Knicks crush the 76ers 137-98 to start the second round and keep up a historic postseason roll
NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his 35 points in the first half and the New York Knicks emphatically added to a historic postseason roll by overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three straight postseason games by at least 25 points, continuing a wave that began midway through the first round against Atlanta by shooting 63% from the field and leading by 40 points. OG Anunoby added 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting. After trailing 2-1 against Atlanta, the Knicks have won four straight games by a total of 135 points.
Hall's OT score helps Hurricanes top Flyers 3-2 to take 2-0 lead in 2nd-round series of NHL playoffs
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Taylor Hall slipped the puck past Dan Vladar at 18:54 of overtime to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Monday night, taking a 2-0 lead in their second-round series in the NHL playoffs. Seth Jarvis had the third-period goal that forced overtime for Carolina, while Nikolaj Ehlers also scored. Frederik Andersen finished with 34 saves to help the Hurricanes improve to 6-0 in the postseason. Jamie Drysdale and Sean Couturier scored in a 39-second span of the first period for the Flyers, but Philadelphia couldn’t beat Andersen again. Vladar had 40 saves. Game 3 is Thursday.
Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to have elbow surgery to remove loose bodies
DETROIT (AP) — Two-time American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow after being scratched from Monday’s start against the Boston Red Sox. Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that the left-hander felt pain in his elbow on Sunday, less than a week after an injury scare against the Atlanta Braves. The 29-year-old — set to become a free agent next offseason — underwent tests that showed the loose bodies. The surgery hadn’t yet been scheduled. There is no immediate timetable for his return.
Edwards cleared to play for Timberwolves in series opener against Spurs after expedited rehab
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, returning 10 days after hyperextending his left knee. Edwards was expected to miss at least the first two games of the series in San Antonio, but the 6-foot-4 guard expedited his rehabilitation to play in the opener. Minnesota coach Chris Finch announced Edwards' return by saying, “He's in.” Finch said Edwards will be on a minutes restriction.
Magic fire Jamahl Mosley after 5 seasons as coach, 3 first-round playoff appearances
Jamahl Mosley has been fired as coach of the Orlando Magic, paying the widely expected price after the team blew a 3-1 series lead and got eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in Round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. It was Orlando’s third consecutive first-round playoff exit, and easily the most disappointing. Not only did the eighth-seeded Magic lose all three chances to upset the top-seeded Pistons, but one of those games saw Orlando have a 24-point second-half lead at home and still lose. That loss probably was the one that sealed Mosley’s fate.
Detroit Pistons announce extension with coach J.B. Bickerstaff
DETROIT (AP) — Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has agreed to a contract extension on the heels of Detroit’s first-round playoff series victory over the Orlando Magic. Details regarding the value and length of the extension were not released by the Pistons when they announced the deal on Monday. The Pistons have gone 104-60 in regular-season games under Bickerstaff and made two playoff appearances since he took over at the start of the 2024-25 season. This season, the Pistons had the best record in the Eastern Conference at 60-22 and on Sunday defeated Orlando 116-94 to close out a playoff series victory for the first time since since 2008.
Auriemma says he felt 'dumb' for the way exchange with Staley played out following Final Four game
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — A little more than a month after Geno Auriemma’s UConn women’s basketball team’s title bid ended with a Final Four loss to South Carolina, Auriemma reflected on his heated postgame exchange with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. “You couldn't keep it in for five more seconds? You feel dumb for the way it played out.” Auriemma is turning his attention to making a run at a national title during the 2026-27 season.
Man City's last-gasp draw at Everton hands Premier League momentum to Arsenal
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Manchester City has fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Everton in a dramatic encounter that hands the title momentum to Arsenal. Jérémy Doku scored twice for City, the second in the 97th minute, to break the home fans hearts. Everton had led 3-1 with the help of a Thierno Barry double. City is now five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. Everton is in 10th place. Earlier, Chelsea slumped to a sixth straight Premier League defeat and saw its Champions League qualification hopes virtually disappear after losing to Nottingham Forest 3-1. Taiwo Awoniyi scored two either side of a penalty by Igor Jesus. Joao Pedro's overhead kick was a late consolation for Chelsea. Forest is six points above the relegation zone with three rounds left.
Assault trial of former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs begins with contrasting accounts
DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — Opening statements and testimony began in the assault trial of Stefon Diggs, with his former live-in chef accusing the ex-New England Patriots receiver of slapping and choking her during a dispute at his home. Jamila “Mila” Adams told jurors Diggs struck her and wrapped his arm around her neck, leaving her struggling to breathe. Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell said the attack never happened, citing a lack of evidence and suggesting Adams had a financial motive. Prosecutors say the case centers on what occurred on Dec. 2. Diggs, who has pleaded not guilty, faces felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges.
A'ja Wilson’s GOAT case grows as the Aces chase a fourth WNBA title in five years
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — A'ja Wilson's GOAT status in the WNBA is gaining traction as she leads the Las Vegas Aces. Her achievements include being the league's first four-time MVP and the first player to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP honors and lead the league in scoring in the same season. Wilson's leadership and talent have propelled the Aces to three championships in four seasons. At 29, she remains in her prime. Wilson's influence extends beyond stats, inspiring her team with her dedication and accountability. The defending champion Aces are ready to take every opponent's best shot.
