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Today in White Sox History: June 8

Pitchers for the Chicago White Sox (left to right), Jack Hallett, John Rigney and Thornton Lee, are seen here at Brookside Park warming up for practice today during spring training. | Location: Brookside Park, Pasadena, California, USA.
When not posing for cheeky Spring Training photos, Thornton Lee (lefthander, far right) could mow down the Yankees in complete-game wins.

1908
Here’s all you need to know about how close the pennant race started, as in just four days, with four wins, the White Sox leaped from sixth in the American League to a tie for first place. All in all these wins came as part of a 13-game winning streak that still stands as the franchise’s third-longest. The hot run swung the White Sox five games in the standings, from 2 ½ down in the race to 2 ½ ahead, in first place. However, the White Sox remained there for just 11 games, as the club dropped as far back as 7 ½ games in the race before a furious finish that found them falling just short: 88-64 and 1 ½ games from meeting the Cubs in a second Crosstown World Series in three seasons.

1937
The final win of a 10-game streak (which remains tied for seventh-longest in team history) pushed the White Sox into a tie for first place in the American League. This time, it was the Yankees as victim, falling at Comiskey Park, 5-4. Thornton Lee gave up homers to both Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig in the contest, but went the distance and otherwise scattering nine hits total. The firepower from the top of the White Sox lineup — the top five hitters all had at least two hits,with leadoff man Rip Radcliff clocking in with three — was the difference in the game

At the time the 10-game winning streak started on May 30, the White Sox sat in sixth place in the AL, six games out. And the team the White Sox tied, for just one day, atop the American League? The Yankees, whom they’d just toppled! Both clubs possessed 25-17 records by game’s end.

1947
Luke Appling Day was celebrated at Comiskey Park. The future Hall-of-Famer was among the all-time Sox leaders in numerous categories and won a batting title in 1936, hitting a remarkable .388, and repeated as batting champ in 1943 with a .328 average. He went 1-for-6 in the first game of a doubleheader against Washington, as the Sox lost, 1-0, in 18 innings. (The 18 innings is tied for the 10th-longest game in White Sox history.)

Appling sat out the nightcap, an 8-2 White Sox win.

1951
Chicago-area native Marv Rotblatt became the first pitcher to enter a game while being driven in from the center-field bullpen. Rotblatt relieved starter Ken Holcombe in the eighth inning of Chicago’s 4-2 loss to the Yankees — who stood in their dugout and watched the pitching change in amazement.

And the White Sox picked a great time to unveil this innovation, as a franchise-record 53,940 fans packed Comiskey Park (the record was later broken, but this game remains the third-highest attendance ever in Chicago for a White Sox game as well as the biggest night game crowd ever). The crowd represented 4.1% of the entire season’s attendance (1,328,234), over 77 home dates. And in just two days, another 52,054 fans would watch a doubleheader against these same Yankees.

In the 1960s, Sox pitchers were brought into the game in golf carts, and in 1966, a converted snowmobile that was fitted with special skis so as to not harm the grass, performed the task. 

1969
The White Sox proved to be polite guests at Yankee Stadium, dropping a doubleheader (3-1 and 11-2) on Mickey Mantle Day. A crowd of 60,096 showed up to see Mantle’s No. 7 retired.

Also on this day, the White Sox traded reliever Bob Locker to the Seattle Pilots for Gary Bell. It was the first and only trade the White Sox had with the Pilots, who moved to Milwaukee in 1970 to become the Brewers. Locker was suffering a horrendous start to the season, with a 6.55 ERA/5.51 FIP over 17 games on the South Side. However, he was revitalized in Seattle and settled in as Pilots closer over 51 games, with a 2.18 ERA/2.94 FIP and six saves. The rebirth extended Locker’s career, as he would pitch effectively until 1972; in fact, Locker would never have a full season ERA of worse than the 3.15 he spun as a White Sox rookie in 1965.

By contrast, Bell was just as bad in Chicago as Locker had been and would never again pitch in the majors after 1969.

1981
The new-look White Sox found themselves on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Slugger Greg Luzinski was featured with the headline, “The Sox’ New Sock.”

The White Sox beat Toronto that day, 8-2, moving to 28-22 and starting a six-game winning streak.

2001
White Sox outfielder Carlos Lee became the first player to hit a walk-off, extra-inning grand slam in interleague play (including the World Series). His blast in the 10th inning came with two outs, and blew up the Cubs 7-3 at Comiskey Park, in front of a record-setting 45,936 fans. The shot was off of Courtney Duncan. Lee had five RBIs that evening.

It was the fifth walk-off grand slam in White Sox history.

2008
The White Sox tied a major league record when they scored 10 or more runs with 15 or more hits in three consecutive games. The Sox powered past Minnesota three straight times, on their way to a four-game series sweep. The record-setting scores were 10-6, 11-2 and 12-2. The Sox hit eight home runs in the three games, with four coming off the bat of Joe Crede. He had two home runs in consecutive games, tying the team record.

It was just the 24th time in American League history that a club scored 10 or more runs with 15 or more hits in three consecutive games. The White Sox also accomplished the feat in 1920.

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Cubs' Matthew Boyd expects to return from IL on upcoming trip

CHICAGO — Cubs opening day starter Matthew Boyd has completed a minor league rehab assignment and is expected to return to Chicago’s rotation by next weekend.

Boyd, an All-Star in 2025, is coming back from a second stint on the injured list this season. He’s recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, a freak injury he suffered while he was playing with his kids at home on May 4.

The 35-year-old left-hander completed a five-inning rehab start at Triple-A Iowa, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out seven. He threw 83 pitches, 64 for strikes.

Boyd was in the Cubs’ clubhouse before their game against San Francisco. His return figures to be a boost to Chicago’s injury-wracked rotation.

“He’s healthy. Everything’s good,” manager Craig Counsell said. “Got to the 80-pitch mark, which is a good thing. So he’ll be active on this road trip at some point.”

Boyd missed three weeks in April with a biceps strain. He’s made only five starts in 2026 and is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA. Last season, Boyd was 14-8 with 3.21 ERA in 31 starts.

Slumping Swanson sits again

Two-time Gold Glove-winning shortstop Dansby Swanson was held out of the Cubs’ lineup for a second straight game because of ongoing struggles at the plate.

The 32-year-old Swanson entered batting .180, third worst among regular players in the majors. Over his last 14 games, the two-time All-Star has six hits in 46 at-bats for a .130 average.

Counsell said Swanson probably would start when the Cubs open a three-game series at Colorado. After that, the Cubs will play a weekend series against the Giants in San Francisco.

Nico Hoerner moved from second base to shortstop again. Pedro Ramirez was at second for slumping Chicago, which entered having lost 19 of 26.

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See new MSG security wall for Trump, NBA Finals Game 3 in New York

NEW YORK – The NBA has warned fans that United States President Donald Trump's expected appearance at NBA Finals Game 3 would lead to extra security measures, and they were already visible around Madison Square Garden nearly 12 hours before the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs tip off on Monday, June 8.

A security wall around the perimeter of the "World's Most Famous Arena" in midtown Manhattan is in place, according to multiple videos and photos on social media that surfaced Monday morning. NYPD officials said during a news conference about 12 hours before the scheduled start time for Game 3 that the police's security perimeter will run from West 35th Street to West 30th Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue around Madison Square Garden.

All fans will encounter TSA-style magnetometer screening before entering the arena, according to Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service, who encouraged those attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals to arrive at MSG at least two hours before Monday's 8:30 p.m. ET tip.

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"The Secret Service's focus is straightforward," McCool said, "to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States. To enforce that mission, there will be enhanced law enforcement and security presence in and around Madison Square Garden."

Starting at 4 p.m. ET, according to the NYPD, only those with a ticket to the game or a train ticket, those going to a store, or those with proper credentials for another authorized reason to be there will be allowed into the secure area. There are five designated screening areas in which to enter the security perimeter. Backpacks, bags and alcohol will not be permitted inside the perimeter, aside from travelers going to Penn Station.

A Secret Service sign on a security fence at Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Federal law enforcement will be visible throughout Madison Square Garden, with drones and anti-drone technology in use to protect and reassure fans at the game. The locker rooms will also be closed to reporters before the game "due to the presence of the President and related security concerns," the NBA announced.

“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else," Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox told reporters, according to the San Antonio Express-News. "...We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”

McCool reiterated that "we do not want you to miss tip off" on Monday while emphasizing an early arrival to the game.

"The message is simple," New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "Celebrate the Knicks, but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets to the game or some other valid reason to be there."

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A planned watch party for Game 3 outside Madison Square Garden has been canceled, Tisch confirmed, though there are plans for the watch party to return for Game 4 on Wednesday. McCool emphasized there will be a "strict no-bag policy" inside Madison Square Garden on Monday.

Nearly 7,000 fans showed up at Madison Square Garden to watch New York's 105-104 victory in San Antonio during Game 2 and authorities said 26 people were detained, with 17 arrested and charged.

There was an attempted assassination of Trump on April 25 at the White House Correspondents Dinner, which abruptly ended after a gunman stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton and opened fire at U.S. Secret Service agents. Trump also attended the U.S. Open tennis final in New York in September 2025 and the long security lines outside Arthur Ashe Stadium forced event organizers to push back the start of the match about 30 minutes.

Bomb-sniffing dogs and bag searches at Madison Square Garden media check-in

At the media entrance at the northwest corner of the arena, near Eighth Avenue and 33rd Street, a line of credentialed press formed outside a police barrier. Gradually, groups of around 10 members of the press were allowed to enter, where the Secret Service officers screened each person.

Aside from the use of metal detectors, officers opened each bag and manually removed and inspected each item from the person's bag. Laptops and phones were turned to to be verified, and bomb-sniffing dogs were also providing additional screening of larger bags. There were also officers using hand wands.

Overall, despite the significant media presence and despite the additional screening measures, the process moved along in an orderly fashion.

This story has been updated with additional information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYPD, Secret Service shut down MSG area for Trump at NBA Finals Game 3

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Golden Knights were the NHL’s best 3rd-period team until 2 Hurricanes comebacks

LAS VEGAS — The NHL’s best third-period team this season suddenly can’t hold a lead.

Vegas paid for it in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at Carolina and barely escaped after an even more improbable Hurricanes comeback in Game 3.

The Golden Knights’ 5-4 double-overtime victory in Game 3 put them two wins from their second Stanley Cup in four years.

To get there, they will not only need to get ahead, but stay there, beginning with Game 4 in Las Vegas.

That generally hasn’t been a problem for the Golden Knights, whose plus-47 goal differential in the regular season was the league’s best. They also were adept and closing out games in the playoffs, posting an NHL-leading plus-10 differential before Game 2.

Then came a lost 2-0 lead that night and 4-0 advantage that was erased in Game 3. Both leads held well into the third period.

An anomaly for the Golden Knights or something more concerning?

“It’s playoff hockey,” Vegas coach John Tortorella said. “A lot of stuff happens. I’m not concerned about it.”

In both games, the Golden Knights appeared to be in full control as the minutes in the third period were ticking down.

Their defense in Game 2 kept the Hurricanes from mounting much of a threat until Carolina finally broke through with three goals. The Golden Knights seemed even more in control in Game 3, with Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour appearing to concede by changing goalies after the second period.

The Golden Knights very well could be up 3-0 and going for the sweep, but the feeling is similar on the other side. Carolina blew its own lead in the opener, scoring two quick goals in the first period only to let Vegas rally.

“We’re one shot away from being 3-0 in two games,” Brind’Amour said. “So I think there’s a ton of positives. They’re a good team. They’ve got good players. We could’ve won this game.”

Teams with 2-1 series leads in the Stanley Cup Final have gone on to win 80.7% of the time. But if the Hurricanes win Game 4, suddenly it’s a best-of-three with potentially two of those games at Carolina, including what would be a winner-take-all Game 7.

The Hurricanes can look at how Game 3 ended and wonder how differently the series might be playing out. Shea Theodore shot the puck off the boards and got a perfect bounce as the puck deflected off the back of goalie Brandon Bussi’s skate and went into the net. It was Carolina’s second own-goal of the game.

The Golden Knights also could argue that game never should have come down to such a shot.

With the game scoreless in the second period, the Golden Knights had two goals wiped out by Carolina challenges, the first for offside and the second for goalie interference. The Hurricanes’ tying goal came on a mad scramble in front of Carter Hart’s net, and Tortorella opted not to challenge for goaltender interference.

He said the officials got all three calls correct, but was still fuming about his failed challenge for goaltender interference in a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 2.

“The one the other night was wrong,” Tortorella said. “I don’t care what any of you guys (media) said. It was wrong. The puck was there and it was poked. I don’t know what all this crap and this rule, you can’t overrule the official, some of the stuff you guys talk about, it’s ridiculous. I just wish we had the rule that if the puck wasn’t tied up and it went in the net, it’s a good goal.”

In addition to the video reviews that went the other way, the Golden Knights had chances to build on their four-goal lead.

Mitch Marner, whose hat trick in the second period was the fastest in Cup Final history at 6:10, was turned away early in the third period on a breakaway and soon after on a penalty shot.

“Even when Mitch had the penalty shot, I’m thinking, we need to score that one,” Tortorella said. “I’m not lying to you because they came back and scored four. I’m thinking, we need another one just to keep on going.”

The Golden Knights found a way to survive, and now they hope after Game 4 they will be just one win from taking it all.

“I think at the end of the day we’re a resilient group,” Theodore said. “We’ve had I don’t know how many comebacks in the regular season and just grinding to get to this point. We stay calm. We stay collected. Obviously, in the third period, we have to take a better hold of that, but I like the way we reset in overtime and especially the second overtime.”

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NBA mock draft 16.0: Projecting entire first round

As fans watch the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, front offices are using the final weeks to scout the 2026 NBA Draft.

The postseason has taught us which type of players are able to get on the floor and earn rotational minutes in key moments, which can hep inform where players might get selected during draft nights at Barclays Center on June 23 and June 24.

Expect second-round picks to consist of seniors (including Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, Baba Miller, Ryan Conwell, Braden Smith, Richie Saunders, Jaden Bradley, and Trevon Brazile) automatically eligible for the draft.

Following conversations with decision-makers around the league and other reporting, here are our latest predictions.

Note: All heights and wingspans (as well as the distance between the two) are listed to the nearest inch and players were measured without shoes.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  • TEAM: BYU
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Massachusetts
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and benefited tremendously from a lottery win. They had the second-worst offense in the league and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner.

While the battle for No. 1 is far from over, the former five-star recruit emphasized his case during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances. 

He would be a fascinating fit next to Trae Young and Anthony Davis, who could help him play alongside veteran talent early in his career.

2. Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer

Cameron Boozer participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  • TEAM: Duke
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Florida
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+5)
  • DRAFT AGE: 18

While nearly every mainstream mock draft has the Jazz selecting Darryn Peterson to join Keyonte George in the backcourt, this is far from a foregone conclusion. Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his sole NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors.

The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, though he performed better than expected during athletic testing at the combine in Chicago. He offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set, and he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and playing on an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16.

It is important to note that his father, former Jazz player Carlos Boozer, currently works as a scout for Utah. Even if this is an awkward positional fit with a crowded frontcourt, the Jazz are building a stronger core. As of right now, fans should operate under the assumption this pick is not yet decided and any one of these top prospects is in play.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Darryn Peterson

Darryn Peterson participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  • TEAM: Kansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+5)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

While he is certainly no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, he has received “largely positive” feedback and was "quiet but serious" during the pre-draft interview process of the combine. Overall, it is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season. 

If the Grizzlies draft Peterson, it would give them a fresh start with a new floor general to run the offense and give them even more incentive to potentially trade longtime franchise star point guard Ja Morant.

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson

Caleb Wilson participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  • TEAM: North Carolina
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Georgia
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Bryson Graham, who was recently hired as the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Bulls, has a simple task: Select whichever of the four players is still available.

North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is not just a consolation prize. He is a perfect fit for what Graham wants to build in Chicago as he values size, length, athleticism and physicality. Wilson did more than enough to earn this placement before his injury.

According to Bart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded and was one of the best vertical athletes who tested at the combine in Chicago. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler

  • TEAM: Illinois
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Kansas
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+1)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Clippers received this pick from the Indiana Pacers as part of a package involving Ivica Zubac, but Jake Fischer reported that he is "hearing considerable curiosity" about whether or not the Clippers will actually use this pick or potentially trade it for a win-now player. Whether it's their front office or another on the clock at No. 5 overall, look for them to potentially call on Illinois standout Keaton Wagler, an ideal fit next to Darius Garland.

“I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Wagler told USA TODAY Sports. “Just trying to go out each game and prove myself and do whatever it takes to win.”

The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals after scoring 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, hitting 39.7% from beyond the arc as a freshman and connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. Wagler is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr.

  • DRAFT AGE: 20
  • TEAM: Louisville
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Florida
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+4)

During this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like the talented Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., even though they drafted three point guards last season.

Brown Jr. was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State on Feb. 9 in which he hit 10 3-pointers, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness. “I got cleared by the medical staff from the league at the Combine, so we’re all green,” Brown Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like myself again.”

The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and ranked among the freshman leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, some scouts feel Brown has the highest “upside” of the guards in this range. 

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr.

  • TEAM: Arkansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Michigan
  • HEIGHT: 6-2
  • WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+5)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need a potential star and according to Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor, folks around the league "widely believe" they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.

En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well.

He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It's also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff's father in college.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Brayden Burries

  • TEAM: Arizona
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: California
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

With the pick the Hawks received from New Orleans, Atlanta is expected to pick a guard, and one potential target is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries. He was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Kingston Flemings

  • TEAM: Houston
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Texas
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • WINGSPAN: 6-4 (+1)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

After hiring Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations and Mike Schmitz as general manager, the Dallas Mavericks can add a lottery talent to grow alongside Cooper Flagg. One name to consider is Houston freshman Kingston Flemings.

The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night. 

Flemings' smaller wingspan did him no favors at the combine but he measured with a 40.5-inch max vertical and elite speed across all his agility testing, projecting as one of the fastest guards since De'Aaron Fox.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Aday Mara

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Spain
  • HEIGHT: 7-3
  • WINGSPAN: 7-6 (+3)
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

While leading his team to win the NCAA championship, Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.4 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near the lowest among all NCAA players. He could potentially hear his name called even higher than this, too, as teams look for large defenders like Mara (who measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach) as front offices value bigger bodies to throw at Victor Wembanyama.

11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López

  • TEAM: International
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Mexico
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical. According to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, his "range" starts at this pick to Golden State.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Nate Ament

  • TEAM: Tennessee
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Virginia
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+2)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

While the Thunder may not actually use this pick because they have such an abundance of talent on its roster already, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

The forward reportedly considered returning to college to aim for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His decision to declare for this class, instead, suggests he is likely comfortable with the pre-draft feedback he received.

The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking this forward with a standing reach exceeding 9-foot-1 near the lottery.

13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach

  • DRAFT AGE: 20
  • TEAM: Washington
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Germany
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+4)

German big man Hannes Steinbach, who will get looks starting as early as around No. 10 overall, should make some sense for the Miami Heat. The center reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. While his Washington team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten center is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, Steinbach was one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He impressed during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.  

14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr.

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Illinois
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson was a big winner during measurements at the combine, recording a 39-inch max vertical and testing with elite agility for his position.

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Cameron Carr

  • DRAFT AGE: 21
  • TEAM: Baylor
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Minnesota
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+8)

The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament and the player who improved his draft stock the most during the combine was Baylor junior Cameron Carr.

He scored 30 points in a five-on-five scrimmage, recorded a 42.5-inch max vertical and had great physical measurements. This should grab the attention of teams that tend to like athletic prospects, which new Bulls executive Bryson Graham indicated.

The All-Big 12 wing brings sincere athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Yaxel Lendeborg

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: New Jersey
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • WINGSPAN: 7-3 (+7)
  • DRAFT AGE: 23

Yaxel Lendeborg showed on his way to winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, however, reported that "there is potential for him to slip out of the lottery" on draft night.

Despite his age, he will intrigue teams like the Grizzlies, who have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. The Grizzlies have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.

A few years ago, research indicated that the Memphis front office tends to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Big Ten Player of the Year was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr. 

  • DRAFT AGE: 19
  • TEAM: Houston
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Louisiana
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+7)

If the Thunder do not trade this pick, one name to consider is Chris Cenac Jr., whose range begins around No. 14 overall.

It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American big man at Houston. But he played into his role and caught fire at the perfect time. In his first NCAA tournament game, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. He followed that up in the Round of 32 by showcasing more scoring touch, finishing cuts to the basket for 17 points against Texas A&M. Cenac was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still pulled down 10 rebounds.

Cenac also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Labaron Philon

  • TEAM: Alabama
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Alabama
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

  • TEAM: Iowa
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Missouri
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa. 

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Ebuka Okorie

Ebuka Okorie participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  • TEAM: Stanford
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: New Hampshire
  • HEIGHT: 6-1
  • WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+7)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points. Okorie has earned serious first-round buzz and should intrigue the Spurs, who often fall in love with players who boast a high assist-to-turnover ratio like he did (2.3) last season. Expect the Spurs to also consider Allen Graves, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Dailyn Swain

  • TEAM: Texas
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-7
  • WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball.

The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed across the board on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition. Another appealing element is his effectiveness in isolation, where he can create for himself against defenders. Swain is quick, bouncy and a solid rebounder, and his 81.5% free-throw percentage suggests promising shooting touch. While he has three years of college experience, he’s still just 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen.

Expect the Pistons to have serious interest in Swain. Detroit will also strongly consider shooters like Christian Anderson and Isaiah Evans.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Joshua Jefferson

  • TEAM: Iowa State
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Nevada
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+3)
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

The Philadelphia 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. One name they may have their eyes on with the first-round pick they acquired after trading Jared McCain is Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson. The All-Big 12 standout was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have come into the pre-draft process with even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Jayden Quaintance

  • TEAM: Kentucky
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+8)
  • DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. Health may cause some concern for evaluators. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hawks. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter. While his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, his youth and frame give him an opportunity to become a special player in the NBA.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves

Allen Graves participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  • TEAM: Santa Clara
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Louisiana
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who came close to becoming a March Madness hero. The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The Knicks have prioritized scrappy, high-motor players like Josh Hart, capable of winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers. That's an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Koa Peat 

  • TEAM: Arizona
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Arizona
  • HEIGHT: 6-7
  • WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Arizona forward Koa Peat is potentially an appealing option for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is naturally bouncy and athletic with good positional size, a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position. The All-Big 12 forward will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes at the next level, but he’s still worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far. Peat arguably had the most interesting decisions to make when it was finally his turn to announce if he would stay in college or turn pro.

26. Denver Nuggets: Christian Anderson 

  • DRAFT AGE: 20
  • TEAM: Texas Tech
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Georgia
  • HEIGHT: 6-1
  • WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+5)

The Denver Nuggets tend to look for players with a strong assist-to-usage ratio because they rely on high-efficiency passing and off-ball movement. Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson is a potentially perfect fit. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman. Anderson managed to do that while also scoring well on spot-up possessions and handoffs. Even though he is a bit undersized, there are few better offensive creators in this class than Anderson.

27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans

  • TEAM: Duke
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: North Carolina
  • HEIGHT: 6-6
  • WINGSPAN: 6-9 (+3)
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Boston tends to favor players with a high effective field goal percentage, low turnover percentage and low usage rate. They also like players who make quick decisions on catch-and-shoot opportunities and on corner 3-pointers. Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made. Expect the Celtics to potentially have Evans higher on their big board than other teams might. UConn's Alex Karaban, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, also fits the bill.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Meleek Thomas 

  • TEAM: Arkansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Pennsylvania
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+4)
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent on 3-pointers during his 21 games as a starter last season. He was efficient using off-ball screens and handoffs and occasionally showed some on-ball flashes as a pick-and-roll ball handler as well. He led the SEC in corner 3-pointers made (32) last season, per CBB Analytics, and his plus-four wingspan gives him solid length as a young guard who is still improving on both sides of the court. Thomas answered one of the biggest questions in college basketball when he decided to turn pro rather than return to the NCAA.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar

  • TEAM: North Carolina
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Estonia
  • HEIGHT: 6-11
  • WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+3)
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes will have him high on their priority list. He presumably feels comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered "at least $6 million" in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr. 

  • DRAFT AGE: 22
  • TEAM: Connecticut
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Missouri
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)

UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. During the combine, he did the dirty work, recording 5 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block in his first game and then scored 17 points (7-of-9 FG) with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the second. Reed also tested with elite agility for his position. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 30 first round picks

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Red Sox head to Tampa Bay after Bronx Collapse

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 12: Mascot DJ Kitty of the Tampa Bay Rays waves a flag after defeating the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Red Sox had fewer than two innings to go Sunday afternoon while tied 1-1 and the game ended in a 6-1 loss. A split against the Yankees isn’t the worst possible outcome. Losing two of three would have been worse and the extra day of rest for Payton Tolle is, if anything, a boon. There’s a chance that the Red Sox have a better team when they play “third game”, now scheduled for August 29. But the season doesn’t stop. The Sox have three games against the Tamps Bay Rays. The first place Rays, now tied with the Yankees atop the AL East, thanks to that 8th inning comeback.

All things considered the Sox are catching the Rays at the right time, they’re just 3-7 over their last 10 games. Since ending a five-game winning streak they’re 3-9. But it won’t be a walk in the park.

Connelly Early had a rough start to his outing against Baltimore and gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings. But he was also let down by his offense, which put up just 2 runs. Over his last five outings though he’s got two 7.0 inning shutouts. Including against the Rays. On May 8th he held them scoreless for 7.0 innings while striking out 8. Ian Seymour is facing him as an opener, which he’s done once this season. Normally a middle reliever, he’s likely to stick around for an inning or two at most. Against the Marlins, Jesse Scholtens was the bulk reliever but he’s now on the IL.

If Early can’t act as the “stopper” tonight, Tuesday night features the man, the mustache, Payton Tolle. Tolle kept the Orioles scoreless for 6.0 innings last time out and has an extra day of rest. Plus the Red Sox road offense. When he faced Tampa in May, he allowed 3 runs (1 earned) in 5.0 innings. This will be his second time facing a team a second time. It didn’t go well with the Atlanta Braves but don’t count out Mass Pike just yet. Nick Martinez, the Rays veteran addition, has been mostly lights out. Except for the last time out against the Tigers. Martinez allowed 6 runs in 4.0 innings. When he and Tolle dueled in May he held the Sox to just a single run at Fenway Park for 5.2 innings.

Wednesday is day baseball and a tall order. The likely starter replacing Brayan Bello is Jake Bennett. The southpaw made two starts earlier this season and went back down to AAA. In Worcester this year he has a 1.60 ERA in 39.1 innings. He’ll be opposed by Drew Rasmussen. He didn’t face Boston in Fenway. Rasmussen has two “bad” starts on the year. He gave up 4 runs in 3.2 innings to the Pirates in April and 5 runs in 4.0 innings to the Angels at the end of May. He missed large parts of the 2023 and 2024 seasons so the Rays want to keep him healthy on the mound. Even in an All Star season in 2025 his outings against the Red Sox were 2.0 and 3.0 innings. He only gave up 3 runs across those outings but the Rays did lose both games.

Junior Caminero has hit 14 home runs.

Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda have 11 homers each.

Chandler Simpson has stolen 14 bases this year but has been caught a league-leading 8 times.

Probable Pitching Matchups

Monday, June 8: Connelly Early (3.26 ERA / 4.63 FIP) vs. Ian Seymour (5.23 ERA / 3.65 FIP)

Tuesday, June 9: Payton Tolle (2.28 ERA / 2.66 FIP) vs. Payton Tolle (Nick Martinez (2.29 ERA / 2.66 FIP)

Wednesday, June 10: TBD (— ERA / — FIP) vs. Drew Rasmussen (3.00 ERA / 3.33FIP)

When/Where to Watch

Monday, June 8: 6:40 PM ET on NESN

Tuesday, June 9: 6:40 PM ET on NESN

Wednesday, June 10: 1:10 PM ET on NESN

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The Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at all

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 06: Brandon Bussi #32 of the Carolina Hurricanes stops a penalty shot by Mitch Marner #93 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period of Game Three of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 06, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Hurricanes 5-4 in double overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Carolina Hurricanes have one key decision to make ahead of Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final: Do they actually want to win the cup, or not? That choice is on head coach Rod Brind-Amour, who has yet to decide whether or not his team will behave like an organization that wants to win, or if unwritten rules and hockey etiquette win reign supreme.

Despite Carolina’s overall dominance this season, an undercurrent for the Canes has been the largely abysmal play of goaltender Freddie Andersen. It’s an issue that has been rearing its head for months in Raleigh, and a concern that die-hard hockey fans had entering the playoffs. At no point during the 2025-26 season did Andersen seem in control in the crease. Starting 35 games this season, Andersen posted a horrific 0.874 save percentage this season (61st in the NHL), allowed 3.05 goals-per-game (42nd in the NHL), and only posted quality starts in 31.4% of his games (80th in the NHL). The only thing that really kept Freddie between the pipes this season was an injury to Pyotr Kochetkov, limiting his ascent to become the top starter — but the goaltending situation was complicated by the emergence of desperation signing Brandon Bussi.

Bussi’s NHL dreams were seemingly over before the Hurricanes threw him a lifeline. The undrafted 27-year-old had spent the majority of his career bouncing around the AHL as a middling goaltender, seemingly never getting a chance to step up into the big leagues. The Hurricanes needed a body to put in net to give Andersen some rest, and goodness did he make the most of it. Not only did Bussi eclipse Andersen in every appreciable way during the regular season, but he put up quality starts that ranked him among the middle of the NHL among goalies who started 30+ games this season.

Still, there was hesitance from head coach Rod Brind-Amour when the playoffs rolled around due to Bussi’s relative inexperience. He wanted a veteran presence in net, even if it meant moving away from the hot hand. An understandable choice at the time, and it worked well until the Stanley Cup Final. With Vegas the Carolina defense could no longer manhandle them in their zone with the forecheck and condense the ice, the Golden Knights’ skaters are strong enough to create quality opportunities on goal, and break through the Canes’ defense.

That brings us to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night, one of the most drama-filled, unpredictable, wild performances in the history of the final. A game that saw Vegas score four goals in the second period, including a natural hat trick from Mitch Marner. Andersen was pulled, Bussi got his shot — and he shone with a perfect third period that revitalized the Hurricanes. Carolina scored three goals in 39 seconds, dragged the game to double overtime, and lost on a random bouncing puck that was wholly unpredictable. Even the most biased Freddie Andersen fan has to admit that there was no comparison between the two goaltenders.

At no point did Bussi appear as if the moment was too big for him. Whatever fears you might have about starting him in net were assuaged in one period. Not only did he make the routine saves every goalie needs to make at the cup level, but he did came up big and made saves that Freddie Andersen simply hasn’t done all season long.

Now as we approach Game 4 the Hurricanes have a decision to make: Give the failing veteran the nod once more as a kind of career achievement award, or turn to the hot hand who can actually win them the game? The highs of Freddie Andersen might be higher, but they just haven’t presented themselves in the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile Bussi might be more of a middle-pack goaltender, but he won’t have the same lows.

Middle of the pack is good enough with Carolina’s defense. Middle of the pack is enough to win the cup with the team the Canes have built. The only thing this team can’t sustain is being put in a position where Andersen lets cupcake goals through every single Vegas scoring opportunity, because he barely offers any resistance. There is no doubt this is an emotionally difficult decision, especially in light of the death of Claude Lemieux, Andersen’s agent, friend, and mentor — but the entire Hurricanes organization can’t be asked to squander this opportunity because of one horrible moment. There’s been too much work at every level to play a demonstrably worse player at a time like this.

If the Hurricanes want to win the cup then it’s time to start Brandon Bussi and not look back. It’s the only chance this team has.

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Golden Knights’ Brayden McNabb earns raves after playing with 2 dozen stitches from puck to face

LAS VEGAS — Brayden McNabb showed up for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final with at least two dozen stitches in his face that forced the Vegas Golden Knights defenseman to wear a caged helmet for the first time since his youth hockey days in Davidson, Saskatchewan.

“It’s part of hockey,” McNabb said. “You get through it.”

After the Golden Knights took a 2-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes with a 5-4, double-overtime victoryt, Vegas coach John Tortorella was a bit less measured in describing the 35-year-old McNabb.

“When you get this far in the playoffs, it’s not so much sometimes the end result, it’s just attrition and all that goes in (with) what these athletes have to do to play as many games as we’ve played so far,” Tortorella said. “Those are the things you remember. I’ve been fortunate to be in a few playoffs along the way and see some of this. I haven’t seen something like this.

“I heard the players yelling ‘warrior,’” Tortorella said. “He’s more than that. I’m just blown away, how he’s gone about his business.”

McNabb took an 87 mph puck to the face in Game 2 at Carolina, and was taken to a hospital before the game ended.

Two days later, with a flight home in between, McNabb was back on the ice for warmups. Wearing that caged helmet with “mid-20s, maybe 30” stitches holding his wounds together, McNabb nearly logged 36 minutes of ice time, delivered an arena-rocking hip check to Carolina star Taylor Hall, and finished with two assists, including one on Shea Theodore’s game-winner.

“A little tough, but I was able to get through it,” McNabb said. “Felt pretty good for the most part. The cage was different, getting used to that was a little bit (different), but for the most part felt OK, especially felt better as the game went on.”

McNabb’s grit has become familiar to Golden Knights fans. He’s been with the franchise since its inaugural season in 2017-18 and has played in a franchise-record 647 games. He also leads the Golden Knights in blocked shots with 1,416, which is the most among NHL skaters since 2017-18.

“It’s got to be near the top,” Theodore said when asked how McNabb’s performance ranked during their nine years together in Vegas. “The stuff he went through from last game and everything. I mean, it’s incredible for him to kind of bounce back like that and be able to come in today, get ready to play, and I thought he played unbelievable.

“He’s just so impressive out there.”

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Flyers Won't Win Dylan Larkin Sweepstakes, And It's For The Best

As it turns out, the Philadelphia Flyers have virtually no chance of pulling off a Dylan Larkin trade with the Detroit Red Wings, and maybe that's the way things should be.

Larkin, 29, will turn 30 years old on July 30, and while he has scored 30 goals in each of the five seasons and six times in his career, isn't going to turn the Flyers around.

Not by himself, anyway.

After the Flyers made the playoffs this past season, it made sense to throw future assets at players like Larkin, Mat Barzal, and John Carlson--particularly all three--if they were going to keep this up.

But, if the Flyers paid up for Larkin and just Larkin, it's a lateral move on the player's part when we consider team talent and future assets.

According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Larkin only wants to be traded to Minnesota, Vegas, or Florida, and the difference between the Flyers and those three teams is that those three teams are laden with stars and ready to win now.

Again, getting Larkin is a great idea for the Flyers, but they need to arm him with a supporting cast to make it worthwhile. Nothing we have seen in the past year suggests they can do that.

Matvei Michkov, who was supposed to be the team's franchise winger, is getting yanked around left and right and was badly misused in the last season under head coach Rick Tocchet.

NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Defenseman Linked to Atlantic TeamsNHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Defenseman Linked to Atlantic TeamsThe Philadelphia Flyers have no shortage of trade suitors for Rasmus Ristolainen.

It is still unclear if Trevor Zegras, the big addition from last offseason, is a center or winger at the NHL level. If he ultimately sticks as the latter, it doesn't help the Flyers' rebuild all that much.

In goal, the Flyers still have no backup goalie and are set to reward Dan Vladar with a massive contract extension after a late breakout year that was really the only good season of his NHL career to date.

In the end, the Flyers have no business getting into a bidding war with teams like Vegas, Minnesota, and Florida when they aren't really in a position to capitalize if they are successful.

Objectively, the best way to look at it is this: if the Flyers had Larkin, do they beat the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs?

The answer is an easy no, and that's fine. It's for the best.

The Hurricanes are a successful team because they acquire players who can play their system and fit what they are trying to do.

It didn't work with Mikko Rantanen, so they wisely pivoted and turned him into Logan Stankoven.

Here, the Flyers are still in the early stages of figuring out who those players are. Whether or not you believe they should be heading into the fourth year of Danny Briere and Keith Jones' reign is a different conversation.

If the Flyers aren't getting Larkin, they likely aren't getting Barzal either, and we can,  by extension, rope Robert Thomas into that conversation.

The best way for the Flyers to evolve into Stanley Cup contenders is to rely on themselves and their own players, like Carolina did. That's the reality of the situation.

Larkin and Barzal were drafted 15th and 16th overall, respectively, so it's not an impossible ask.

Going forward, though, the Flyers will need to freshen their draft philosophy and make better value choices for better team-building.

If not, they'll never draft their own Larkin or trade for a Larkin-adjacent.

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Raptors extend general manager Webster, promote him to executive vice president

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors have signed general manager Bobby Webster to a multiyear extension and promoted him to executive vice president, the team announced Monday.

The Raptors also extended contracts for key front office members Dan Tolzman, Keith Boyarsky and Tyla Flexman.

Webster, 41, is entering his 10th season as the Raptors’ general manager. Terms of the extension were not disclosed.

He assumed full leadership of the Raptors’ basketball operations in August 2025, weeks after former president Masai Ujiri was fired.

Toronto has made nine playoff appearances since Webster joined the team in 2013 and won the NBA championship in 2019.

The team has a 591-455 regular-season record, with five 50-win seasons under Webster. The Raptors finished 46-36 in 2025-26 and took the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in a first-round playoff series.

“Bobby has an elite understanding of the game and the NBA, and he’s used that to build a team that competes at a high level,” Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment chief executive officer Keith Pelley said in a statement. “It’s been an exciting year for the Raptors. They were a joy to watch compete together, and with Bobby and the Raptors, we’ve seen the results, and we believe in where his leadership will take us.”

___

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

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Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama spotted ‘drawing a statue’ in Gramercy Park ahead of NBA Finals Game 3

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Victor Wembanyama sitting on a bench outdoors with others, Image 2 shows Spurs star Victor Wembanyama appears to draw a statue in NYC's Gramercy Park, Image 3 shows Spurs star Victor Wembanyama during practice at MSG on June 7, 2026

Who let him in?

7-foot-4 Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was spotted in Manhattan’s private Gramercy Park, according to video posted on Instagram on Sunday.

While it’s unclear if the video was shot on Sunday, the implication was that the 22-year-old Frenchman was spending time before Monday’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals “drawing a statue,” according to the clip posted by Visitour Media.

The statue in Gramercy Park is of Edwin Booth, the Shakespearean actor whose brother was John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln.

Keys to Gramercy Park — which sits south of Lexington Ave. between 20th and 21st Streets — are reserved for residents who live right along the park, members of the National Arts Club and Players club, or members of the Brotherhood Synagogue or Calvary-St. George’s Church. Guests at the Gramercy Park hotel, which is set to reopen this fall after renovations, can also get keys.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama appears to draw a statue in NYC’s Gramercy Park. Instagram/visitourmedia

So it’s not clear how Wembanyama got access. The Spurs appear to be staying at the Ritz-Carlton NoMad on 28th Street, according to videos posted on social media.

More Coverage on the Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals

This isn’t the first time Wembanyama has enjoyed New York’s green spaces. In 2024, he played chess with strangers at Washington Square Park.

The Gramercy Park video comes as the Spurs trail the Knicks 2-0 in the series after Wembanyama missed a game-winning shot attempt at the end of Friday’s 105-104 Knicks victory.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama during practice at MSG on June 7, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Wembanyama was asked Sunday about how he handles pressure.

“I think the key is acceptance a lot of times and taking a step back, realizing the journey that’s behind us and what’s ahead of us, and just being OK with who I am, where I am, what I’m doing,” he said. “At the end of the day, this is everything I wished for, so there’s no reason to really overthink it. This is what I’m built for.”

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Tigers’ Tarik Skubal works 5 scoreless innings in rehabilitation appearance

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal pitched five scoreless innings in the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s first minor league rehabilitation appearance since undergoing elbow surgery in May.

Skubal struck out six and allowed two hits for Single-A West Michigan against Dayton. Forty-four of his 54 pitches were strikes.

“I think velocity was good,” Skubal told reporters. “Execution was good. I feel like I threw a ton of strikes. I was in the zone a lot today. Good day.”

The 29-year-old left-hander had a non-invasive procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body from his throwing elbow. Skubal last pitched for the Tigers on April 29.

Skubal is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts this season. He has struck out 45 and walked only six over 43 1/3 innings. Skubal has won the AL Cy Young Award each of the last two seasons.

Skubal was asked when he might be pitching for the Tigers again.

“There’s a plan in place,” Skubal said. “I need to wake up and feel better, feel good tomorrow and have a good week of work and then we’ll make that decision when we need to make it. It doesn’t really do me any good to tell you guys when I’m pitching next. I need to make sure that I bounce back from this one really well.”

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NBA Finals Game Preview: Knicks vs. Spurs, Game 3, June 8, 2026

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 7: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks talks to the media during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 7, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Pinched myself. Still awake. Here we go.

The Knicks return to Madison Square Garden tonight for Game Three of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. on ABC. The Knicks have won 13 straight games and are two wins from their first championship since 1973, while the Spurs face a 3-0 series deficit from which no team has ever recovered.

Our heroes won Game Two, 105-104, on Friday at Frost Bank Center. The score looks close because it was close. Skin-of-their-teeth close. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Mikal Bridges added 20 points, but it was Jalen Brunson’s late bucket and steal, plus costly mistakes by Victor Wembanyama, that held off a 14-0 fourth-quarter run by the Spurs.

Wembanyama finished with 29 points, but the game flipped when Towns attacked him steadily. Also, Wemby attempting just four field goals in the first half was remarkable (hence, I’m remarking on it). To his credit, Wembanyama showed leadership after intermission and rallied his troops to near victory. If not for his backbreaking pass (into the back of Stephon Castle) and his final brick . . . the Knicks would be in a very different position coming home tonight.

You heard that the Knicks gave up too many picks to get Bridges? Pshaw. He has proven himself worthy of the trade in these playoffs. In Game Two, Bridges was on such a heater that every time he rose to shoot, we were sure it was money. With the city gone Knicks-crazy, expect the Brooklyn Bridge to be renamed the Mikal Bridge if they win the championship. Appropriate, given that he crossed it to join us.

New York’s supporting cast keeps showing up. Landry Shamet keeps hitting huge, steeply discounted shots. Josh Hart did Hart things (fewer than in Game One, but totally fine). OG Anunoby made momentum-changing defensive plays, and his dunk on Wemby should be on a poster in your bedroom. Miles “Deuce” McBride made a couple of timely shots. Everyone’s showing up for the party! Jordan Clarkson is due for a few minutes in the limelight tonight.

Fun fact: the Knicks have not lost a third quarter in 16 straight playoff games. Either Coach Brown and his staff are making excellent halftime adjustments, or the players are hitting the go-go powder before returning to the court. Whatever works!

The Spurs’ expected starting five tonight: Julian Champagnie (40% from three in the Finals), Devin Vassell (five assists, nine rebounds in Game Two), Victor Wembanyama (29 points, nine rebounds, four blocks in Game Two), De’Aaron Fox (20 points, five assists, 63% FG in Game Two), and Stephon Castle (14 points, four assists in Game Two). Castle rolled an ankle late in the last game but is expected to be available. Fox continues to play through a high-ankle sprain. Both teams are otherwise healthy.

Three factors will likely decide the game. First, Towns must continue to dominate Wembanyama and avoid foul trouble. Second, the Knicks need to limit turnovers after committing 15 in Game Two. Third, they must keep up the pace to tire out the lanky Frenchman, while also not tiring themselves out. ESPN gives the Knicks a 58% chance. Fair enough. We’re picking the Knicks by eight.

Because my wife got so excited watching the first game, she joined me to watch the final quarter on Friday. She squealed through most of it. I might’ve squealed a little, too. After the final buzzer, as Wemby was leaving the court, Jen said to my horror, “I feel bad for him. And the fans! They all look so sad!” 

She doesn’t understand. No one has ever cared for Knicks fans. I picked New York to win the Finals in six games, but now it feels like they have to sweep to finally get the respect they deserve. Anything less will be tagged with disclaimers—that Games One and Two were given away by the Spurs, and Fox was injured, and blah blah blah. As for sympathy: the Knickerbockers will never get any sympathy if they screw the pooch and lose the series. No one would cry for our heartbreak. They’d just laugh with the usual derision and say, LOLKnicks. So, I say let’s sweep to avoid any misery and squash any potential qualifying narratives.

Go Knicks!!!

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks (2-0) at San Antonio Spurs (0-2)
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY
TV: ABC
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

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A winning week bookended by losses, Shohei Ohtani does it all

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 6: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on June 6, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers had a winning week, taking four of seven games, by splitting with the Diamondbacks in Arizona, then winning two of three at home against the Angels. But they both started and ended the week with losses, frustrating in different ways.

On Monday in Phoenix, they were burned by a lack of offense. On Sunday at Dodger Stadium, the offense was there but the pitching staff had a rare clunker. Pitching has carried the Dodgers this season, but the offense this week fell a little short averaging more than three quarters of a run less than their average.

Put another way, a Dodgers pitcher had a scoreless start of at least six innings three times last week, but said starter only got the win in one of those games. But that same offense scored nine runs in the first inning on Saturday for their biggest frame in five years. This team contains multitudes.

Batter of the week

Shohei Ohtani carried the offense during the week with 12 hits in 25, including two doubles, a triple, and a home run, all part of a 1.312 OPS. He had five multi-hit games in his six games played this week

Ohtani has been humming along in top gear at the plate for the last four weeks, hitting .419/.510/.721 over his last 23 games.

Couple this week at the plate with his six scoreless innings on the mound on Wednesday in Phoenix, it’ll be time to open an investigation if Ohtani doesn’t win National League player of the week.

Honorable mention goes to Dalton Rushing, who started four games behind the plate this week as Will Smith dealt with neck stiffness on Saturday and Sunday, and had four hits on Sunday, including a double and home run.

Pitcher of the week

It feels like there have been several weeks like this in 2026, in which this section could simply be a list of three to five starting pitchers, any one of them deserving of the honor. We’ll go with Roki Sasaki here, his progression culminating with 10 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings on Friday night against the Angels.

Honorable mention also goes to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who retired 22 straight batters in his eight-inning gem on Saturday, Justin Wrobleski with his six scoreless innings on Thursday in Arizona, and Ohtani’s six shutout frames on Wednesday.

Week 11 results

4-3 record
31 runs scored (4.43 per game)
27 runs allowed (3.86 per game)
.563 pythagorean win percentage

Year to date

42-24 record
345 runs scored (5.23 per game)
212 runs allowed (3.21 per game)
.709 pythagorean win percentage (47-19)

Transactions

Saturday: Pitcher Nick Frasso got added back to the 40-man roster but remained in Triple-A Oklahoma City. To make room, Tyler Glasnow was moved to the 60-day IL as he’s been shut down from throwing due to his back injury.

Game results

PlayerPARH2BHRRBIBBBA/OBP/SLG
Rushing15472141.500/.533/.857
Ohtani297122144.480/.552/.760
Freeman304100261.345/.367/.552
Ward15332141.214/.267/.571
Pages28252131.192/.214/.385
Tucker25240133.182/.280/.318
Freeland21240032.235/.350/.235
Muncy23261010.261/.261/.304
Smith16121003.154/.313/.231
Rojas12020001.182/.250/.182
Espinal5110000.200/.200/.200
Betts25230013.136/.240/.136
Call19120001.118/.211/.118
Offense26331611072921.256/.321/.395
PitcherRecordIPHRBBSOERAWHIP
Sasaki0-07.0202100.000.571
Ohtani1-06.020160.000.500
Wrobleski0-06.060040.001.000
Yamamoto1-08.021041.130.250
Lauer0-04.752113.861.286
Sheehan0-27.764254.701.043
Starters2-239.32376301.600.737
Henriquez0-03.710060.000.273
Scott0-1, Sv2.031034.501.500
Dreyer0-04.333036.230.692
Vesia0-02.022239.002.000
Klein0-01.7522210.804.200
Treinen2-01.7222110.802.400
Hurt0-03.0443612.002.333
Hernández0-03.7762414.732.455
Bullpen2-1, Sv22.0272011288.181.727
Totals4-361.3502717583.961.092

Previous reviews: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10

Up next

The Dodgers run the Bobby Bonilla gauntlet, hitting the road to face the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox. Chicago’s rotation for the weekend is more of a guess.

Mon, 6/8Tue, 6/9Wed, 6/10Thu, 6/11Fri, 6/12Sat, 6/13Sun, 6/14
OFFat Piratesat Piratesat Piratesat White Soxat White Soxat White Sox
3:403:403:404:401:1011:10
LauerOhtaniWrobleskiSasakiYamamotoSheehan
SkenesJonesKellerBurkeSandlinTBA
SNLASNLA/MLBSNLASNLA/MLBSNLA/MLBSNLA
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Jalen Brunson Picks, Predictions & Best Bets for Spurs vs Knicks Game 3 on June 8

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If the definition of insanity is repeating the same process over and over while expecting a different result, then maybe the issue is me and not Jalen Brunson’s long-range stroke. 

The San Antonio Spurs are doing a solid job slowing down the New York Knicks' star in the NBA Finals, including limiting him to a 4-for-16 mark from beyond the 3-point arc.

But after watching him miss multiple open looks from the perimeter — like a slot machine coming up “7, 7, Cherry” — I can’t help but bite a third time in my Jalen Brunson prop picks for Game 3.

Here are my best NBA picks for June 8.

Jalen Brunson prop pick for Game 3

Jalen Brunson best bet: Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 threes (+120 at bet365)

Three times in the fourth quarter of Game 2, I held my breath in anticipation as Jalen Brunson fired from beyond the arc. And three times I cringed in frustration as the New York Knicks' guard failed to hit his third triple.

What made those misses sting even more was that there was not a San Antonio Spurs player in the zip code. That’s been the case in many of Brunson’s 3-point attempts. 

Entering tonight, 14 of Brunson’s 18 threes are graded as “open” or “wide open” with no defender within at least four feet. He’s actually been worse on 3-point shots with nobody within six feet, shooting 1-for-7 on wide-open attempts.

It’s enough for any prop bettors to blacklist Brunson’s 3-point market, but with the vig climbing on the Over 2.5 treys and the finals coming to New York, the value is there.

Through two NBA Finals games, his 3-point volume is much higher than in the previous series. Those twin eight 3PA efforts are tied as his third most active outings from distance in the playoffs, and with the Spurs not throwing as many double teams at Brunson, the space will continue to be there.

The trip to Madison Square Garden will help those triples drop tonight. On the season, Brunson does shoot better from deep at home, and in the postseason, his 3-point success spikes to 37% compared to just 30.6% on the road.

Player projections range from 2.2 to 2.7 triples, with the majority of models at 2.5 or higher. My number comes out to 2.6 threes from Brunson, which should have the Over 2.5 listed around +112.

Sportsbooks are offering that as high as +140, so shop your available operators.

Jalen Brunson same-game parlay

The Knicks step up in the crunch while the Spurs have sputtered in those closing minutes. Madison Square Garden will be electric, and if a young San Antonio team found the moment too much at home, just wait until they get a bite of the Big Apple.

That crowd is going to erupt when Brunson bangs home three triples, along with his signature celebration. 

Mikal Bridges has been a mid-range monster against San Antonio, picking up the slack with the Spurs focusing defensive fire on Brunson. His projections flirt with 15 points in Game 3. 

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