Daily Sports Digest: NBA Playoffs, NFL Draft Recap, and MLB News

🏀 Top Performers

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a standout weekend, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Edwards was instrumental in their Game 4 victory, erupting for 43 points as Minnesota rallied for a 116-113 win on the road.

• This was Edwards` fifth career playoff game scoring 40 or more points, a remarkable achievement for a player under 24, trailing only Luka Dončić in this category.
• Edwards attacked relentlessly, hitting five three-pointers, going to the free-throw line 17 times (making 14), grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists.
• Key contributions also came from Julius Randle with 25 points and Jaden McDaniels, who added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Timberwolves` advantages in roster depth, physicality, and adaptability have been evident throughout the series.

Other notable winners from the weekend included:

• Stephen Curry led the Warriors to a 104-93 victory and a 2-1 series lead over the Rockets despite Jimmy Butler`s absence.
• Aaron Gordon`s last-second tip-in secured a 101-99 win for the Nuggets over the Clippers after blowing a large lead, tying the series at 2-2 in a game that saw multiple technical fouls.
• The Thunder became the first team to advance to the second round by sweeping the Grizzlies.

Honorable Mentions:

• Latest Stanley Cup playoff results.
• Micah Hudson is returning to Texas Tech.
• Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Conor Benn in a Fight of the Year candidate.
• Kentucky Derby pole positions and odds were released.
• Liverpool secured the Premier League title for the first time since 2020.
• Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling Copa del Rey final, keeping their treble hopes alive.
• Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will leave at the end of the season to coach Brazil.
• Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin won the Zurich Classic.
• Austin Cindric won the Jack Link`s 500.

🏀 A Tough Morning For…

The Los Angeles Lakers faced challenges in their Game 4 loss. Despite several areas for concern like allowing 18 offensive rebounds and letting a 12-point lead slip, a key statistic was zero – the number of substitutions made by Los Angeles in the second half, keeping the starting five on the court continuously.

• This limited rotation highlighted the Lakers` depth issues and defensive weaknesses. Players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan Goodwin, who were important defensively in the regular season, reportedly struggled to be effective offensively in the playoff environment.
• The team`s lack of a consistent, usable center has also been exposed, contributing to opponents` offensive success in the paint. These are issues the team will likely need to address in the offseason.

Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks also had a difficult weekend. Already facing uncertainty, the situation worsened as Damian Lillard is feared to have torn his Achilles tendon during Milwaukee`s 129-103 Game 4 loss to the Pacers. Indiana now leads the series 3-1.

This injury adds significant questions for the Bucks` offseason, and for Lillard, it marks a potentially brutal setback in his later prime years.

The Detroit Pistons experienced a cruel twist of fate. A referee admitted that a foul should have been called on Josh Hart during the final seconds of Game 4 when he made contact with Tim Hardaway Jr.`s shot attempt. This missed call allowed the Knicks to secure a narrow 94-93 victory.

The admitted error was particularly frustrating as the type of contact involved often results in fouls for other players. The Pistons find themselves down 3-1 in the series, despite holding significant leads in multiple games, learning firsthand how unforgiving the postseason can be.

Less Honorable Mentions:

• Bill Belichick`s girlfriend interrupted his interview, preventing him from explaining how they met.
• Antonio Rudiger`s late-game actions could potentially impact Real Madrid`s La Liga title hopes.

🏈 Shedeur Sanders Joins Browns After Draft Events

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was selected 144th overall in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, following a notable slide down the draft board and a widely reported prank call. This landing spot is intriguing for several reasons.

• Considered a potential QB2 by some evaluations, Sanders was the sixth quarterback taken and surprisingly, the second one drafted by the Browns, who had already selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
• Sanders experienced a difficult Friday when he received a prank call from the son of an NFL defensive coordinator, falsely informing him he was drafted. Both the son and the team later apologized.
• Despite the wait and the prank, Sanders maintained a hopeful outlook and reportedly reacted with joy and gratitude when Cleveland traded up to make the pick.

Reports suggest the pre-draft process for Sanders was challenging, impacting his stock, and some quarterback-needy teams were not reportedly impressed. His father`s public comments were also cited as potentially unhelpful.

Now, the focus shifts to his development. While fifth-round picks don`t typically become stars, there is precedent for late-round quarterbacks finding success. In a crowded Browns quarterback room, Sanders has the opportunity to compete and potentially emerge as a future starter.

Commentary on the draft noted Sanders as both a winner (potentially a steal based on talent) and a loser (due to the draft slide and circumstances surrounding it). He faces a situation where he can learn from veteran Joe Flacco, who may not play a full season, offering Sanders a potential chance to play in 2025 if he earns it. Given his talent, some see him as clearly a steal, making his future with the Browns a compelling story to follow.

🏈 NFL Draft Recap: Team Grades and Key Picks

With all 257 picks made in the 2025 NFL Draft, analysis of team performance is already underway. Several teams received top marks for their draft classes.

According to one analysis, three teams earned an `A` grade:

• Jaguars: Noted for a significant trade acquisition that brought in a playmaker, alongside adding multiple talented players throughout the draft, including a strong guard in the third round and a promising running back in the fourth.
• Chiefs: Praised for securing a top offensive lineman in the first round, and finding valuable additions in later rounds, including a corner in the third, a receiver in the fourth, and a running back in the seventh.
• Buccaneers: While their first-round pick was seen as slightly surprising by some, their subsequent picks were highly regarded, particularly adding two needed corners in the later rounds.

Other teams receiving positive mentions included the Cowboys, noted for solid picks including a confident running back, and the Ravens and Seahawks for their overall draft hauls.

The 49ers made the most selections and were highlighted as a team significantly changed by the draft, particularly focusing on rebuilding their defensive line depth lost in recent seasons by using substantial draft capital on players like an edge rusher who should boost their run defense and has pass-rushing potential.

Key aspects and moments from the draft:

• Full grades for every pick across all seven rounds, including the final “Mr. Irrelevant” pick.
• Undrafted free agents who could make an impact, including Shedeur Sanders` brother Shilo Sanders, a defensive lineman who could become the heaviest player in NFL history, and a college quarterback who will reunite with a former coach.
• One draftee received permission from a legendary player to wear his iconic jersey number, while another was reportedly not as fortunate with a different Hall of Famer`s number.
• Memorable moments included a player missing his draft call while in the bathroom and a Lions pick expressing extreme dedication to his coach.
• Analysis of best fits for top remaining free agents and potential trade ideas were discussed.
• The Vikings reportedly found a new backup quarterback.
• Both the Patriots and the Ravens surprisingly drafted kickers.
• Breakdown of picks by college program was available.

⚾ MLB Power Rankings and Weekend News

Despite suffering two walk-off losses over the weekend, the New York Mets moved up to the top spot in the latest MLB Power Rankings. The top five teams are:

1. Mets (previously 3rd)
2. Cubs (previously 4th)
3. Dodgers (previously 2nd)
4. Giants (previously 7th)
5. Tigers (previously 8th)

Other notable news from around the league:

• Heliot Ramos hit a walk-off play described as a “Little League home run”.
• Eugenio Suárez had a four-home run game.
• Injuries occurred to pitchers Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) and Logan Gilbert (elbow).
• Devin Williams is reportedly no longer the Yankees` closer due to ongoing struggles.
• A Guardians fan was criticized for `crossing the line` while heckling Jarren Duran.
• Lucas Giolito is reportedly nearing his return to action after injury.

📺 What to Watch Monday

Here are some of the top sporting events scheduled for today:

• ⚾ Mets at Nationals, 4:05 p.m. on MLB Network
• ⚾ Cardinals at Reds, 6:40 p.m. on MLB Network
• 🏒 Lightning at Panthers (Panthers lead 2-1), 7 p.m. on ESPN
• 🏀 Cavaliers at Heat (Cavaliers lead 3-0), 7:30 p.m. on TNT/truTV
• 🏒 Avalanche at Stars (Series tied 2-2), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
• 🏀 Rockets at Warriors (Warriors lead 2-1), 10 p.m. on TNT/truTV