his career with the Seattle Mariners after he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft out of the University of Virginia.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Taylor changes mind about retirement, appears on minor league IL

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NHL playoff overtime explained: Longest games, 2026 OT results

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs mean a major change in the overtime format.

Unlike the Olympics, where 3-on-3 overtime is played even in the gold medal game, the NHL switches things up in the postseason when the games matter more.

There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It is 5-on-5 instead, just like in regulation play. There won't be any more shootouts after five minutes of scoreless overtime play. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.

This postseason, there have been 18 overtime games, including three double-overtime games. Game 7 of the Montreal-Buffalo series was the 18th.

Here's what to know about playoff hockey overtime, including the format, longest games and 2026 results.

How does OT work in NHL playoffs?

If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.

The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored, such as the goal that ended Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series or the overturned goal in Game 4 of the Vegas-Utah series.

2026 NHL playoff overtime games

May 18:Canadiens 3, Sabres 2: Alex Newhook scored the winner at 11:22 of the first overtime as Montreal ousted Buffalo in Game 7.

May 13:Avalanche 4, Wild 3: Brett Kulak scored the winner at 3:52 of the first overtime as Colorado ousted Minnesota in Game 5.

May 12:Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2: Pavel Dorofeyev scored the winning goal just over four minutes into the first overtime period to give Vegas a 3-2 series lead over Anaheim.

May 9:Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2: Jackson Blake scored at 5:31 of the first overtime to sweep the Flyers.

May 4:Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2: Taylor Hall scored at 18:54 of the first overtime for a 2-0 series lead.

May 1:Lightning 1, Canadiens 0: Gage Goncalves scored at 9:03 of the first overtime to tie the series.

April 29:Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4 (2OT): Brett Howden scored at 5:28 of the second overtime as Vegas took a 3-2 lead on Utah.

April 29: Flyers 1, Penguins 0: Cam York scored at 17:32 of the first overtime as the Flyers ousted the Penguins in Game 6.

April 28: Bruins 2, Sabres 1 (OT). David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of the first overtime to cut the Bruins' series deficit to 3-2.

April 27: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4 (OT). Shea Theodore scored at 19:08 of the first overtime to tie the series at two games apiece.

April 26: Ducks 4, Oilers 3 (OT). Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into the first overtime to give Anaheim a 3-1 series lead.

April 25: Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime as the Wild tie the series 2-2.

April 24: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead.

April 22: Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.

April 21: Avalanche 2, Kings 1: Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the 12:16 mark of the first overtime, giving Colorado a 2-0 series lead.

April 21: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2: J.J. Moser scored at 7:12 in the first overtime to tie up the series at a game apiece. It was Moser's first career NHL playoff goal.

April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2: Jordan Martinook scored at 13:53 of the second overtime. He was stopped on a penalty shot in the first overtime.

April 19: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3: Juraj Slafkovsky scored at 1:22 of the first overtime, completing a hat trick.

What are the longest NHL playoff overtime games?

  • 1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals. March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner.
  • 2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner.
  • 3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. May 4, 2000. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner.
  • 4 - Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner.
  • 5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. April 24, 2003. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner.
  • 6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. May 18, 2023. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner.

Longest Stanley Cup Final games

Eight Stanley Cup Final games have gone to the third overtime. The Edmonton Oilers were part of the longest game when Petr Klima scored at 15:13 of the third overtime for a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Final.

Which players in 2026 postseason have the most playoff overtime goals?

  • 5 - Corey Perry, Lightning
  • 4 - Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (all in 2025 playoffs, an NHL record for one postseason)
  • 3 - Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Artemi Panarin, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff bracket overtime rules, 2026 results and longest games

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #51: 5/23 vs. Rockies

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Tommy Troy #98 of the Arizona Diamondbacks heads to the dugout before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

ROCKIESDIAMONDBACKS
Jake McCarthy – CFKetel Marte – 2B
Hunter Goodman – CCorbin Carroll – RF
TJ Rumfield – DHGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Willi Castro – 1BNolan Arenado – 3B
Troy Johnston – LFIldemaro Vargas – 1B
Ezequiel Tovar – SSGabriel Moreno – C
Sterlin Thompson – RFJose Fernandez – DH
Chad Stevens – 2BTim Tawa – LF
Kyle Karros – 3BRyan Waldschmidt – CF
Michael Lorenzen – RHPZac Gallen – RHP

Roster moves

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.

  • Selected OF Tommy Troy (No. 9) from Triple-A Reno.
  • Placed on the 10-day injured list: OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (strained left hamstring)

The Age of Troy has commenced! Tommy Troy was out first round pick in 2023, going twelfth overall in that year’s draft, and with a signing bonus of $4.4 million. He’s the fifteenth player from the first round, including additional picks, to reach the majors, a class headlined by Paul Skenes and Wyatt Langford. Tommy progressed quickly through the farm system, reaching Triple-A at the beginning of August last season, not much more than two years after being drafted. Since then, he has played 82 games for the Aces, with a line of .301/.390/.440 for an OPS of .829. This season’s numbers are in line with that: an OPS of .846.

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Troy was rated the #4 prospect in the farm system by MLB Pipeline.com. Their most recent assessment said, “He rarely misses on four-seamers or sinkers, and the bulk of his damage will come against such heaters. By comparison, he really struggled with contact against changeups at Triple-A. His overall swing decisions are solid too, and he’s generally at his best trying to shoot the ball up the middle of the field. He’s also generally a line-drive hitter more than an aim-for-the-seats type. Gap extra-base hits and the occasional homer (12-15 per season) will fuel his slugging ability in the bigs.”

His playing time for the Aces has been almost evenly split between second-base and left-field. Given he has been called up to replace Gurriel, I imagine he’s going to be seen most often in left, but he could be used to give Ketel Marte a blow, either at DH or resting entirely. However, it is worth noting this year was the first time he had played left-field as a professional, and in general has much more experience as a middle infielder than playing the outfield. So it may prove to be a work in progress. But hopefully he’ll fit in well, alongside his fellow rookie Ryan Waldschmidt. Welcome to the big leagues, Mr. Troy!

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Thunder injury updates: Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams Game 4 status revealed

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been ruled out for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.

Mitchell started seven of the Thunder’s 11 playoff games as a replacement for Jalen Williams in the starting lineup. Mitchell finished fifth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.

He had his lowest scoring performance of the postseason on Friday, producing just two points and one assist in 17 minutes of play. He's been ruled out with a right soleus strain.

Williams could be closing in on a return, though, but he officially remains questionable ahead of Game 4 with a sore left hamstring.

Williams played in just 33 games during the regular season after he underwent offseason surgery on his right wrist.

He's missed six games as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered during the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.

When do the Thunder play next?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 24. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams play for Thunder in Game 4 vs Spurs?

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From The Hockey News Archives: Meet The Talented Mr. Zetterberg

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Meet The Talented Mr. Zetterberg: February 7, 2006 - Volume 59, Issue 20

DETROIT – Henrik Zetterberg knew the big test was coming, so he wasn’t surprised or startled when Darren McCarty took a run at him during his first scrimmage with the Detroit Red Wings.

And he wasn’t particularly alarmed when McCarty ran him again…and again…and again.

The new kid arrived in Hockeytown with a mighty reputation and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Red Wings – McCarty in particular – wanted to test his mettle. The kid, 21 at the time, passed the test. Talk about an initiation into the NHL.

“He’s an unbelievable player,” says Red Wings veteran Brendan Shanahan.

“I remember when he first arrived here for training camp, they weren’t sure how he would handle the physicality of the NHL, so Darren ran him a few times in our pre-season camp. It didn’t change the way he played. I remember Mac saying to me, ‘Not only is this kid tough, he’s pretty solid.’ I think he knocked the wind out of Mac.”

Considered by many to be the best player not in the NHL the season before he joined the Wings, Zetterberg might now be aptly described as the best player in the NHL that nobody knows. A shy, laid-back individual, Zetterberg has quietly become Detroit’s most dominant player. But if you don’t follow the Wings – or better yet, play on a line with him, you probably wouldn’t know him to pass him on the street.

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The

Sitting in a cozy lunch room next to the team’s dressing room, the walls adorned with action shots of Detroit stars from the past, the humble Zetterberg says he was aware he’d be tested by his new teammates when he arrived in 2002.

They wanted to know, did he have the jam to play with the big boys? Or would he wilt when the going got tough?

“In the first couple of red-and-white games, (McCarty) took a few runs at me,” recalls Zetterberg, his Bon Jovi-like locks strategically tussled to make him look more like a rock star than a professional athlete. “I heard before I came over here that it was going to be tough, so I was prepared. I didn’t hit him back or slash him; I just kept playing.

“After camp, (McCarty) came to me and told me he was instructed to hit me. He told me he was impressed with how I handled it.”

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Zetterberg is not an imposing physical specimen. Standing next to him you can’t help but wonder how he survives in the NHL’s trenches. The answer is easy: speed and finesse. When he straps on his skates and takes control of the puck, he’s a force, able to make jaw-dropping moves while flying at full speed.

Zetterberg’s game is based on skill and determination and he simply refuses to be outworked.

“When I first got here, I was amazed at how many times he’d split the defense,” says defenseman Mathieu Schneider. “He takes such quick strides through the neutral zone. He’s a tremendous player. There are no weak parts to his game.”

Adds Steve Yzerman: “He stood out pretty quickly. Not so much for the flashy stuff, but for his allaround play. He is great defensively and he’s a pretty good positional player. Along the boards, he’s really good with the puck.”

Zetterberg took his first strides toward becoming an NHL star when he was two years old. In his hometown of Njurunda, a community of about 100,000 located four hours north of Stockholm, his dad, Goran, strapped a pair of blades to his son’s winter boots and watched as young Henrik negotiated a frozen pond.

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