The Carolina Hurricanes face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Hurricanes lead the series 2-1 after winning Game 3 in overtime. Carolina is favored with a -146 moneyline compared to the Canadiens' +123.
How to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to make the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. They fell two slots in the lottery as the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks jumped up into first and second. The Vancouver Canucks will pick third.
When the lottery results were first revealed, there was a thought that Swedish sensation Ivar Stenberg could fall to the Blackhawks at four. With Gavin McKenna likely going to Toronto, some assumed that the Sharks may consider a defenseman because of their need for organizational prospects at the position.
That leaves the Vancouver Canucks, who may think about Caleb Malhotra, whose father, Manny, is in the organization as their AHL coach.
It always felt like a possible but unlikely outcome, but things are shifting again because of Stenberg's play at the IIHF World Championships. He is one of Team Sweden's leading drivers of offense through group play.
In seven games so far, Stenberg has four goals and four assists for eight points. If Team Sweden is going to win the tournament, and the tools are there for them to do so, Stenberg must continue on this trajectory.
Stenberg won the Gold Medal with Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships back in January, and now he's looking to add another team victory to his resume going into the draft.
This success, especially given it was a step up in opponent class, is making him appear more enticing at the top of the draft. If the San Jose Sharks really want to take a defenseman, they could move down a few slots and get one while a team comes up to get Stenberg.
The Blackhawks could be the team to move up to do it, but the Sharks may not want to make a trade like that with the Blackhawks because they could be Western Conference foes in the playoffs down the line.
If the Blackhawks somehow did end up with Stenberg, it would be a big boost for both him and Anton Frondell to play together in the NHL. They have played together at the World Juniors and World Championships now, which has allowed them to show off some notable chemistry in the offensive zone.
It is often said because it is true: a lot can happen before the draft begins. However, where things stand today, Kyle Davidson can't be banking on Stenberg being there when he comes up to select at four.
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Victor Wembanyama has been warned by the NBA for snubbing the media following the Spurs’ Game 5 Western Conference finals loss Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
Wembanyama was below his best in the 127-114 defeat to the Thunder, as he scored 20 points on just 4-of-15 shooting from the field.
Victor Wembanyama has been warned for skipping his media duties. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
And he apparently wasn’t in the mood to speak following the loss, as he left the locker room without stopping for reporters — a violation of the league’s media access rules that mandate players make themselves available after games.
A Spurs spokesman told reporters after the loss that Wembanyama was not available to speak, and the French big man walked past a scrum of media around midnight, according to The Athletic.
The Athletic added that the NBA decided to merely warn the 22-year-old — rather than fine him — because he was a “first-time offender” in terms of skipping his media duties.
In fact, the newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year was awarded the Magic Johnson Award in April by the Pro Basketball Writers Association for his cooperation with the media.
Victor Wembanyama only scored 20 points in the Game 5 loss. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Wembanyama has averaged 28.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.0 blocks this series.
However, he and the Spurs now face a must-win Game 6 after falling behind 3-2 in the series Tuesday.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with reporters on Wednesday ahead of the team's game against the Cincinnati Reds to discuss a number of topics...
Messaging to team amid mental mistakes
During Tuesday's 7-2 loss, starting pitcher David Peterson failed to back up home plate, allowing the runner to advance to third base after Bo Bichette's throw got by catcher Luis Torrens.
The mental mistake was a bad look not just for Peterson, but the coaching staff as well. Because of the error, Mendoza was asked if his and the staff's messaging isn't getting through to the players.
"No, not at all," Mendoza said. "You hate to see it, obviously. It can't happen, especially at this level. Physical mistakes are going to happen, but mental mistakes, especially when you're not playing well.
"As far as the messaging from my end, I know for sure, and the coaching staff and the way we hold people accountable, it doesn't necessarily have to be in front of the camera. As far as the messaging is received, there's not concern there."
Mendoza was then asked what specifically is reinforcing the belief that the messaging is being received, saying it's more clear off the field.
"It's everything behind the scenes, but until we go out there and do it and play better," Mendoza said. "For me to say something here, we got to go out and do it."
The team will need to show it soon as they are currently riding a five-game losing streak and have gone 2-7 since taking the Subway Series from the Yankees.
Mendoza outlined a plan for Polanco over the next couple of days, hoping to see the veteran be able to play one day in the field and the next at DH.
"The good thing is he started his rehab today, played a couple of at-bats, I think he's off tomorrow," Mendoza said. "Then the plan is for him to DH and hopefully get him back-to-back, three or four innings at first base.
"And now, once we get to that point, it's more of like, alright, playing seven innings in the field, going back-to-back, full nine innings as DH. How is he going to feel the next day after he gets four, five at-bats and is on the bases? Today, he was able to get on base and run around a little bit. So now it's, how is he going to feel tomorrow and then we'll go from there."
Polanco has been out since April 14 as he recovers from Achilles bursitis and a wrist injury.
The team ramped up his baseball activities in recent days so he would be ready to see game action, but Mendoza acknowledged that the 32-year-old's goal is to manage the injuries and not have "bad days."
"Yes, it's to a point where he's not going to be 100 percent," Mendoza said. "But as he went through the intensity, the running the bases, the sprinting, and all that, the next day it's like, 'Hey, it's not getting any worse. I feel better.' The biggest thing that it wasn't getting any worse and he was able to manage it. It's like, 'I'm good to go now.'"
Polanco was hitting just .179 with one home run and two RBI over 56 at-bats prior to landing on the injured list.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Alejandro Osuna #19 of the Texas Rangers looks on prior to the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 24, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for May 27, 2026 against the Houston Astros: starting pitchers are Jacob deGrom for the Rangers and Mike Burrows for the Astros.
Texas will try to keep the offense going after yesterday’s 10 run explosion, with a lineup highlighted by new infielder Nicky Lopez.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Osuna — LF
Nimmo — RF
Jung — 3B
Burger — 1B
Carter — CF
Duran — SS
Jansen — C
Lopez — 2B
7:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -143 favorites.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round Two Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This is an odd summer for LeBron James. For the first time in his Lakers tenure, he doesn’t have a contract heading into the offseason.
So now, negotiations have to begin between the Lakers and LeBron to see if he wants to return and at what number makes sense for both sides.
Apparently, LeBron is a fan of the negotiation tactic of allowing the other side to speak first.
“The LeBron side, from what I am told, would like the Lakers to come and say, ‘LeBron, here’s our plan for you. Here’s what we’re offering.’ And if they’re offering less than the max, here’s why: ‘Because we’re going to use this cap space to sign these players, and this is where you slot in.’”
This has always been LeBron’s mindset when it comes to taking a pay cut. He did it for Miami when he was part of that Big Three and he was reportedly willing to take a pay cut for the Lakers a couple of years back when they were pursuing players such as Klay Thompson.
In that scenario, back in 2024, the Lakers didn’t land another star player, but James still took a slight pay cut so they could avoid being a second apron team.
LeBron won’t just take a discount to help the Lakers or any other team out. It has to make basketball sense for both parties.
When the time is right, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has to pick up the phone and share his master plan with James’ representation. During that conversation, he has to convince them that the best move for James is to stay with Los Angeles and try to win it all here before he calls it quits.
That’s a good place for the Lakers to be, so we’ll see if the front office can bring back LeBron and add to the roster to give it a better chance of coming out of the West next year.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Andrew McCutchen #4 of the Texas Rangers looks on after striking out during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 24, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a one year deal, the team announced today. To make room for Lopez on the active roster, the Rangers have designated outfielder/DH Andrew McCutchen for assignment.
I’m really baffled by this move. McCutchen hasn’t hit well this season, slashing .192/.277/.260, including a .186/.300/.302 line against lefthanded pitching, which is especially problematic, given that McCutchen was brought in to be Joc Pederson’s platoon partner.
But Nicky Lopez doesn’t seem to really make the team better. Lopez is a light-hitting utility infielder who had a 4.4 bWAR season back in 2021, and since then has slashed .228/.298/.281 in 1220 plate appearances. He’s also a lefthanded hitter, which means that he doesn’t really replace McCutchen. Lopez was originally with the Rockies to start the season, slashing .333/.387/.519 for their AAA club at Albuquerque before being acquired by the Cubs. Lopez appeared in four games and had five plate appearances for the Cubs, and was released yesterday.
This would seem to open the door for Justin Foscue, who can play second base but who is best suited to 1B or DH, to take over the platoon DH spot from McCutchen. Lopez gives the Rangers an actual utility infielder, something that became an issue when Josh Jung was out and Michael Helman had to play shortstop. This leads me to wonder if there are concerns about Corey Seager or Josh Smith missing more time than has been anticipated.
Heading into the 2026 offseason, the Philadelphia Flyers are equipped with a ton of draft capital and assets, with various paths to explore to make good use of them.
And, although they just made the playoffs, it might be wise to continue to invest via the NHL draft.
As things currently stand, the Flyers won't be able to make too much happen with the No. 21 overall pick they own, but they could package that to acquire something greater, whether it be a player or another draft pick higher in the order.
If the Flyers opt to go for the latter, they won't have to look much further than the Chicago Blackhawks, who are picking fourth overall in the 2026 draft.
Despite landing young talents like Anton Frondell, Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, Spencer Knight, and Frank Nazar, the Blackhawks remain in the NHL's doldrums, mired in mediocrity.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta via the "Morning Cuppa Hockey" show, the Blackhawks would consider parting ways with that No. 4 pick if it brought them a young player who can contribute now and comes with team control.
Now, the Flyers wouldn't offer Matvei Michkov or Porter Martone for an unknown commodity draft pick that, like a car, becomes less valuable as soon as it is used.
They can however, take from their glut of wingers and defensemen to help make a useful trade package by means of diminishing returns, helping the Blackhawks put a more competent supporting cast around Bedard.
That might have to come at the cost of Tyson Foerster and/or Owen Tippett, the Flyers' own first-round pick, and someone like Emil Andrae or Oliver Bonk.
Those are the talents and ages that Chicago will need to make such a trade worthwhile from their perspective.
As for the Flyers, trading for the No. 4 pick would certainly come with its benefits.
Assuming Gavin McKenna, Chase Reid, and Caleb Malhotra are the first three players off the board, the Flyers can ease the losses of Foerster and/or Tippett with the selection of Swedish starlet Ivar Stenberg, who has a real case to go No. 1 ahead of McKenna.
Or, if the Flyers opt to go off the board a bit, they can get their top-six center in Tynan Lawrence or Viggo Bjorck, or get a blue-chip defenseman like Carson Carels, Alberts Smits, or Keaton Verhoeff.
They aren't NHL-proven talents, to be clear, but they are the high-end talents the Flyers are looking for and crave with a reasonable path to getting them.
Stenberg is the obvious cream of the crop among all those alternative names, and the Flyers having a long-term core of Stenberg, Martone, and Michkov on the wings would be absurd, to say the least.
KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 20: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early (71) pitches in the first inning during a MLB game between the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals on May 20, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
TV: NESN
First Pitch: 6:45 p.m. ET
The Red Sox nearly came back from a three-run deficit in the series opener against the Braves. The offense has finally put together a few solid performances as of late, though there haven’t been plenty of wins to show for it.
Boston will try to get early run support for Connelly Early, who has allowed no more than three earned runs in each of his last three starts.
Here’s who the Red Sox will send to the plate Wednesday night.
Atlanta counters with a notable challenge in Bryce Elder. The righty has been virtually untouchable through two months to the tune of a 1.97 ERA as the Braves try to take the series.
Not only have the Detroit Red Wings featured some of the greatest NHL talents to have ever hit the ice throughout their history, but some of the toughest.
During his heyday, the legendary Gordie Howe was not only one of the most skilled players, but also one of the hardest-nosed and physically imposing presences on the ice, who was never shy about clearing his way through opponents.
Of course, the Red Wings also featured the iconic "Bruise Brothers" duo of Bob Probert and Joey Kocur. Additionally, Stu Grimson spent a portion of his NHL career in Detroit.
Known as one of the fiercest fighters in NHL history, the late Probert skated in over 900 NHL games between the Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, racking up over 3,000 penalty minutes.
Grimson, who fought Probert multiple times, recently recounted a story of their on-ice bouts that always made for must-see action for the fans.
"I fought Probie...we fought 14 times over the course of our careers," Grimson said while on the Ice Guardians Podcast. "Like, there was nobody I fought more than Probie. The same is true of him, God rest his soul. Probie was a handful, he was a good fighter. He didn't hit like some of the other guys did."
Grimson played a total of 68 games with the Red Wings, during which he racked up 165 penalty minutes.
In 729 career games, Grimson accumulated 2,113 penalty minutes, a large portion of which came from fighting majors.
While the role of players who are mostly deployed as "enforcers" has been phased out of the game, fans who watched the respective careers of the late Probert as well as Grimson look back upon those memories fondly.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is planning to get an up-close look at the hottest team in basketball.
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that New York Knicks owner James Dolan has invited him to the NBA Finals, when the Eastern Conference champion Knicks host either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs next month at Madison Square Garden.
New York, which is riding an 11-game postseason winning streak after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals, is scheduled to host Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10.
Trump, a New York native, said he initially planned to attend Game 5 of the conference finals at MSG before the Knicks finished off the Cavaliers in four games. The president called Dolan a “great guy” and marveled at New York's run.
“Boy, what a team,” Trump said. “They have some really great players.”
Trump called the club's return to the finals for the first time since 1999 “great to see.”
“The Knicks have really suffered for years," Trump said to laughter. “They're doing (well) right now.”
Outside Madison Square Garden Knicks fans celebrate winning game 4 of the Eastern conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks are looking out for their fans.
They are donating hundreds of free tickets to underprivileged youth for their home games in the Finals, The Post has learned. Underserved New York families affiliated with the Garden of Dreams Foundation will receive 250 tickets per home game.
That means a guaranteed 500 tickets across Games 3 and 4. If there is a Game 6, that number will rise to 750.
Outside Madison Square Garden Knicks fans celebrate winning game 4 of the Eastern conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post
“We are proud to create meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for underprivileged youth in our local communities,” said Rich Constable, the executive vice president and global head of government affairs and social impact at MSG Entertainment. “Making sure underserved youth are part of the Knicks Finals run is extremely important to the Knicks, ensuring the next generation of fans gets to be part of the story.”
The giveaway comes as ticket prices skyrocket on secondary markets for the Knicks’ first Finals appearance since 1999. But the Knicks want to make sure this historic moment can be appreciated by everyone.
The Garden of Dreams Foundation, since 2006, has impacted the lives of over 480,000 young people facing obstacles.
After completing their overpowering sweep of the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks carry a historic 11-game winning streak into the Finals. They’ve outscored their opponents by a combined 262 points in that stretch — the best point differential across 11 games in NBA history, regardless of regular season or postseason.
“The buzz is unbelievable,” Landry Shamet said. “You could try and explain what’s going on in New York right now for Knicks fans but good luck. It’s different. Knicks fans are different.”
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) prepares to dump water over Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) after their win over St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Despite being no-hit through seven innings, Milwaukee’s pitching staff kept the game within reach long enough for the offense to scrape together just enough support. With today’s 2-1 victory, the Brewers secured their first home sweep of the Cardinals since 2011 and widened their NL Central lead to 4.5 games.
Starter Chad Patrick worked around a couple of jams over the first three innings before finally allowing the game’s first run in the fourth. It initially looked like he might escape the inning unscathed after a Jordan Walker leadoff single, as Patrick responded by striking out Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn back-to-back.
Patrick then worked a full count against Bryan Torres, but his payoff pitch — a 90 mph slider that hung over the heart of the plate — got punished. Torres ripped a line drive into the corner for an RBI triple, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
Despite having only thrown 61 pitches, Patrick — who’s been coming out of the bullpen since the beginning of the month — was done for the day. Shane Drohan and Aaron Ashby followed with two shutout innings each, both pitchers allowing only a single hit. The pitching staff showed up today, keeping the score close even though the offense couldn’t manage to provide any run support through the first seven innings.
Not only were the Brewers shut out for most of the game, but Cardinals starter Dustin May was absolutely dominating. May had a no-hitter going through six with zero walks, although the Brewers managed two baserunners on a Jake Bauers hit-by-pitch and a Sal Frelick catchers’ interference.
May kept his bid alive in the seventh by retiring the heart of the Brewers’ order — Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Bauers. Finally, Garrett Mitchell led off the eighth by busting up the no-hitter on a line drive to left field. Torres took a bit of a flat route and the ball flew over his head for a double, giving Milwaukee their first runner in scoring position all game.
Up next was Luis Rengifo, who laid down a beautifully-placed bunt to the third-base side of the mound. The bunt was good enough that he might have beat it out anyway, but neither May nor third baseman Nolan Gorman charged in on the ball. By the time catcher Pedro Pagés got to it, Rengifo and Mitchell were already standing on the corners.
With the no-hitter no longer in play, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol pulled May for JoJo Romero, who got Frelick to ground into a fielders’ choice at second that couldn’t get Mitchell home. Andrew Vaughn pinch-hit for David Hamilton, but he struck out for the second out.
It briefly appeared as if the Cardinals might escape the jam, but veteran star Christian Yelich wouldn’t let that happen. Yelich took two balls that weren’t really close, then grounded Romero’s third pitch up the middle to tie the game.
Frelick, running on contact with two outs, made it around to third, and all of a sudden the Brewers had the go-ahead run on third base for Jackson Chourio. Chourio swung at the first pitch, a low sinker, and hit what was a pretty routine grounder to Winn at shortstop. Winn, who won a Gold Glove last year after a season in which he was credited with just three errors, bobbled the ball on the exchange. By the time he picked it up, not only were both Yelich and Chourio safe, but Frelick had crossed the plate with the go-ahead run.
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 27, 2026
Turang grounded out to end the inning, but the damage was done — Milwaukee led by a run going into the top of the ninth. Trevor Megill came in for the ninth to try and pick up his first save since May 15th in Minnesota. Despite allowing a single to Winn, who stole second and advanced to third on a fly-out, Megill stuck out pinch-hitter Yohel Pozo to end the game.
While things looked pretty bleak for the vast majority of this game, Milwaukee was able to keep the game close and string together a couple hits when it mattered. Sometimes pitchers are just on, and even if that’s not the case the offense won’t always be firing on all cylinders. Good teams lose these games, but great teams grit their teeth and find a way to keep the game close and scrape out a victory. That’s what the Brewers did tonight.
Also, for those of you on Aaron Ashby Win Watch, Ashby pitched the seventh and eighth innings, so he picked up another win. He now leads the league in wins again, with nine. It’s still May.
After a 4-2 homestand, the Brewers will get a well-earned day off before heading to Houston for a weekend series against the Astros. First pitch for Friday’s series opener is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
From LeBron James' perspective, the ball is in the Lakers' court.
LeBron may be vacationing with family and talking about not making a decision on what is next for him until July or August, but the reality is he is no longer the player the entire market will wait for. He is not the first domino to fall (that's Giannis Antetokounmpo). Instead, he and the Lakers need to work out whatever is going on between them before the NBA Draft in less than a month (June 23), so both sides can plan and make their next moves. Free agency moves fast now and, unless LeBron wants to play for the minimum, he doesn't get to watch the market play out and then make a call.
For LeBron, that all starts with the Lakers coming to him with an offer — and he wants to start talking max deal, reports ESPN's Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast.
"The Lebron side, from what I am told, is would like the Lakers to come and say, 'Lebron, here's our plan for you,' or 'here's what we were offering,' and if they're offering less than the max, here's why. Because we're going to use this cap space to sign these players, and this is where you slide in."
Max is where LeBron will start negotiations, what he feels he has earned (and in terms of the revenue he drives for a team, he's not wrong). Good luck finding anyone around the league who thinks that's his salary next season. The real question is how big a pay cut he is willing to take, because — as he showed in the playoffs — he still brings real value on the court, too. Does he demand $30 million? The non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $15 million? The taxpayer mid-level exception of $6 million? Less?
Windhorst is also very clear that this conversation between the Lakers and LeBron has to happen early in the summer, like before the draft. The Lakers have made it clear that they want to retool their roster around Luka Doncic and his skill set, which includes re-signing Austin Reaves. To do that remake, the Lakers want to use their estimated $50 million in cap space — but that cap space depends on LeBron not being on the roster. He has a $59.5 million cap hold, which is a little more than the max that is supposed to be around $58 million for him for one season.
The Lakers need to either reach a deal with LeBron to know how much cap space they have, or tell LeBron they are going to renounce his rights so they can spend all that money on other players.
If LeBron wants to play somewhere else — Cleveland, Golden State or any other team that might interest him — for more than the $3.9 million veteran minimum, he and his management need to work with the Lakers to find a sign-and-trade that works for everyone. Again, this is stuff that has to be agreed to, and the process started before the draft because by July 1, when free agency officially opens, most teams have two-thirds of their free-agent signings and trades already agreed to (if not public).
All of that starts with LeBron and the Lakers sitting down and having an honest conversation about what's next. And LeBron believes that the ball is in the Lakers' court.
Sometimes, star players are fouled intentionally to send a message.
It is rare, though, that the same treatment is given to a role player,
Toward the end of the Thunder’s 127-114 home win over the Spurs in Game 5 on Tuesday, Oklahoma City role player Jared McCain was fouled twice in quick succession — including a vicious elbow to the back from Mason Plumlee that knocked him to the floor.
Wemby ordered the CODE RED
He whispers something to Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo as they check in during garbage time.
Those fouls in the last two minutes have raised some eyes, especially since the two Spurs that committed the infractions — Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo — received whispered instructions from San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama while he exited the floor with his team trailing by 14 with 2:20 remaining.
McCain said he was surprised by the fouls and, while at the free throw line, asked for an explanation of the harsh treatment.
“That was crazy. I didn’t expect it, obviously,” McCain explained on “The Association” following his 20-point effort after being bumped into the starting lineup.
“We were at the free throw line too, and I was like, ‘Why’d you do that man,’ and he was like, ‘I got another one for you too.’ … Wasn’t aware, my team told me after, get to the corner at the end of games.”
The first foul happened with 1:39 remaining in regulation when McCain set a pick and Plumlee ran right through him, resulting in a foul that led to McCain hitting one of two free throw attempts.
Fifty-three seconds later, Biyombo committed a hard foul when McCain drove to the basket.
Mason Plumlee drives his elbow into Jared McCain’s back. @HaterReport/X
NBC Analyst Reggie Miller pointed out that leaving McCain on the court in a game that all but had been decided was not a good idea after seeing the two fouls.
“See, these are two shots to McCain in here in the starting lineup in the closing moments of this game. Miller said, “He doesn’t need to be on the floor here.”
While these fouls could be explained as bad luck for the Thunder guard, a viral video from Tuesday night has some wondering about the intent.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama whispering to teammate Bismack Biyombo @BrickCenter_/X
Wembanyama gave both Plumlee and Biymobo quick remarks, and then moments later they committed hard fouls on one of the Thunder’s starters.
This has led to some unfounded speculation that Wembanyama may have given some nefarious orders due to the nature of the fouls and the time left in the game.
Jared McCain reactsTuesday night in Game 5. AP Photo/Gerald Leong
This chippy ending of the game could add fuel to an already competitive series that could end Thursday in Game 6 with the Thunder holding the 3-2 advantage.
