ITIA responds after reminder about anti-doping rules
Mark Petchey says that the statute is ‘unacceptable’
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has come under fire after it issued a reminder about anti-doping rules, saying players chosen to give samples must remain in full view of chaperones if they choose to take a shower first.
In a note sent to players via the tours that has found its way on to social media, the ITIA said although it had worked hard to ensure that showers after matches can amount to permissible delays to doping control it was not an “entitlement”. It requested players opting to freshen up first to strictly adhere to the requirement to stay in full view of the chaperone observing them at all times, and that failure to do so would be taken extremely seriously by the ITIA.
Aaron Ramsey takes over for last three games of season
Bluebirds currently languishing 23rd in Championship
Aaron Ramsey has been given the task of trying to save Cardiff City from relegation after Omer Riza was sacked on Saturday. The Bluebirds parted company with their manager after a 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Good Friday left them 23rd in the Championship, one point from the last safe spot with three games left.
A statement from the Welsh club read: “Cardiff City can confirm that a decision has been taken to relieve Omer Riza of his duties as first team manager. Aaron Ramsey will lead the club for the remaining three games of the Championship season, beginning with Monday’s match at home to Oxford United.
For the first time since 1993, WrestleMania returns to Las Vegas – but this time even bigger and brighter than before. As has been the case since 2020, WrestleMania will be a two-night event with 13 matches in total scheduled to take place. Given that WrestleMania 41 takes place in "Sin City," could we see Dana White and/or some UFC fighters make an appearance?
Below you will find the full card for WrestleMania 41, with information about how you can watch the premium live event each night.
WrestleMania 41 card, Night 1
Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano
Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
World Tag Team Championship match: The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) (c) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
United States Championship match: LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso
WWE Women's Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
WrestleMania 41 card, Night 2
AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
Sin City street fight: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
Women's Tag Team Championship match: Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria
Fatal four-way match for Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Triple threat match for Women's World Championship: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley
Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena
When is WrestleMania 41?
WrestleMania 41 takes place Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Each night kicks off at 7 p.m. ET.
How to watch WrestleMania 41
In the U.S., WrestleMania 41 will stream live on Peacock, but you must be a premium or premium-plus subscrber to watch. Internationally, WrestleMania 41 will be available to watch on Netflix in most markets.
For extensive coverage on WrestleMania 41, be sure to visit Wrestling Junkie.
Dom Bess has ushered Yorkshire over the 300 line with a boundary but he’s losing partners, Ben Raine has bowled Sears to collect his fourth wickets of the innings.
And Cameron Green, reluctantly, must leave the field at Canterbury – tries to stare down the umpire after he gives him out (unluckily) lbw, but the ump keeps his finger raised until he turns tail. Gloucs 385-9.
Angels teammates Zach Neto, left, and Jo Adell celebrate after a 2-0 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night at Angel Stadium. Neto has proven to be a difference-maker for the Angels. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
This is Star Wars weekend at Angel Stadium, and on Friday the Angels activated their best player from the injured list, so the graphics on the video board pretty much wrote themselves: “Return of the Neto.”
That would be Zach Neto, not Mike Trout. It could be Trout again, but for last year and again in his season debut Friday, the Angels’ best player was Neto.
For Ron Washington, the Angels’ manager, young players earn their stripes, then they earn them all over again. On Friday, Neto batted seventh.
“When you have a superstar like Mike, when he gets going, he’s the type of guy who can carry the team,” Washington said. “We’re not expecting Neto to carry this team.”
There is nothing controversial in that statement. Trout is bound for Cooperstown, a three-time most valuable player. The idea that a third-year shortstop would be the guy on which Angels fans were waiting did not sit well with Neto.
“I'm not the savior,” Neto said. “I'm just here to do my job.”
He might be a savior, if not the savior. As Neto completed his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery, the replacement shortstops in Anaheim batted .159 with a .372 OPS. In 2021, the last season before the adoption of the universal designated hitter, Angels pitchers batted .150 with a .377 OPS.
Zach Neto hits a two-run double against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning Friday. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
You may have heard of the two players immediately behind Neto: Texas shortstop Corey Seager (5.0), winner of a World Series championship with the Dodgers and another with the Rangers; and ex-Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker, now with the Chicago Cubs, who could be the winner of a half-billion dollars in free agency in the coming winter.
“If what he did last year is his ceiling, we’re in trouble,” Washington said of Neto, “meaning that there’s a lot more.”
In his first at-bat of the season, against San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb, Neto rocketed a 106-mph one-hopper that sent Giants shortstop Willy Adames staggering.
As the ball headed into the left-center field alley, Neto raced around first base and dove headfirst into second. The hustle double drove in Nolan Schanuel with the game’s first run, and Neto subsequently scored the game’s second run on an error by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman.
The Angels had returned home dragging a four-game losing streak, and Trout said Neto was just what the doctor ordered. For the past week, as Neto completed his minor league rehabilitation assignment, Trout said Neto repeatedly texted him.
“He was bugging me to go to the front office and tell them to bring him back,” Trout said.
“His energy, you can feed off that. The last couple games, the energy has been down a little bit, unlike the first week and a half of the season. We’ve got to pick it up. He’s got some talent, and he knows it.”
Said Neto: “Everybody has a bad road trip. Every team is bound to have one. The Dodgers had one. And unfortunately, it was our turn. So, you know, we're just here to come back in the homestand, kind of get back on the winning side of it. And keep everything rolling.”
The season is 19 games old, far too soon to draw any conclusions, but the early signs for Trout have leaned toward the unfavorable. Of the nine players in Friday’s lineup, Trout was the only one who finished the game with a batting average below .200.
He leads the team with six home runs. But he is batting .171, and he struck out in all three at-bats Friday. In his last six games, he has two hits — both singles — with one walk and 13 strikeouts in 22 at-bats.
The Angels lead the AL in attendance, with a fireworks show and Star Wars giveaway item on deck Saturday. They are one game above .500, in second place in a division in which every team has given up more runs than it has scored.
As former major league pitcher Joaquin Andujar once said, “You can sum up the game of baseball in one word: You never know.” We don’t yet know about these Angels, but we know their chances are better with Neto.
We asked for your views on whether Barry Ferguson should remain Rangers manager beyond this season.
Here's what some of you said:
Robert: Barry is a Rangers legend but the job is far too big for him. I hope the takeover happens and we get a massive overhaul on players, especially top defenders, as we need it.
Wullie: Yes, keep Barry as manger or in some role at the club, Rangers need a Rangers man there. The other side across the city have done this with John Kennedy for years and it seems to have worked with them.
Frazer: Barry should get the job, time and again Rangers have made the wrong decision in terms of management. When you watch Barry and the staff, you just see that touchline oozing passion. Whether we're 2-0 up or 2-0 down, the staff are driving that Rangers energy into the players and I've been pleased with their game management. I'd much rather that spirit than a fancy CV. I think that they know the Scottish game better than most that we can bring in, they just need time and investment.
Chris: Ferguson isn't fit to be the manager. His previous experience is pathetic so how does he even get a chance at this job? Inexperienced and inept and will lean on his past to try and get the job. Serious retrograde step if he was appointed.
David: Ferguson hasn't exactly had a stellar career as a manager. This Rangers team were already somehow getting it together in Europe before he came along, so not much of it is down to him. He was brought in to appease the supporters at a difficult time, that shouldn't be the basis for a permanent position.
Klay Thompson probably didn’t envision enduring the 2024-25 NBA season he did once leaving the Warriors for the Dallas Mavericks last summer.
But he refused to look back on that life-changing decision with any regret after the Mavericks’ turbulent season officially ended Friday with a play-in loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Immediately following the 120-106 loss at FedExForum, the four-time NBA champion was asked if he still would’ve joined Dallas knowing everything he knows now.
“Don’t do this to me. Don’t do that to me,” Thompson said (h/t The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis). “Don’t do that. That’s kind of a ridiculous question because I don’t own a time machine and I don’t believe in going back or looking back.
“If I did that my whole career, I would not be where I’m at and I wouldn’t have been able to persevere through two really hard injuries. I’m here in Dallas and I enjoyed my time and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Klay Thompson was asked by Tim MacMahon if he would've joined the Mavs last summer knowing everything he knows now…
About as professional of an answer he could’ve given. Truly respect Klay and have loved his time in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/ts27tuln9T
Thompson’s always worn his heart on his sleeve, so his compassionate response doesn’t come as a surprise.
The sharpshooter spent the first 11 seasons of his career with Golden State, forming a dynasty alongside fellow Splash Bro Steph Curry and veteran forward Draymond Green. But after nearly a decade of running the league, Thompson sought change and landed in Dallas, a team fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.
Thompson joined a Mavericks team led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, but things quickly changed. In a blockbuster move that stunned the entire sports world, Dallas traded Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
Less than one month later, Irving tore his ACL in a loss to the Sacramento Kings and missed the remainder of the season.
Davis made his highly anticipated Mavericks debut on Feb. 8, but he suffered a left adductor strain the same night and missed the next 18 games. Somehow, Dallas still finished as the No. 10 seed and kept its playoff hopes alive with a dominant win over the Kings in the first play-in game before collapsing to the Grizzlies on Friday and ultimately ending a rollercoaster season.
Despite all that — and it was a lot — Thompson won’t hold his head down about joining the Mavericks.
In his first season with Dallas, Thompson averaged 14 points on 41.2-percent shooting from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range, with 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.3 minutes through 72 games.
Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson TatumComposite: Getty Images
Is the regular season in crisis?
Absolutely not. Could it stand to be a little shorter? Sure. Do the referees need to be more judicious with when they intervene? I’d argue they do. But the real problem the NBA faces is, in my opinion, a PR one. Its loudest voices should spend less time pearl-clutching and more time celebrating. Claire de Lune
Star players sit, games blur together and offense is unchecked. I don’t know if I’d call it a crisis, but put it this way: Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video did not pay $76bn for this product. They’re betting that it will be fixed. The answer might be structural: tweak the rules to restore physicality. If defense matters again, maybe the games will too. Bryan Armen Graham
Well, if you count rights-holding networks badmouthing the product, the league blacking out local games and underselling on-court storylines as a crisis – then yes. If you count the in-season tournament, load management player protocols and the endless GOAT debates as a crisis – then also yes. I’m not suggesting fewer games (82 always felt right); I’m suggesting everyone take them more seriously. Talking to you, Adam Silver. Andrew Lawrence
Can I be in a crisis when my organization commands $76bn in broadcast rights fees? That sad, a few tweaks might help. Spice up the in-season tournament by working point spreads into real-life results - eg the Celtics need to cover v the Hornets to move on – and awarding a conditional first-round draft pick known as “The Emirate” to the winner. Bring international play into the All-Star Weekend format and if you must, trim three or four games off the schedule. Oh, and please, please, lower ticket prices. Thank you! David Lengel
There are multiple issues with the NBA such as an overindulgence of three-pointers, the forgettable All-Star game and perpetual foul-hunting. However, the notion of a crisis is a bit overblown. The Western Conference remained highly competitive until the final day of the season, the playoffs feature a mix of All-NBA veterans and rising young stars, and the NBA’s primetime viewership is up double digits from last season. There is space for improvement, but the league is far from being in crisis. AR Shaw
Team that will be most missed from the playoffs
It’s a shame that Kevin Durant, one of the most skilled scorers this game has ever seen, isn’t going to make so much as a play-in-tournament appearance this year. To say the Phoenix Suns have been a disappointment is a woeful understatement, but it’s less the team I’ll be missing and more the inimitable presence of the Slim Reaper. CDL
The Suns. Say what you will about their flaws, but they had three of the NBA’s best shot-makers in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal and still couldn’t make it work. A brutal cap sheet and murky future means this might have been their last real shot. BAG
Can I be selfish and say the Chicago Bulls? For the first time since their ethereal first-half campaign to the 2021-22 season, the Bulls have been genuinely fun to watch – and the life of the party has been Josh Giddey, the triple-double threat who harks to the days when a healthy Lonzo Ball was leading the break. He showed enough to earn a long-term extension and another running mate to help get Chicago into the play-in stage. AL
The team or the players? I’m already missing KD and his band of grumpy, really upset Suns, and of course, we’re all praying to the god of your choice that Victor Wembanyama will be back next season. Overall, the Philadelphia 76ers mess is always a good follow, and I think we’ll all miss the day-to-day drama Joel Embiid and friends bring to the first round of the playoffs. DL
The San Antonio Spurs. The debut of “Playoff Wemby” appeared to be a possibility after the Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox before the trade deadline. But season-ending injuries to Wembanyama and Fox spoiled San Antonio’s playoff hopes. The combination of Wembanyama, Fox, the savvy veteran Chris Paul and rookie sensation Stephon Castle would have created havoc in the postseason. With better health, we can expect the Spurs to do damage in next year’s playoffs. ARS
High seed at risk of going out early
Vegas doesn’t have a lot of faith in second seeded-Houston in the playoffs, and neither do I. It’s commendable (hat tip to head coach Ime Udoka) that a super-young Rockets team were able to go from missing the play-in tournament last year to ending this year as the No 2 seed, but an unproven, youth-heavy, offensively challenged roster will likely get exposed in their first postseason outing. CDL
The Cleveland Cavaliers have depth, structure and a sparkling record, but playoff basketball is a different beast. Darius Garland has shrunk from the moment before, Evan Mobley remains a work in progress on offense and Donovan Mitchell can’t carry the load alone. If the tempo dips and the shots stop falling, this slick machine could unravel fast – especially against a battle-tested opponent. BAG
The New York Knicks, who blew a 28-point lead while losing to the top-seeded Cavaliers last Saturday to fall to 0-10 against top-three NBA teams. Point guard Jalen Brunson is one of a number of their key players dealing with injuries – none of which can be blamed on Tom Thibodeau’s withering instruction anymore, apparently. All of this sets them up poorly for their matchup against the resurgent Pistons and Cade Cunningham, a Knick-killer in the making. (He averaged better than 30 points, eight assists and five boards against them.) AL
Isn’t that the Knicks? Their fanbase certainly thinks so. A year ago New York were the out-hustle, out-muscle team that wanted it more than you. Today, they’re a fancy score-at-will side minus the edgy intangibles their fans lauded. Coincidentally, their opponents from Detroit have become the NBA’s newest junkyard dogs, ready to rip through the softened flesh of their now-bougie competition. Knicks fans can only hope the Pistons aren’t quite ready to pull it off. DL
The Rockets. Coach Ime Udoka did the unexpected by leading the Rockets to the No 2 seed in the rigorous Western Conference. But achieving the second-best record in the West appears to be a pyrrhic victory as Houston are underdogs against the Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler-led Golden State Warriors. The scrappy Rockets will make each game uncomfortable for the more playoff-experienced Warriors, but expect an early exit for Houston’s youth movement. ARS
Long shot to win
Two of the greatest playoff performers of their generation are now on the same team. I refuse to count out Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and the Warriors. They have a high-level defense, a lot of perimeter athleticism, and two guys who, on any given night, have a chance of being the best player on the floor. That sounds like a dark-horse contender to me. CDL
The Warriors. They started the season a hot mess. But since acquiring Jimmy Butler, they have been rolling. Steph is still Steph, Draymond Green is locking up again and their defense has quietly surged. With championship DNA and a renewed edge, they’re peaking at the perfect time. BAG
It’s weird to call a team that has Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ty Lue on the sideline a dark horse. But so it goes when that team is the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Lakers and the Warriors helped the fairytale championship narrative with their blockbuster mid-season trades, the Clippers have been solid, steady and Leonard is looking like the Leonard of old .This could be their year. AL
The Clippers are a scorching hot No 5 seed who went 18-3 with eight straight wins to finish the regular season. That included a dramatic overtime victory at Golden State in their 82nd game to avoid the dreaded play-in. That’s mojo and that’s LA when Kawhi Leonard shows up, laces up and plays basketball. Now, if James Harden actually carries his regular-season skillset into the playoffs, these Clips could actually crack the colorful western cohort and sail into the finals. DL
The Clippers. Finishing the season with an 18-3 record, the Clippers are the most feared team heading into the playoffs. While LeBron James and Luka Dončić are the more celebrated NBA stars in Tinseltown, the Clippers have embraced the underdog role and are a dark horse to change the narrative with a Hollywood ending in the NBA finals. ARS
Most important player this postseason
It’s rare that the player upon which the pendulum swings is the same in two consecutive years, but once again, it’s Luka Dončić. I see the Lakers as having just as good of a chance as anyone to win the title this year. But as evidenced by the Lakers’ recent duel with the Warriors, when he isn’t firing on all cylinders, that chance diminishes exponentially. Los Angeles need Dončić to be a top-tier superstar for four rounds to hoist the trophy. CDL
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP candidate all year. Now comes the real test. OKC are deep, disciplined and dangerous, but their ceiling depends on SGA’s ability to create in crunch time. If he owns the moment, the Thunder could fast-track their rise from rebuild to finals. BAG
After the Jimmy Butler trade, the Warriors went from Cancun-bound after the regular season to title contenders once again. More than just the best running mate Curry has had since Kevin Durant, Butler can carry the offensive load when Curry’s off the floor and take over games defensively. How the Warriors ever got away with him still boggles the brain. AL
After dominating the regular season with a 68-14 record, Oklahoma City enter a postseason where anything short of a championships would be a disappointment. All of it rests on the wide Canadian shoulders of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As the head of the snake and the odds-on MVP favorite, SGA is solely responsible for delivering the hardware to OKC. And it’s a fair amount of pressure, especially after the Thunder were ousted last season by Luka’s Mavericks in the West semis. DL
LeBron James will be the most important player in the postseason until he retires. James is not only competing against current NBA players, he receives the most praise and ridicule when compared to his Hall of Fame predecessors. Win or lose, James will be the most discussed player in the off-season. If he captures another title at 40, it adds to the lore and never-ending debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time. ARS
Eastern Conference finals
Celtics over Cavaliers CDL
Celtics over Pacers BAG
Celtics over Cavaliers AL
Celtics over Pacers DL
Celtics over Cavaliers ARS
Western Conference finals
Lakers over Thunder CDL
Thunder over Warriors BAG
Warriors over Clippers AL
Clippers over Lakers DL
Lakers over Clippers ARS
Your NBA champion will be ...
Los Angeles Lakers. I’ll be accused of homerism for this pick, which I am prepared for. But I know a team on a special run when I see one, and the Lakers are that team. For Luka Dončić to get a ring in the same season he was unceremoniously shipped off by Dallas, for LeBron James to have a chance at a fifth championship before he retires, is something I can’t see either of these generational talents letting slip through their fingers. Lakers v Celtics will be a battle for the ages, and it’s truly a coin toss between the two in my estimation. But if the Lakers can get through the entire gauntlet that awaits them in the West, I simply don’t see them letting the chance at saying “job finished” pass them by. CDL
Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve recorded the highest net rating in NBA history – better than the ‘96 Bulls or KD Warriors – but still feel oddly overlooked. SGA is playing at an MVP level, Jalen Williams is a rising star and Chet Holmgren shores up the middle. Their elite perimeter defense, depth and cohesion make them dangerous in any series. They may be young, but they’re relentless, unselfish and unafraid. This isn’t a fluke; it’s a coronation in waiting. BAG
Golden State Warriors. They’ve got the best shooter who ever lived, one of the game’s all-time defenders and the best end-to-end player. Add Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ dynamite bench to the equation, and it’s tough to see the team losing out on a chance to win their fifth championship in 10 years. And if they happen to beat the Lakers along the way, the GOAT debate is going into overdrive – and history might ultimately peg LeBron as the loser. AL
Boston Celtics. The wild second-half run of the Kawhi Clippers will finally come to an end when the clock strikes midnight against the Eastern Conference titans. Even the version of Harden who shows up for the playoffs isn’t enough to beat the Celtics, who overcome Jaylen Brown’s bum knee to oust the Clippers in seven. That’s because a healthy Kristaps Porzingis fills all voids and all baskets, propelling the dominant Jayson Tatum to swiftly avenge his Olympic benching while winning a second consecutive championship. DL
Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks handed the Lakers a generational gift with the Luka Dončić trade, and LA will reap the benefits in June. The trade elevated the Lakers’ playoff chances from a second-round exit to legit title contenders, but the Lakers will face the toughest path to the finals with a first-round matchup against Anthony Edwards and the possibility of facing Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard or leading MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in later rounds. Dončić and LeBron have both carried teams to the NBA Ffnals, and together, they have the offensive capabilities to overwhelm the most elite players and their teams. Expect the Lakers and Celtics to continue their historic rivalry with another showdown in the NBA finals with the Lakers as the last team standing. ARS
Tyler Herro led the Heat scoring once again [Getty Images]
The Miami Heat became the first 10th-seeded team to reach the NBA play-offs through the play-in tournament as they scored an overtime success against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Heat began the four-team Eastern Conference qualification tournament needing to win consecutive road games to advance.
After beating the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, they followed up with a 123-114 overtime success over the Hawks to set up a first-round meeting with conference top seeds the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one, with play-off games in both conferences beginning on Saturday.
Anthony Davis, who moved to Dallas as part of the Doncic trade, received medical treatment for groin and lower back injury problems throughout Friday's game but still led his side with 40 points and nine rebounds.
The Heat had bounced back from a 10-game losing streak last month to reach the post-season tournament and dominated the opening half against the Hawks, leading by 17 points at one stage before taking a 62-53 lead into the break.
However, the Hawks stormed back and were 98-92 up with five minutes and six seconds remaining.
A Tyler Herro free throw edged the Heat 106-104 up with 12 seconds left, only for Trae Young to score a late lay-up and send the game to overtime.
The Heat found their range from the perimeter in the extra period with Davion Mitchell sinking three three-pointers and Herro adding two more to secure the win.
"I loved how my team fought," said Herro, who finished on a game-high 30 points. "Every single run that they made, we answered. And I feel like this entire season has really built us up for this point."
Morant beats injury to help Grizzlies advance
In Memphis, Ja Morant shrugged off a sprained right ankle for 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals for the Grizzlies.
The 25-year-old two-time All-Star suffered the injury in his side's opening play-in loss to the Golden State Warriors and was only cleared to play shortly before the start of Friday's game.
"Got an MRI, ultrasound, met with different doctors, got a shot, slept, woke up, came to the gym about 5:30, went through walkthrough," Morant said.
"After that, sat for about 30 minutes until it was time to see another doctor and get an injection and start my pre-game stuff."
Asked after the game how the ankle held up, he said, with a laugh, "I couldn't feel it, that's why I was out there."
Zach Edey added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies while Scotty Pippen Jr hit 13 points.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd paid tribute to his players after their season.
"We had an incredible season when you look at the injuries that we've had, the Doncic trade, and for us to even be here playing in this game is incredible," Kidd said.
"It shows the character of that group in the locker room, the fight, and being prepared. It was an incredible season and with the change and injuries, some people were saying we shouldn't be here."
Several Seattle Kraken prospects made their mark on Friday night as the Western Hockey League playoff semi-finals continued with high-stakes battles and standout performances.
Lethbridge at Calgary – Game 5 - Hurricanes Lead Series 3-2
Caden Price and the Lethbridge Hurricanes were on the verge of a clean sweep, heading into Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead over the Calgary Hitmen. But Calgary had other plans. In a thrilling overtime finish, the Hitmen edged out the Hurricanes 6-5, extending the series. Game 6 is set for Saturday, April 19th in Lethbridge, where Price and the Hurricanes will look to close it out on home ice.
Spokane at Victoria – Game 4 - Series Tied 2-2
Spokane Chiefs captain Berkly Catton delivered a statement performance in a wild 9-6 win over the Victoria Royals. Catton notched three points with two assists and a goal—his sixth of the postseason—helping his team even the series. Game 5 shifts to Victoria on Saturday. Catton, the 8th overall pick by Seattle in 2024, is Spokane’s highest NHL draft pick since Pat Falloon went 2nd in 1991. He was also recently named WHL Player of the Week for the week ending April 6, 2025.
Portland at Everett – Game 5 - Winterhawks Lead Series 3-2
It was a battle of wills between the top-seeded Everett Silvertips and the red-hot Portland Winterhawks. Kaden Hammell scored his fourth playoff goal, tying the game 2-2 late in the second. Teammate Julius Miettinen followed suit with his fifth goal of the postseason, once again leveling the score at 3-3 in the third. But Portland’s Hudson Darby broke the deadlock late, securing a 4-3 win and giving the Winterhawks their third straight victory in the series. Game 6 will take place Saturday in Portland, with Everett needing a win to force a decisive Game 7.
Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News or Join the discussion with others in your hockey community on the Seattle Kraken Forum.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two-time All-Star Ja Morant promised a sprained right ankle wouldn’t keep him out of Memphis’ play-in game against Dallas with the Western Conference’s last postseason berth up for grabs Friday night.
Morant did more than just play. He delivered a thrilling start that included a high-flying, one-handed slam of a dunk that had teammate Desmond Bane yelling “Showtime!” at him in celebration as Morant elevated so much his eyes were level with the rim.
The guard scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half, and Memphis never trailed in a 120-106 victory to take the No. 8 seed and a spot Sunday in Game 1 at top-seeded Oklahoma City.
“I couldn’t feel it ... so I was out there,” Morant said with a laugh.
Morant had been listed as questionable earlier Friday as the training staff worked to get him ready to play. His status was officially announced about 30 minutes before the tip.
The guard was injured in the third quarter Tuesday night at Golden State with the No. 7 seed on the line. Morant rolled the ankle coming down on Buddy Hield’s foot. Morant limped off the court and returned in the fourth quarter when he was held to four points as the Grizzlies lost 121-116.
Morant took the court late in warm-ups to test his ankle. His young daughter joined him on the court. ESPN reported during the game that Morant had a second shot for his ankle a couple hours before tipoff.
The guard occasionally limped to the free throw line, but that was about the only sign Morant was playing hurt. He finished with nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals before interim coach Tuomas Iisalo pulled his starters in the final couple minutes to some rest. Morant wound up playing 33 minutes helping the Grizzlies finish off a wire-to-wire win.
Injuries limited Morant to 50 games during this regular season. He has played 19 playoff games in Memphis’ three postseason berths with the No. 2 pick overall in the 2019 draft.
NEW YORK — Francisco Lindor homered off Ryan Fernandez leading off the ninth inning, and the New York Mets survived a late blown lead to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 on Friday night.
Brendan Donovan had homered off Huascar Brazobán (1-0) starting the the top of the ninth, tying it at 4 with a drive off the netting of the right field foul pole.
Lindor drove a cutter on the third pitch from Fernandez (0-2) into the right field second deck for his 250th homer and his first walk-off homer with the Mets.
Torrens had tied the score with an RBI double in the eighth, his fifth hit in 13 at-bats with runners in scoring position.
St. Louis batters struck out 15 times.
Juan Soto, in a 3-for-31 slide, capped a two-run fifth with a tying RBI single that drove in Tyrone Taylor, who had tripled in the Mets’ first run.
Nolan Arenado’s RBI single put the Cardinals back ahead 3-2 in the sixth but Vientos tied the score against Kyle Leahy when he homered for the second straight night.
Opposite-field run-scoring singles to right by Pedro Pagés and Jordan Walker had built a 2-0 lead.
Mets starter David Peterson allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings with nine strikeouts and no walks.
Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas lowered his ERA from 9.00 to 7.64, giving up two runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Donovan extended his hitting streak to 14 games, the longest in the major leagues this season.
Brandon Nimmo entered in a 1-for-15 slump, was dropped as low as sixth in the order for first time since April 5, 2021.
Key moment
Arenado, the Cardinals’ 10-time Gold Glove third baseman, made a diving tag on Luisangel Acuña for the first out of the eighth. Acuña overslid the base on Brandon Nimmo’s grounder to him.
Key stat
Pete Alonso hit his eighth career triple, his first since July 22, 2023, and was stranded in the first.
Up next
Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-1, 3.93) and Mets RHP Kodai Senga (2-1, 1.06) start Saturday.
The team announced Proctor’s move in a social-media post Friday night. The 6-foot-6, 183-pound junior from Australia was a three-year starter and one of Jon Scheyer’s first incoming recruits when he took over for retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski.
