🏀 Good morning to all, but especially to …
THE DENVER NUGGETS
Despite Jamal Murray not feeling his best, the Nuggets secured a crucial 119-107 win against the Thunder in Game 6, forcing a deciding Game 7. Murray contributed 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Nikola Jokic was dominant with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. A surprise boost came from second-year guard Julian Strawther, who scored 15 significant points in the second half.
However, the victory was slightly overshadowed by a hamstring injury suffered by Aaron Gordon in the final minutes. Interim coach David Adelman expressed high concern regarding Gordon`s status for Game 7.
🏌 And not such a good morning for …
FAVORITES AT THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau faced difficulties in the opening round of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. At the end of Thursday`s play, Scheffler was tied for 20th (-2), DeChambeau finished at even par, and McIlroy (+3) had a challenging round, potentially fighting to make the cut on Friday.
The unexpected leader after Round 1 is Jhonattan Vegas (-7). The rest of the top of the leaderboard features players less accustomed to leading major championships:
- 1. Jhonattan Vegas (-7)
- T-2. Ryan Gerard (-5)
- T-2. Cam Davis (-5)
- T-4. Luke Donald (-4)
- T-4. Ryan Fox (-4)
- T-4. Alex Smalley (-4)
- T-4. Stephen Jaegar (-4)
- T-4. Aaron Rai (-4)
Despite the slow start for some stars, many big names remain within striking distance and still have a chance to contend for the Wanamaker Trophy.
🏀 WNBA season preview
The 2025 WNBA season officially tips off tonight. The defending champion Liberty look to repeat, but they face strong competition from teams like the Aces, Lynx, and the revamped Fever. Expert predictions widely see the Liberty returning to the Finals, with some forecasting another matchup against the Lynx.
Caitlin Clark is a popular pick for MVP in her sophomore season with the Fever, expected to lead her team into playoff contention. Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick, joins a young team but is ready to embrace the challenge of making an impact in the league.
Ahead of the season start, rankings of the top 25 players and preseason power rankings are available for fans to explore.
🏒 Canes advance, Jets force Game 6
In the NHL playoffs, the Hurricanes defeated the Capitals 3-1, with Andrei Svechnikov scoring the game-winner late in the third period. This victory sealed a 4-1 series win for the Hurricanes, sending them to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three years.
Meanwhile, the Jets kept their season alive by shutting down the Stars` offense in a 4-0 win, forcing a Game 6. Nikolaj Ehlers was a key contributor for Winnipeg, scoring two goals and playing a vital role in their offensive attack.
🏆 Barcelona captures La Liga title
Barcelona secured their 28th La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Thursday. Lamine Yamal scored the winning goal, and Fermin Lopez added a late goal to seal the win. This marks a successful first year for manager Hansi Flick, who has revitalized the team`s attack-minded style, leading the league in goals scored.
Winning the title with two games remaining allows Barcelona to finish the tremendous campaign strong.
📺 What we`re watching this weekend
Follow the PGA Championship action throughout the weekend.
- Friday
- 🏀 Lynx at Wings, 7:30 p.m. on ION
- 🏀 Celtics at Knicks (Knicks lead 3-2), 8 p.m. on ESPN
- 🏒 Panthers at Maple Leafs (Panthers lead 3-2), 8 p.m. on TNT/truTV/Max
- ⚾ Astros at Rangers, 8:05 p.m. on Apple TV+
- Saturday
- 🏀 Aces at Liberty, 1 p.m. on ABC
- 🏀 Sky at Fever, 3 p.m. on ABC
- 🏇 150th Preakness Stakes, 6:50 p.m. post time on NBC
- ⚾ Braves at Red Sox, 7:15 p.m. on Fox
- ⚽ Columbus Crew at FC Cincinnati, 7:15 p.m. on FS1
- 🏒 Jets at Stars (Stars lead 3-2), 8 p.m. on ABC
- Sunday
- 🏀 Nuggets at Thunder (series tied 3-3), 3:30 p.m. on ABC
- 🏒 Panthers at Maple Leafs*, 7:30 p.m. on TNT/truTV/Max
- ⚾ Mets at Yankees, 7 p.m. on ESPN
- 🏎 NASCAR All-Star Race, 8 p.m. on FS1
*If necessary
Jasper Hawthorne