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Game # 48, Athletics vs. Angels Game Thread

Jacob Lopez will take the mound tonight in Anaheim as the A’s take on the Angels in game two of a four game set. | Getty Images

After a heartbreaking loss last night in the J.T. Ginn near no-hitter the A’s will need to regroup for game two of the four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Despite being one game under .500, the A’s remain on top of the American League West by one game over both the Mariners and Rangers. The Angels remain in last place with a 17-31 record.

Jacob Lopez gets the start tonight. The 28-year-old lefty is 3-2 with a 5.80 ERA in eight starts this season. He’s amassed thirty strikeouts in 40 innings in 2026. Lopez will go up against 26-year-old left Reid Detmers for the Halos. He’s 1-4 in nine starts this season with a 4.20 ERA.

Detmers will face off against this lineup for Mark Kotsay’s Athletics tonight:

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Lopez will match up with this batting order for the homestanding Angels:

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Follow the Game:

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Game Thread: White Sox (24-23) at Mariners (23-26)

Anthony Kay takes the bump in Seattle tonight. | (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)

Now that everyone has had a day to settle, and the adrenaline from the wild swings of the Crosstown Cup’s first leg has mostly subsided, it’s time to get back to thinking about what our expectations should be for this South Side team moving forward. For the first time in however many years, I now enter each day of White Sox baseball with the expectation that they have a solid chance to win. I’m actually not sure if I like it, because it feels like I’m setting myself up for disappointment. It’s hard not to wait for the slide back to reality that takes them to 15 games below .500, but I suppose that’s just another rung up the long ladder from the bottom of the barrel, right?

It’s a little easier to resist the temptation of optimism when you look at the lineups they’re putting out there. Take tonight’s, for example.

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The new trio of fan favorites in Munetaka Murakami, Miguel Vargas, and Colson Montgomery is going to be exciting for the rest of the way. However, I look at how many at-bats at the bottom of the order are still going to hitters performing several standard deviations below what’s acceptable. I think to myself that the string of wins we just saw was nothing short of magical. There will be a time in the near future when Jarred Kelenic is replaced in the lineup by Braden Montgomery, Kyle Teel will return, and Andrew Benintendi’s contract will be cut loose eventually. Until that happens, though, the Sox will continue to live and die with their top four hitters.

The downside to the roller coaster nature of the past few days is that Chicago’s bullpen is pretty shot, and Anthony Kay is going to have to eat some innings tonight. I’d wager the outcome of this ballgame will be disproportionately influenced by how sharp he can be multiple times through the Seattle batting order, because good or bad, he’s probably getting his five frames tonight no matter what.

Here’s the lineup that Seattle manager Dan Wilson will be sending out against Kay this evening.

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Bryce Miller is making his second start of the season after missing all of it up to this point with a strained oblique. He gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in his debut last week, and more importantly, his fastball was humming at 97-98 mph, a huge spike from his 94.8 mph average last season. He’s just one year removed from posting a 2.94 ERA over 31 starts and 180 1/3 innings, which included a dominant seven-inning, two-hit showing against the Good Guys. If he holds that velocity while showing the control that was typical of him before his injury-plagued 2025, it could be a long night for the Sox offense.

First pitch is a late one, of course, scheduled for 8:40 p.m. CT from T-Mobile Park. If you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio), like always!

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Wendy's proposes name change to honor Victor Wembanyama's epic Game 1

Sir, this is no longer a Wendy's. This is a Wemby's.

Wendy's, like the rest of the world, was impressed with Victor Wembanyama's massive performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. The San Antonio Spurs center had 41 points, 24 rebounds and 3 blocks on Monday, May 18 in the 122-115 double overtime win over the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

The fast food chain, which is known for their witty banter on social media, quipped on Tuesday, May 19, that they want to salute "the Alien" with a name change and are considering a significant revamp of their menu to honor his French heritage.

"might change my name to Wemby’s and only serve french fries after last night’s game," Wendy's posted on X.

Fans had several reactions in the comments. Some were applauding the restaurant's creativity and they expressed gratitude with a series of emojis.

One user named Peanut asked what's going to happen to the restaurant's signature Frosty dessert. For the men's NCAA basketball championship, Wendy's gave away free Frostys and french fries for a day after Michigan's Roddy Gayle Jr. slammed a dunk in the title game so fans could create their own dunk moment with their food.

But the restaurant used a popular social media joke to say that the dunking will no longer be possible under the new name and menu.

"Sir this is a Wembys," Wendy's clapped back.

Wembanyama has had a historic NBA playoffs that includes him becoming the youngest player with 40+ points and 20+ boards in the most recent outing. He also had a record 12 blocks in Game 1 of the conference semifinals.

Game 2 of the Western Conference finals will be Wednesday, May 20.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wendy's suggests name and menu change to salute Victor Wembanyama

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Jason Kidd contract info: How much was former Mavericks coach set to earn?

After five years, including a trip to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and an NBA Finals appearance in 2024, Jason Kidd is out as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

The team announced Tuesday that it had "mutually agreed to part ways" with the coach.

The decision comes just two weeks after the team hired Masai Ujiri as the new team president. This decision marks a noticeable shift in direction for the franchise as it looks to build around 2025 No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

Shockingly, though, Kidd's departure comes after two offseasons in which he had been extended, per ESPN. So, how much money was left on his contract as head coach?

Here's what we know about Jason Kidd's contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Jason Kidd's contract with Dallas Mavericks

Shams Charania reports that Kidd had four years and over $40 million remaining on his contract.

Reports also indicate that Kidd had expressed interest in moving to the team's front office after former president of basketball operations Nico Harrison was fired. Team governor Patrick Dumont supposedly made it clear to Kidd that he was not being considered for the role.

Kidd had a 205-205 record with the Mavericks as head coach, as well as a 22-18 record in the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Kidd contract info, what we know after he parts ways with Mavs

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Drake Baldwin’s oblique strain a Grade 1

May 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) reacts after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox center during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After today’s victory against the Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that catcher Drake Baldwin’s MRI results came back with a mild Grade 1 oblique strain.

Baldwin was placed on the 10-day IL earlier today as part of a bevy of moves. With Sean Murphy also on the injured list with a fractured finger, the Braves will now have veterans Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp as their primary backstops – barring a move to bring in a catcher from outside the organization – for at least the next week-and-a-half, although the length of Baldwin’s stay on the IL in unknown. Murphy isn’t expected back until next month, at the earliest.

This is some slightly good news for Atlanta and their star catcher. Baldwin, who has amassed 2.2 fWAR already this season behind 13 home runs and a 160 wRC+, seemed likely to be headed to his first All-Star game with a performance that has positioned him among the top catchers in the game.

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Dallas Mavericks, head coach Jason Kidd mutually agree to part ways

In a sudden change of direction, Jason Kidd is out as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

In a statement, the team announced that the sides mutually agreed to part ways. The move comes just 15 days after it was announced that Dallas had hired Masai Ujiri as the team's new head of basketball operations.

"Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," said Mavericks President Masai Ujiri in a statement announcing the move. "We are thankful for Jason's leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I've developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family."

At his introductory press conference, Ujiri was noncommittal about Kidd's future with the team, saying the plan was to review every level of the organization and proceed from there.

The Mavericks will now start a "comprehensive search" for Kidd's replacement. This will be a highly coveted job because Dallas has Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg on the roster to build around.

"As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team," Ujiri said in his statement. "We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."

Kidd still had four years and roughly $40 million on his contract — and there is no way he left that money on the table — but owner Patrick Dumont signed off on this decision, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Kidd got a contract extension after last summer, when the Knicks reached out to the Mavericks about talking to Kidd for their open coaching position. Kidd wanted a move into the front office — something also reported at his previous coaching stops — and he talked to Dumont about that before Ujiri was hired, but was shot down, ESPN's MacMahon reports.

If he's willing to return to the bench, Kidd will be the top choice for many teams and will have options.

Kidd was a Hall of Fame point guard who helped lead Dallas to its one NBA Championship in 2011, then returned as coach. In Kidd's five years as the Dallas head coach, he had a 205-205 record, leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first year and the NBA Finals in 2024, but the team missed the playoffs the past two years after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for a package centered around Anthony Davis.

One name to watch in Dallas is Billy Donovan, who stepped away as the Chicago Bulls coach to look for a job where he felt he could coach a team in more meaningful games. While he is considered the frontrunner for the Orlando Magic job, he might well consider Dallas as well.

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Mavericks 'mutually agree to part ways' with head coach Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd is out in Dallas, the Mavericks announced on May 19.

The Mavericks said they had "mutually agreed to part ways."

"Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," Ujiri said in the team's statement. "As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team."

Ujiri was brought on as team president on May 4 this year, and already he has made a move that will drastically alter the team's future. During his introductory press conference, Ujiri was noticeably noncommital when questioned about Kidd's future as head coach. Just two weeks later, Kidd is gone. ESPN reports that Kidd was kept out of the loop regarding Ujiri's hiring.

What does dismissing Jason Kidd mean for the Mavericks moving forward?

Kidd’s departure clearly signaled that there was a difference in philosophy that newly hired team president Masai Ujiri wasn’t willing to overlook.

Given full control to reshape the direction of the franchise, Ujiri will move to bring in his preferred coach, likely someone with whom he’s familiar. Ujiri was the architect of the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA title, so he does deserve the benefit of the doubt. The Mavericks, however, need to tread carefully.

This hire should be about finding the ideal fit to maximize the talents of recently crowned NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Known for being a versatile player who can step into different roles — ball-handling and creating, playing off-ball as the primary offensive threat, using his length to defend — Flagg was the youngest player in the NBA this season and will turn 20 in December.

The Mavericks have a franchise piece in place, now they need to give him stability and continuity, and they need to build around him.

For his part, Kidd, frankly, wasn’t put in a fair position over the last two seasons in Dallas. Eight months after he led the franchise to the NBA Finals, former general manager Nico Harrison dealt the team’s face of the franchise, Luka Dončić, for Anthony Davis.

The trade was widely criticized, Davis played 29 games as a Maverick and the deal ended up costing Harrison his job. Dallas did have the benefit of luck when it won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and ended up selecting Flagg.

In the fallout from the Dončić deal, however, the Mavericks were never going to be legitimate contenders, despite the improvements Flagg showed under Kidd.

Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard who spent eight seasons with the Mavericks and was beloved as a player, was put in an impossible situation. Dallas’ decision to move on, after everything he did for the franchise — including helping deliver the franchise’s only NBA championship in 2011 — is a disservice to the time, energy and commitment Kidd invested in the team and the city. 

How did Jason Kidd perform as Mavericks' head coach?

Kidd had a 205-205 record as the team's head coach, and helped lead them to the NBA Finals in 2024, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. He also led the team to the Western Conference finals in 2022.

Where will Jason Kidd go next?

Reports indicate that the New York Knicks were interested in Kidd and even requested to interview him prior to the 2025-26 season. Dallas denied their request.

That said, it is unlikely that the Knicks would be willing to fire head coach Mike Brown if he leads them to the NBA Finals.

At the same time, Kidd has expressed interest in moving to a team's front office. ESPN reports Kidd "had expressed a desire to be promoted to president of basketball operations after general manager Nico Harrison was fired in November." However, Mavericks' governor Patrick Dumont told Kidd that he was not in consideration for the role.

Jason Kidd's contract

Kidd spent five years in Dallas. He had four years and more than $40 million left on his contract, per ESPN.

Kidd had been extended each of the previous two offseasons, including after Dallas' run to the NBA Finals in 2024. However, a disappointing 2026 season prompted new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri to look for Kidd's replacement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Mavericks, coach Jason Kidd part ways: What we know

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Cavs at Knicks Game 1 open gamethread

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 22, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There’s no rest for the weary. The Cleveland Cavaliers are rolling into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks after two straight seven-game series. We’ll see if the Cavs are up for the challenge.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Go Cavs!

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OG Anunoby is back in the Knicks' starting lineup for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals

NEW YORK (AP) — OG Anunoby was in New York's starting lineup Tuesday after missing two games with a strained right hamstring, putting the Knicks back at full strength to begin the Eastern Conference finals.

Anunoby was hurt late in Game 2 of the Knicks' second-round sweep of Philadelphia and sat out the next two games. He returned to practice during New York's lengthy wait between rounds and fully participated during the final three practices leading into this series.

Anunoby injured his other hamstring two years ago, also during Game 2 of the second round, missed the next four games and was able to play only five minutes in Game 7. He said the pain this time wasn't as bad.

Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Game 48 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies

May 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Fans watch in the fifth inning between the Colorado Rockies and the Texas Rangers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 7:40 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Coors Field

LHP Tyler Alexander vs. LHP Sammy Peralta

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSROCKIES
Andrew McCutchen – DHWilli Castro – 3B
Justin Foscue – 2BMickey Moniak – LF
Brandon Nimmo – RFHunter Goodman – C
Josh Jung – 3BTJ Rumfield – 1B
Ezequiel Duran – SSEzequiel Tovar – SS
Jake Burger – 1BTroy Johnston – DH
Alejandro Osuna – LFBrenton Doyle – CF
Danny Jansen – CJake McCarthy – RF
Evan Carter – CFEdouard Julien – 2B
Tyler Alexander – LHPSammy Peralta – LHP

Go Rangers!

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Colorado Rockies game no. 49 thread: Tyler Alexander vs Sammy Peralta

MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Sammy Peralta #57 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

In Game 1, the Colorado Rockies managed to come out with a win, despite some white-knuckle moments in the eight inning.

Tonight, they will look to take the series from theTexas Rangers.

Starting for the Rangers is Tyler Alexander.

The lefty has a 2.14 ERA in 23.0 IP. He’s struck out 16, walked six, and given up one home run. Alexander has a 1.38 WHIP. 

Presumably, Alexander will act as an opener for Kumar Rocker. In 37.1 IP, he has a 4.34 ERA.

Starting for the Rockies in what will be his first start in purple pinstripes is Sammy Peralta, a lefty reliever the Rockies claimed from the Milwaukee Brewers on April 4. His arsenal includes a five-pitch mix, none of which average more than 89 MPH: a slider, a sinker, a changeup, a four-seam fastball, topped off with an occasional sweeper.

In 2026, he has pitched for two Triple-A teams. With the Nashville Sounds, Peralta earned a 27.00 ERA in 1.0 IP. In Albuquerque, Peralta has 19.0 IP with a more-respectable 3.79 ERA.

Presumably, Peralta will be opening for RHP Tanner Gordon, who will pitch most of the game.

Currently, Gordon has an ERA of 5.19 in 21.0 IP primarily in long relief. He’s struck out 25 while giving up five walks and five home runs with a 1.33 WHIP.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 6:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SB Nation Rangers site:Lone Star Ball

Lineups:

For the visiting Rangers:

Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies (5.19.26) — McCurchen, Foscue, Nimmo, Jung, Duran, Burger, Osuna, Jansen, Carter, Alexander

And the home Rockies:

Colorado Rockies vs. Texas Rangers (5.19.26) — Castro, Moniak, Goodman, Rumfield, Tovar, Johnston, Doyle, McCarthy, Julien, Peralta

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Jason Kidd, Mavericks, “mutually agree” to part ways

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks announced on Tuesday evening that the organization and coach Jason Kidd have “mutually agreed to part ways”. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kidd had four years and well over $40 million left on his contract after being extended twice in both 2024 and 2025. Kidd and former general manager Nico Harrison came to the organization as a package deal in 2021. Now, just over a year after making the defining move of their tenure when they traded Luka Doncic, both Harrison and Kidd are now out. 

There was a certain level of speculation about Kidd’s future when Team President Masai Ujiri fielded questions at his introductory presser. In that, Ujiri said he will give the team a “head-to-toe” examination, including at the head coaching position. We now know the results of that exam. As pointed out by Charania, Ujiri and Governor Patrick Dumont decided to “move on” from the coach early in the week.

Upon the release of the news, Team President Masai Ujiri released the following statement:

“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team. We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”

The coach will always have a complicated legacy in Dallas, for numerous reasons. As a player, Kidd unceremoniously left just one year removed from winning a championship to sign with the Knicks. Upon his return to Dallas after a stint in coaching rehab with the Lakers under Frank Vogel, Kidd led Dallas to heights it had never seen before, making its first Western Conference Finals since 2011 in his first year at the helm. After a rough 2022-23 campaign, Kidd helped guide Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to win the Western Conference as the fifth seed, before losing to the Boston Celtics in five games in the NBA Finals. Outside of those two fantastic years, Kidd failed to lead Dallas to the playoffs in the other three years of his five-year term in Dallas.

Kidd leaves Dallas with a record of 227-223, including an exactly .500 record of 205-205 in the regular season.

CLEVELAND, OH – FEBUARY 2: Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Nico Harrison talk to the media before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Perhaps what Kidd will be remembered most for is his alleged role in the trade of Doncic. That scene on February 2nd from the press conference room in Cleveland is one that will stick in the memory for Mavericks fans forever. We likely will never know the honest truth on who was responsible for what in that, but what can’t be debated is that ownership and the new front office would like to move forward from the ordeal all together. As the Cooper Flagg era begins in earnest, a clean slate is probably best for everyone.

Per the Mavs, Team President Masai Ujiri will be holding a news conference Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. CT at the American Airlines Center to speak on the decision. It also seems logical to assume that Ujiri will heading up the search for the next head coach of the team. As the story develops, we’ll continue to update you on Mavs Moneyball.

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Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 16: Alec Burleson #41 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits an RBI single against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium on May 16, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals enjoyed a badly-needed day off Monday, but return to Busch Stadium Tuesday night for a NL Central battle with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Matthew Liberatore gets the start for the Cardinals while the Pirates will depend on Mitch Keller. First pitch scheduled for 6:45pm central time. Here’s the lineup for the Cardinals tonight. Note that Masyn Winn is out of the lineup as he’s dealing with knee discomfort.

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ECF Game Thread: Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Game 1, May 19, 2026

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 24: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks shoots during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on February 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at MSG, in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. (ECF for the second straight season? What a time to root the orange and blue.) Both sides should be at full strength, with the Knicks coming off a nine-day rest and all healed up. Fun fact: New York has a 12-2 record versus the Ohio Players in the playoffs all-time.

Tip off is at 8 PM EST on ESPN. This is your game thread. This is Fear the Sword. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Behave, you magnificent creatures. And go Knicks!

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Braves’ late breakthrough fuels 8-4 win against Miami

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 19: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but eight runs are better than zero.

The Braves are back in the win column, winning their 33rd game of the season in Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return to the lineup.

The Braves took advantage of command issues from Marlins starter Braxton Garrett, who loaded the bases with no outs to start the game. They’d only cash in two runs on an Ozzie Albies sac fly and a Michael Harris II two-out single. 

However, Martín Pérez would give them those runs back plus one more in a rocky bottom of the first. Xavier Edwards tagged Pérez for a leadoff homer, Otto Lopez singled, Esteury Ruiz walked, and Kyle Stowers doubled to drive in two more and make it 3-2 Marlins.

Pérez walked the tightrope for the rest of his five innings of work. It was a mixed bag of an outing – he worked around traffic, made his pitches in big moments, and even racked up a career-high of ten strikeouts. But he would depart after the fifth inning with the Marlins leading 4-2. Not a quality start, but it could’ve been much worse / he did enough to keep the boys within striking distance.

Braxton Garrett settled down after a 30+ pitch first inning, but had a curiously short leash. He was relieved by Anthony Bender who worked a perfect fourth. 

Bender would give up a leadoff double to Acuña Jr. and get Mauricio Dubón to fly out before they made the call to bring in the lefty Andrew Nardi to face Matt Olson. They regretted that immediately when Matt doubled to drive in Ronald, chipping away at the lead to make it 4-3 Marlins.

A Money Mike home run to straightaway center tied the game 4-4 in the top of the sixth.

Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee would combine to work a scoreless bottom of the sixth. Lee stayed in to pitch the seventh to face the top of the Marlins order. Consecutive singles from Lopez and Heriberto Hernández had Miami threatening, but Lee would strand both.

The tie would finally break in a very silly eighth inning. Marlins reliever Calvin Faucher came in and struck out Michael Harris II before issing a free pass to Mike Yastrzemski. Walt Weiss was hoping for a Big Dom Smith Moment, but he’d strike out in Sandy León spot to make it two outs. But the Braves weren’t dead yet. Faucher walked Ha-Seong Kim and Ronald to put a Brave on every base. This, as we know, is Mauricio Dubón’s favorite situation. He would reach on an infield single (featuring a very welcome lapse in Marlins defense), allowing Yaz to score and make it 5-4 Braves.

Matt followed up with a two-run single to make it 7-4. Ozzie’s hard-hit liner to his counterpart Edwards ended the top of the eighth. We’ll take a lucky inning any day.

Chadwick Tromp made his season debut, entering to catch and bat eighth after Dom Smith struck out for León. He’d work with Robert Suarez for a scoreless bottom of the eighth and record a single in his first at-bat in the top of the ninth. Welcome back, Trompy. Please stay healthy.

Ha-Seong Kim singled in Austin Riley for a little extra insurance to make it 8-4. And Raisel Iglesias did Iggy things to close the book on this one. Braves win and even up the series 1-1. Game 3 and 4 will start at 6:40 pm ET.