How the Knicks Went All-In and Won + Maye Can Improve on MVP-Caliber Season and U.S. World Cup Roster Update
And bettors think the Spurs can keep Game 5 to within 5.5 points tonight.
In Today’s Issue: James Dolan, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauf, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Will Wade, Yam Madar, RJ Luis Jr., Todd Golden, Drake Maye, Josh McDaniels, Taylor Townsend, Naomi Osaka, Laura Siegemund, Learner Tien, Cristian Garin, and Clement Tabur.
WHAT TO READ
In the middle of a 2-9 stretch between December and January, Knicks owner James Dolan said, “I’d say we want to get to the Finals, and we should win the Finals.” After 11 straight playoff wins and a historically lopsided sweep of the Cavaliers, New York is on its way to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and is looking for its first title since 1973. Read about how the Knicks went all-in on Jalen Brunson, surrounded him with college teammates Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, and added OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns to build what has turned into an Eastern Conference winner.
The U.S. won’t officially name its men’s World Cup roster until later today, but the Guardian got an early look. Gio Reyna reportedly made the squad despite limited action for his Bundesliga club this season, while Tanner Tessmann, who played for Lyon this campaign, didn’t make the cut. Read about who head coach Mauricio Pochettino selected and why. (The Guardian)
ESPN asks its tennis experts for predictions for the French Open. With two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz out with an injury, Jannik Sinner isn’t expected to have any trouble capturing his first French Open and a career Grand Slam. Read about how wide open the women’s side looks, with defending champion Coco Gauf, four-time winner Iga Swiatek, No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and Australian Open champ Elena Rybakina all reasonable picks. (ESPN)
Coach Will Wade is back at LSU four years after being fired for alleged recruiting violations, and now this time he’s stocking his team with former professional talent. Wade is reportedly signing 25-year-old Israeli guard Yam Madar for $5 million and adding former St. John’s star and G-League player RJ Luis Jr. Read about why Florida coach Todd Golden thinks “that’s not what college athletics is supposed to be.” (CBS Sports)
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye came out of nowhere with a new coaching staff last year to become an NFL MVP candidate and help lead his team to the Super Bowl. After throwing 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 66.6% completion percentage in 13 games in his rookie campaign, he improved to 31 touchdowns to just eight interceptions with a 72% completion rate. Read about what changes we could see in his second season under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. (ESPN)
WHAT TO WATCH
All Day — French Open coverage on TNT: First round matchups of interest today include an All-American matchup between defending champion and No. 4 seed Coco Guaff and the world’s No. 2 doubles player Taylor Townsend, No. 16 Naomi Osaka vs. Laura Siegemund, and 20-year-old American Learner Tien, the 18 seed, against Cristian Garin. The night match, which is scheduled to start around 2:15pm ET, features No. 1 Jannik Sinner against French wildcard Clement Tabur.
8:30pm — Spurs vs. Thunder on NBC: San Antonio lost the advantage it gained on the road with a home loss, so the upstart squad needs to win Game 5 or 7 in Oklahoma City to get the upset. The Thunder bench has been the story of the series for the defending champions, outscoring the Spurs’ reserves 76-23 in Game 3 when the OKC starters added just 47 total points. (OKC -5.5, Total: 216.5)
9pm — Avalanche vs. Golden Knights on ESPN: Vegas can get a very unexpected sweep at home with a win tonight. Colorado had the league’s highest point total in the regular season and had lost just once in the playoffs before running into a juggernaut, falling in the first three games of the series by two goals each time out. (COL -115, VGK -105)
WHAT TO TRACK
Kalshi has the Thunder as big favorites to win Game 5 in Oklahoma City, 63% to 38%, against the Spurs. The prediction market has over 215.5 points at 54%. On FanDuel, 71% of spread bets and 61% of the money are with San Antonio at +5.5 (-114).
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I can’t lie, it’s something that’s emotional and it’s something I’ve always dreamed of, and you never know if it’s gonna come true.”
— Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns on helping lead the team he grew up cheering for to the NBA Finals.
See you tomorrow,
Abe