Damian Lillard exploded for 35 points in the first half, while Khris Middleton added a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds as the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks cruised to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their playoff series.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, former NFL wide receiver, has stated that Brandon Aiyuk expressed his desire to remain with the San Francisco 49ers during a recent conversation. Aiyuk is currently negotiating a contract extension with the 49ers, leading to speculation about his future. However, Houshmandzadeh claims that Aiyuk told him he wants to stay in San Francisco and get paid fairly for his contributions.
The San Francisco Giants have recalled veteran reliever Luke Jackson from the injured list and optioned rookie Nick Avila to Triple-A in a move to bolster their struggling bullpen. Despite a solid outing from starter Jordan Hicks, the Giants fell 5-3 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, with Erik Miller surrendering the decisive runs. Avila, Sean Hjelle, and Jackson threw three scoreless innings, but their efforts proved moot. The Giants currently have the second-worst bullpen ERA in the majors (5.56), with rookies accounting for over half of the innings covered. The team hopes that Jackson’s return and the impending arrival of Mitch White will provide much-needed stability to the relief corps.
Former Utah defensive end Jonah Elliss is poised to enter the NFL Draft, following in the footsteps of his brothers Kaden, Noah, and Christian. With his father, Luther Elliss, as a former NFL first-round pick, the Elliss household was highly competitive growing up. Jonah led the nation in sacks per game last season and is rated as the fifth-best edge rusher in the draft. He is projected as a second- or third-round pick and is eager to join one of his brothers in the NFL.
After a disappointing season with the Golden State Warriors, veteran point guard Chris Paul may find a new home with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are reportedly interested in acquiring Paul’s $30 million contract in the offseason, as they look to provide more experienced help for their rising star, Victor Wembanyama. Paul’s influence and talent could pair well with Wembanyama, as he has shown a knack for playing effectively alongside young prospects.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs suffered a left knee injury in the first quarter of Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The collision with Donovan Mitchell left Suggs in visible pain, and he was unable to put any weight on his knee. The injury is a significant concern for the Magic, as Suggs is a key defensive player and sets the tone for the team.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was surprisingly omitted from the list of finalists for the NBA’s Coach of the Year Award, despite leading the team to a 50-win season despite numerous injuries. The three finalists are Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder), Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Jamahl Mosley (Orlando Magic). Thibodeau expressed indifference to the omission, but his players expressed confusion and praise for his leadership under challenging circumstances.
Former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness has expressed his concerns about Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho, highlighting the excessive attention and rewards that young players receive at the club. He also criticized teammates Marcus Rashford and Antony for their conduct, suggesting that the players at Old Trafford ‘get too much too soon.’
Manchester United’s penalty shootout victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final has reportedly sealed Erik ten Hag’s fate. A significant number of fans left Wembley Stadium at full-time despite the Red Devils reaching the final, expressing their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. According to The Sun, Ten Hag is likely to be dismissed at the end of the season, regardless of United’s outcome in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit has blasted the club’s current crop of players, calling them ‘horrible’ and ’embarrassing.’ Gullit, who played for Chelsea in the 1990s and won the FA Cup in 1997, said that the players ‘all think they are better than they really are.’
